Trivia

Last Hope Fast Facts

What is a 'feral cat' and can they be trained or socialized?

Feral cats are domestic cats that have become unaccustomed to human contact. They live in groups (or colonies) almost anywhere—farms, abandoned buildings, behind restaurants and shopping malls, under houses, in alleys, beneath piles of brush—maybe even in your own neighborhood - anywhere there is a food, water and shelter. Most have never experienced positive human interactions or have been in the wild so long that they have forgotten any contact they may have had. These animals live on the fringes of human society and create a nuisance and health hazard.

Volunteers in a wide range of organizations that are trapping, sterilizing, vaccinating, and returning feral cats to managed feral colonies. There, a caretaker feeds and monitors the cats, intervening when a problem occurs. Feral cats in managed colonies live a safer, healthier lives as a result of the diminishing numbers in their colonies. Spayed and neutered animals do not fight, are less territorial, carry less disease, and have a higher life expectancy.

Feral is a matter of degrees. There are those who are totally untrusting of humans. They hide and hiss when approached often coming out only to eat when there are no humans present. The second category is the half feral/half domestic cat. These cats are handled early after being found and weaned have a high success rate in becoming companion pets. The third, for reasons unknown, have little or no fear of humans and warm up instantly and can be easily socialized.

With any level of feral/domestic cat, there is hope. Time is the best indicator of success. If you have time, patience and consistent socializing, many feral/domestics can be adopted. Criteria for adoption may include: a quiet home, no small children, an adopter who is home, a stable environment and a commitment to care for this animal for its life. Change is frightening for a feral/domestic. Stability is crucial.

For more information, visit; www.aspca.org