F.A.Q.
Frequently asked questions:
What is a feral cat?
The term “feral” means “unsocialized to humans.” Typically, a feral cat will stay away from humans, frequently hiding out during the daytime.
Regardless of their level of socialization to humans, cats are domesticated animals. Many people think if a cat is feral, he or she doesn’t get along with other cats. This is not true: the term “feral” relates only to lack of interaction with people, not with other cats.
I found a cat and he or she won’t come near me! What do I do?
If you find a cat that won’t come near you and you are concerned about the cat, the best thing is to put food and water out. You can then develop a relationship with the cat by consistently feeding him or her and if necessary, provide the cat some shelter — and we don’t mean take him or her to a shelter. How? Get creative. Try putting the food in the garage, maybe in the empty doghouse, but if placed in there, make sure no dogs or other animals can trap the cat there if the cat is eating.
The most important aspect is that this cat is fed and has water. Then you can prepare to get a humane trap and take the cat in for spay and neuter. There’s no need to panic, so take it slow.
Many people think cats can fend for themselves on the street, and this is not necessarily true. Cats do need to be fed by humans.
I am moving. Who will feed my feral?
Start early with everything… trapping ferals, then holding in humane cages, if you choose to take your ferals with you. (Yes, many feeders do!) Before you go, make sure they are healthy and spayed and neutered. Of course, if you can’t take them with you, also make sure they’re spayed and neutered. Then proceed with identifying someone to be “you” when you’re gone.
Join local rescue groups that place an emphasis on feeding ferals. Go to local pet stores and groomers, make signs, place ads on Craig’s List, but do not reveal the location of the cats until you know the new feeder is trustworthy.
Ask everyone you know every place you go. And remember that asking someone to take over a colony is a big job. Most people kind enough to do it in your area are probably already doing it somewhere else.
Please! Don’t up and leave your cats. They need you.
What about letting my kitten or cat near dogs?
As with any introduction, you must take it slow. Some dogs have a prey drive that you can’t train out of them. Sometimes it’s the breed and sometimes it’s the upbringing but either way, be careful. Kittens are more vulnerable than cats. Just because a dog is friendly to some cats, that does not mean they are friendly to new cats.
We never recommend leaving larger dogs (30 lbs. and up) with cats unsupervised even if they love each other. You could come home to a dead cat one day.
My cats has fleas. So does my house.
We advise that you buy all flea products from your veterinarian. Hopefully, you’ve established a good relationship with your veterinarian, and can ask about flea control options including Frontline®, Advantage® and others.
