What is a feral cat?

Feral cats are not pets. They have lived all or most of their lives without human contact. They may have been born feral or were abandoned and reverted to a wild state. Most live in colonies with other feral cats. They are afraid of humans and not likely adoptable.

Feral cats are prone to picking up serious diseases such as feline leukemia and feline AIDS from other unvaccinated cats they encounter, and of course, they are always in danger of being hit by cars.

Female ferals are constantly pregnant or trying to nourish their kittens on a starvation diet, and males risk injury in violent catfights.

The average feral cat only lives for three years.

Is every stray cat a feral cat?

No. Not all stray cats are feral cats. Some are domesticated and very friendly to humans. A stray cat is a cat that may have been abandoned or lost and can usually adjust to living in an adaptable home.

What is TNR?

TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Release and it is a program where feral cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, then returned to their colony or territory. The cats continue to live happy lives outdoors but can no longer reproduce, thus reducing the feral cat population.