Feral cat

A feral cat is a domestic cat (*Felis catus*) that lives outdoors and is not socialized to humans.

A feral cat is a domestic cat (Felis catus) that lives outdoors and is not socialized to humans. Feral cats typically avoid people, may form colonies, and can survive with little or no direct human contact. In Canada, feral cats are a concern for urban wildlife, animal welfare, and municipal management policies.

Definition

A feral cat is an unowned or free-roaming cat that avoids human contact and is not accustomed to being handled. Some sources describe feral cats as domestic cats that have reverted to a wild state.

Behaviour and socialization

Feral cats usually flee, hide, or defend themselves when approached or trapped. They may be social with other cats, but they are not socialized to humans.

Differences from stray cats

Stray cats are typically lost or abandoned pet cats that may still accept human contact. Feral cats are usually born outdoors or have had so little human contact that they do not tolerate handling.

Ecology and management

Feral cats often live near people where food and shelter are available, and some are managed through trap-neuter-return or trap-neuter-release programs. They are recognized as a wildlife and animal-welfare issue in many regions.