Common Misconceptions about Feral Cats

October 9th, 2024

Feral cats often get a bad rap, but many of the beliefs about them are simply misconceptions. October 16th is National Feral Cat Day, an excellent opportunity to understand feral cats and the struggles they face day after day. The following are feral cat myths and misconceptions debunked.

Myth: Feral Cats Are Not the Same as Domestic Cats

Feral and domestic cats are all the same species. The difference is that feral cats are not born and raised in loving homes and lack the socialization they need from a young age to live alongside humans.

Myth: Feral Cats Make Good Pets

Without socialization from a young age, feral cats are usually unhappy living in homes with humans, which is why many end up euthanized when they’re brought to shelters. Some organizations promote the “Trap-Neuter-Return” (TNR) policy rather than the cruel practice of “Catch and Kill.” TNR programs are often considered a more humane solution, as they help stabilize feral cat populations and reduce their impact on wildlife.

Myth: Feral Cats are Just Strays

Feral cats are not just strays. Strays are cats that once resided with humans, unlike feral cats, who are born in the wild and have never had meaningful interactions with people. Strays are often more friendly to humans and can adapt to living in new forever homes.

Myth: Feral Cats Are Aggressive

While feral cats are often cautious around humans, they are generally not aggressive. In fact, most feral cats prefer to avoid interacting with humans. Like any animal, a feral cat that feels trapped or threatened may act defensively, but it’s more likely to flee if there’s a way out.

Myth: Feral Cats Transmit Disease to Humans

The majority of diseases feral cats carry spread to other cats and cannot be transmitted to humans. You have a higher chance of catching a disease from another human than you do from a feral cat.

Myth: Removing Feral Cats Solves the Problem

Relocating or euthanizing feral cats will never eradicate their presence in an area. It simply creates what’s called a vacuum effect. Before you know it, a new colony of feral cats will soon populate the area, which likely has food and shelter available and limited human interaction.

Myth: Avoiding Feeding Feral Cats Will Make Them Leave

Feral cats are territorial, meaning they prefer to make certain areas their home, even if food is scarce. They may resort to rummaging through trash and hunting for small prey, as do other wild animals. In most cases, kind-hearted individuals take it upon themselves to provide food for feral cats.

Compassionate Cat Care Near Me in Kirkland, WA

If you’d like to make a positive impact, you may want to participate in a feral cat “Trap-Neuter-Return” program with a local group. The incredible work these individuals do helps curb the feral cat population while allowing the remaining cats to continue roaming freely. For more information on how you can help, contact our team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital. We are committed to serving the cat population because, after all, we are all about cats!