help feral cats

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How to Tell the Difference Between a Lost Cat and a Feral Cat & What to Do to Help

Of the approximate 135 million pets in the US, about 1/3 of them go missing, and 80%+ (45 million) of those cats and dogs are never found. 

When people see a cat outside, it’s not uncommon to assume that a cat is feral rather than lost.  It can be difficult initially to tell the difference between a lost cat and a feral cat, because both are likely to be wary), but here are some tips that can help you to tell the difference.

Lost/stray cat:

  • Might meow—feral cats do not meow at humans
  • May be skittish initially but may come to tolerate being approached or might seek out human help/contact
  • May hang out near houses, because of the familiarity
  • Might be friendly, as the cat has socialized with humans at some point.
  • Is alone (feral cats can be part of a community of feral cats)
  • The fur may appear dirty or ungroomed
  • Is diurnal (out during the day—because of adopting human schedules)
  • Has a collar or microchip

Feral cat:

  • Does not meow at humans
  • Is hypervigilant
  • Is skittish and not friendly and/or takes a long time to become trusting
  • Are more likely to be nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).
  • May have the ear tip clipped

What to do for a lost cat:

  • Provide water and food
  • Provide cold weather shelter (cats were originally desert animals, and they do not do well in frigid weather)
  • If the cat is friendly, try to lure it inside so that the local animal shelter can pick it up or you can take it to the shelter (or to your vet)
  • Check for missing cats and advertise “found cat”: Put up signs, call the local shelter and vets, and check lost listing and advertise online at https://www.pawboost.com/, https://nextdoor.com
  • Assess whether it is sick or injured; if so, call your local animal shelter for help

What to do for a feral cat:

  • Life is rough for feral cats—they typically die within two years. Consider providing water and food
  • Provide shelter; cats were originally desert animals and do fare well in cold weather. Here’s how: https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-to-build-a-cat-friendly-shelter-for-feral-cats
  • Consider TNR (trap, neuter, release) if the cat seems healthy (if not, trapping and euthanasia is kinder
  • Assess whether it is sick or injured; if so, call your local animal shelter for help

Sources:

https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-feral-and-a-stray-cat

US Missing Pet Epidemic and Euthanasia Statistics: Facts/Figures:

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Help Stray Cats Survive Winter

Stray cats are particularly vulnerable to brutal winter conditions.

http://bit.ly/4hfrDAK

Sadly, there are many cats who are born without a family or a safe, warm place to call home. These cats can be found just trying to survive without shelter, in harsh winter weather.

Often living in communities and cared for by volunteers, these homeless cats sometimes cannot be socialized. You can help cash-strapped volunteer and rescue organization care for these cats by sending vital supplies: 

  • Blanket – One of the most requested items by animal welfare groups, caring for community cats. Give these kitties a blanket to cuddle up and stay warm in the winter. Straw and Mylar even better than blankets.
  • Shelter – These sturdy, water resistant cat houses are insulated and stackable. Provide community cats a safe and hygienic home to protect them from the elements.
  • Shelter & Supplies – Provide the cat community with a clean and suitable outdoor cat house, plus two cat food/water bowls.
  • Complete Comfort Kit – Give a cat house, two cat bowls for food and water, and two warm and cozy blankets to an organization caring for community cats.

Help us give these poor cats a the warmth and care they deserve during this harsh winter. 

http://bit.ly/4hfrDAK