What is a feral cat?

According to the Heritage Dictionary, the definition of "feral" is:

1. Existing in a wild or untamed state.
2. Having returned to an untamed state from domestication.

In laymans terms, these cats are not used to humans, have not been domesticated, and are more comfortable around other animals than they are around people.

Here are some examples:

1. A domestic cat who has not been spayed or neutered is abandoned by it's owner. This cat is forced to live outdoors and fend for itself. These cats usually find other feral cats in the area and form feral cat colonies. Theses cats breed and kittens are born away from human contact. These kittens are feral and grow up to be feral cats.
2. An owner of a male domestic cat does not neutered the male cat and lets him outside. This male cat impregnates one or more domestic indoor/outdoor cat(s) or feral cat(s). These kittens are feral and grow up to be feral cats.
3. An owner of a female domestic cat does not spay the female cat and lets her outside. This female cat becomes pregnate by one or more domestic indoor/outdoor cat(s) or feral cat(s). These kittens are feral and grow up to be feral cats.

In all of the above scenarios, the feral kittens that grow up to be feral cats, are all un-neutered and un-spayed. This means that within months, these feral cats are within breeding age and begin having their own feral kittens.

Where do these feral cat colonies live?

Usually cat colonies end up living in alleys, abandoned buildings, in shopping areas, business parks, and in rural areas.

How do feral cats survive?

Many people assume that if they leave their cat behind, their cat will be just fine. But unfortunately, the living conditions for ferals is not usually very good. The truth is, many feral cats die of starvation, dehydration, disease, abuse, getting hit by a car or being eaten by a predator.

What can we do about the feral cat problem?

According to the Feral Cat Coalition, "Studies have proven that trap-neuter-release is the single most successful method of stabilizing and maintaining healthy feral cat colonies with the least possible cost to local governments and residents, while providing the best life for the animals themselves."

What can YOU do to help out?

1. Spay or neuter your own pet. If you need information on low-cost spay/neuter services, please contact us.
2. Borrow one of our humane traps, catch a feral cat and have him/her neutered or spayed, then release the cat back to its original location. More information on this coming soon.
3. Become a volunteer.
4. Encourage your veterinarian to offer low-cost spay/neuter clinics or offer other reduced-fee services for trapped feral cats.
5. Let people know about MeoowzResQ. Refer them to our website and inform them of our services. Help educate your friends and co-workers about the feral cat problem and how they can help.