Feral Cats

What are feral cats?

The word 'feral' means members of a domesticated species that have reverted to living as wild animals. While they are often mistaken for stray cats, ferals have little or no contact with humans and cannot be tamed.

What is the difference between stray and feral cats?

Feral Cats

Feral cats are the same species of cat as our pet cats, but are not socialised to humans or the domestic environment. This means they behave like wild animals.

• Not friendly - unsocialised to humans, feral cats find people threatening and can be hard to spot. They won't come close, even with encouragement

• Living alone or with others - sometimes, they might live in a colony with other feral cats

• Ear tip - they may have their left ear 'tipped' to show they have been neutered and returned

• Away from houses - they'll avoid human contact and often have a hiding spot away from populated areas

• Not microchipped - most feral cats don't have a microchip

• Permanent - they are more likely to have set up a permanent home or shelter

Stray Cats

Stray cats are socialised domestic cats who don't - or don't appear - to have an owner. Be wary; even if they 'stray' they might be a neighbourhood cat who's worked out that if they look hungry they can bag themselves a second meal!

• More friendly - if they're a little shy they will often approach cautiously given time and encouragement

• Alone

• No ear tip - won't have their 'tipped', even if neutered

• Appear near houses - most likely to be found in people's gardens and trying to get into their home

• Microchipped - if they are a missing pet, they may have a microchip

• Appeared recently - they also might look lost or disorientated

What makes a cat feral?

Cats learn what is normal at a very young age, during what is known as a 'socialisation period.' Between the ages of two to six weeks, kittens can learn to enjoy human contact, forming a bond and becoming great pets.

Feral cats are usually the offspring of stray, feral or abandoned cats and have missed out on this early experience, making them likely to be wary of humans.

How can I care for a feral cat?

Despite their wild nature, feral cats still need a level of care. With many ferals living in colonies, the cat population can grow quickly. Neutering and returning the cats to their colony stops continual breeding.

While most ferals are resourceful when it comes to finding food, it is good to keep an eye on them during the winter. If you suspect a feral cat is sick or injured, they can be trapped and taken to the vet.

If you think you may have found a feral or stray cat, and you are worried for it’s welfare, please visit our ‘I’ve Found a Cat’ page for more information.