Community Cats
What is a community cat? A community cat is an umbrella term that refers to unknown cats that live outdoors. Cat’s living outdoors is nothing new, for most of their history cats have lived outside alongside people. Community cats are at home outdoors, and many live within colonies. Cat colonies are essentially feline families, but without being spayed or neutered, these colonies can grow excessively. These cats may be feral, stray, or a pet. Some of these cats are socialized and friendly to people, but some cats aren’t. It is important to know the difference between the types of cats, and be able to identify them.
Feral Cats
Feral cats are the cats that have never been socialized to people. They are not accustomed to the companionship of people, and most do not enjoy it. These cats have either never had physical or social contact with humans, or the contact has slowly diminished over time, making the cat no long accustomed to it. Majority of these cats fear humans, and would never willingly approach one. Feral cats have made the outside their home, and it not recommended to attempt to socialize a feral cat this is over 6 months old. These cats live happily outdoors, and would prefer to stay outside. They do not rely on human’s feeding them or providing water, they find food, shelter, and water outside in their environment.
Stray Cats
What is a stray cat? A stray cat is a feline that once lived inside with people. At some point, this cat lost its family or was abandoned. If these cats go for a long period of time without human contact, they can become feral. A stray is socialized, but over time with less socialization, the stray becomes close and closer to becoming feral. A stray cat can become a pet once again, with the proper re-introduction! Depending on how long the cat has been living outside, it may be fearful of humans and human touch. It may take this cat some time to be re-socializes, and able to happily live with humans, without fear.Â
Pet Cats
Pet cats are cats that belong to people, who take care of them everyday. These cats are extremely socialized to people and are very friendly. The are used to human contact and majority of pet cats live indoors.Â
How do I identify which type of cat it is?
Identifying which type of cat you have found can be tricky, but the best way to identify is by seeing how to cat responds to you.
Feral cats will not approach humans and will most likely find a hiding spot while a human is around. These cats show signs of fear, and stay as close to the ground as possible. They are unlikely to make eye contact and will attempt to protect their body by wrapping their tail around themselves. Most feral cats are nocturnal, meaning they normally hunt and wander around at nighttime. They are less likely to be seen during the daytime. If the cat is inside a cage, it will tuck back as far as possible. It will hang its head low and tuck its body close together. They may try to climb and rattle around inside the cage. Feral cats will show no reaction to toys when given to them, and may even ignore food. If a feral cat is cornered, it is likely to lash out and show signs of aggression, as a defense mechanism.
Stray cats are likely to approach people, cars, or houses. They will most likely be alone, and apart of a cat colony. When walking, they will stand upright and show signs of friendliness. They are probably unfamiliar with their surrondings, and may look like they don’t belong. They will most likely may eye contact, and look at a human. They may be vocal, and meow or cry to you. when in a cage, a stray cat is likely to allow you to touch it, and will eventually come to the front of the cage in a friendly way. These cats will likely play with toys, and eat food placed near them. They are probably familiar to the sound of a food bag or bowl, and will respond when they hear it.
Cats that are pets will approach a person. These cats will appear extremely confident and familiar in their surroundings. They will stay close to their home, and be comfortable in the yard or on the porch. These cats will be tidy and well-groomed. They will normally have a collar, or a form of identification. These cats will be outside during the day, and appear to be very relaxed.Â