What is a feral cat?

A feral cat is one that may or may not have started out "domesticated" but is no longer comfortable with or around humans. A feral cat is considered to be wild as it once was in its natural state. These cats can react frantically when cornered and may be dangerous to handle.

Is there a difference between a feral cat and an unowned cat?

Yes, an unowned cat is called a stray because no one knows where he/she belongs and who his/her owner is. An unowned cat can become feral. They are also called "strays", because they have strayed or wandered from home or were abandoned.

Can a feral cat be tamed?

It really depends on the cat and the caretaker. Generally speaking, the younger the cat, the better the chances of domesticating. However, I personally have been successful "taming" adult and senior ferals. The degree of domestication will also very from cat to cat. Some become friendly, some tolerate human presence, and very few become extremely friendly, again depending on the individual cat and its situation.

Why are feral cat colonies a problem?

An unmanaged feral cat colony can be viewed as a problem by humans due to their sheer numbers and the possiblity of spreading disease. Most colonies are subject to abuse because they are viewed as a nuisance and as a possible threat to people from rabies.

As long as there is a food source available, the cats will continue to breed and exist in a particular environment. They are unable to "take care of themselves" and do not know how to control their population. Feral cats generally live very short lives, often the victims of disease, nutritional deficiency, or they may be killed by vehicles or become prey for other animals.

How did SADSAC become involved with feral cats?

I noticed a large colony in a nearby neighborhood. The neighbors were trapping them and taking them to the animal shelter to be euthanized in large numbers. Cats were getting run over and killed in the streets and children were torturing them.

Once I identified the problem, I spoke to our Vice President and Treasurer and they agreed to help me raise the funds to trap, neuter, vaccinate, foster, place and release all of these cats. No one knows how many these cats have produced so far, but I estimate this particular colony to be well over one hundred.

So far, we have "fixed" approximately seventy cats in all, and have placed approximately thirty. As long as they keep breeding, there are many more to go. As time went on, it came to our attention that there are many feral cat colonies in the area and we decided we would help as much as possible.

What are you doing to try to help them?

For a number of years we were working on a very small scale-continuously raising funds, trapping, neutering, vaccinating, testing, releasing the untamable cats, fostering and placing the ones who accepted human contact. In 2010, Prince William County's new Animal Shelter Director asked us to help her establish a TNR program on a larger scale and One Spay at a Time was born. You can read more about our program at www.sadsac.org/OSAAT.htm

In addition to the TNR services, SADSAC asks for donations of food to help feed them, and we have received a few donated Dogloos which we use as shelter for these kitties. Whenever possible we try to educate the public on how and why these colonies exist and how to manage them safely. Our One Spay at a Time program offers a free trapping class twice a month for county residents. It is our goal to teach people how to help themselves.

Where can I find out more about feral cats?

There are many books available, and you can always e-mail us with any questions you have. We are most happy to help!

For other sources online, you may want to look at these sites:

Alley Cat Allies

Feral Cat Coalition

One Spay At A Time