Are Feral Cats Wild?

Written by Anne

Too often I come across people who mistake feral cats for wild undomesticated animals. This misconception leads them to question efforts to help feral cats. Some people go as far advocating non-humane solutions to what they see as a pest problem.

Actually, feral cats are identical to our cherished pet cats. They are the same domesticated species of animal, genetically identical in every way. Deprived of human care as kittens, they shy away from any contact with people as adults, and can get aggressive when approached directly. All the same, it is our moral responsibility to care for these domesticated animals.

Recent efforts to save the lives of feral cats in southern California have  demonstrated the good will of caring  humans towards feral cats. Moreover, they have also shown how feral cats can be tamed and re-homed, returning to their domesticated roots with relative ease. It's amazing to see how cats that have gone feral generations ago will adjust back to being in contact with caring humans.

I urge you to read more about this fascinating project taking place in the San Nicolas Island here. Seven of these feral felines have been rescued, but dozens more still need to be saved from being killed by local authorities.