According to Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies, “Many Americans don’t really know what a ‘feral cat’ is, but they know they’ve seen them around, because feral cats exist in every community, from urban to rural.”
“Feral cats are a bit of mystery – because they are wary of humans, they may be hidden out in plain sight and living ‘in the shadows.’ Feral cats are members of the domestic cat species like pet cats, but they are fearful of humans and can’t be adopted.
When they are taken to animal shelters, they are almost always killed there,” she said.
“Feral cats live healthy, quality lives outdoors, but there are ways to make their lives even better, including programs like Trap-Neuter-Return,” said Robinson. “National Feral Cat Day is a great opportunity to learn more about feral cats and why Trap-Neuter-Return is best for the cats and the community.”
National Feral Cat Day is celebrated, by thousands of people across the U.S. on October 16, who participate in fundraisers, adoption events, or spay/neuter drives in order to draw attention to the special needs of stray and feral cats.
Get informed about feral cats.
Yes, these undomesticated feral cats do need all the care they can get. Aside from needing to fend for themselves, they also tend to have fleas and other diseases. Feral cat colonies in urban areas also need to be managed properly and humanely. Thanks for this reminder on the concern for feral cats!