How to Spot a Feral Cat

Feral cats are cats that are not tame. Some get lost or abandoned and revert to wild animal behavior, no longer trusting humans. Others are born to stray or abandoned mothers and never know any human contact. Regardless of how they became feral, they look like most other pet or stray cats. The only real differences are lifestyle, behavior and lack of socialization. Some simple observation can tell you whether a cat is feral or a stray or lost pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat food
  • Water
  • Bowls
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Instructions

  1. How to Determine if a Cat Is Feral

    • 1

      Observe behavior. According to the Humane Society of the United States, feral cats are unaccustomed to human contact and are therefore too fearful to be handled. If you feed a cat for several days and it still won't allow you to approach or touch it, it is probably feral. Feral cats are not used to receiving food or affection from humans, whereas lost or stray cats typically are.

    • 2

      Observe companions. Feral cats tend to live together in groups called colonies. A lost or abandoned cat is likely to be alone and unlikely to be part of a colony.

    • 3

      Note how frequently the cat is seen. The fact that feral cats don't trust humans means that even a colony may rarely be seen. A pet cat that is lost or abandoned is likely to be more visible because it is used to relying on humans for food and shelter.