* Feral cats: This is the most common and accurate term, as it refers to cats that are wild and have never been domesticated.
* Stray cats: This term refers to cats that were once domesticated but have become lost or abandoned.
* Community cats: This term is increasingly used to refer to both feral and stray cats, as they are often part of a community and rely on people for food and shelter.
There are also informal terms like:
* Alley cats: This term often refers to cats that live in alleys or other urban areas.
* Tomcats: This term generally refers to male cats, especially those who are feral or stray.
It's important to note that the term "stray" can be misleading as it implies that the cat is lost and looking for its owner. Many cats that are considered strays are actually feral and have never been domesticated.