1st lets clarify, feral is behavioral -NOT biological. The driving factor TRUST. As humans, we all have trust issues, and as we know…it all depends on the situation. Cats react the same way. Age, sex nor color determines a feral cat. A domesticated cat in a mid-age range can start to have feral tendencies, due to change of environment, food, owners and other pets. Thus defining; there are many stages of feral. Just like humans, cats have their own personalities, too!
If you can imagine, a feral Mom cat, out in the environment with several kittens. She must find food for them, teach them and protect them from danger all at the same time. If she has a full litter 3-5+ kittens, that she has to protect, she has a big job to do. Her behavior to “fight to protect” reflects on her kittens. If you have ever been fortunate enough to observe a litter of kittens, you would know…Momma knows how to communicate with them, sometimes rather loudly! The longer the kitten stays with their mother, the harder they can be to tame. Some Mamma cats with litter experience are not as fear behavioral, thus the kittens are not as feral. If the kittens get older without human contact, feral behaviors will set in.
Sometimes changes can cause an indoor cat to act “feral”. This is due to changes in the home. It is seen a lot when the cat detects major changes. Now, I am saying, when the cat detects major changes, for a reason…humans might not pick up on the major change! This goes back to the behavioral concept, just like humans…some things just do not settle with everyone the same.
We were lucky enough to have Diann from Barnie’s Place Feline Rescue answer a few questions to help us understand more about feral cats:
In your experience with re-homing feral cats; what percentage can be homed to an indoor family environment? TRULY feral cats are not necessarily going to be happy living indoors. In my experience, a truly feral cat cannot be easily re-homed to an indoor family environment. As an example, I have two BPFR cats that are considered feral in my house. They can’t be re-homed to another indoor home because you can’t handle them. Cats that are seen do get adopted. But if you can’t take them anywhere to be seen, the cats do not get adopted. These cats that are considered feral usually become barn cats.
However, BPFR traps quite a few cats every year that are adopted into loving homes. These cats are probably not truly feral to begin with but have learned behavior that protects them. When they are in a place that is finally safe, they do let go of some of those more feral like tendencies.
Feral Cats
How long can it take for a lost cat to become feral? This would depend on the cat’s own genetic makeup. Some lost cats never revert to their ancestral ways. But others go back to the flight or fight mode of existence rapidly. This is how they instinctively learn to survive.
If someone were to find a cat, how do they best determine if it is feral vs. not feral? This is a tricky question. You can’t tell by looking at a cat that is outside whether it is feral or friendly. Cats that have survived outside by fighting for food or territory or their very existence, may appear feral at first, even in a trap. The difference becomes more apparent if you give that same cat some time in a trap, like for recovery after spay/neuter surgery. A friendly cat will be very calm and accepting of the food and kindness that is being given by the caretaker. The kitty may purr loudly, slow blink, and even start seeking attention. A feral cat is always on the alert, wide eyed, and with its body language tells the caretaker that they are still quite scared, even without hissing or growling.
Tell us how Barnie’s Place Feline Rescue helps with feral cats? BPFR has expertise in the trap neuter and return of feral cats. We also have experience managing injured and sick feral kitties. Cats that are trapped who have injuries or are sick are given medical care before they are returned outside. All of our trapped cats are also given de-wormer just to help with roundworms. Some of these cats who were thought to be feral are later adopted into loving homes. The cats were given enough time with loving humans that they showed their true nature which was not feral at all.
To find out more about Barnie’s Place Feline Rescue go to: www.barniesplacefelinerescue.org
Black Paw 101: Not all cats who wander are lost!
Bobbi Wilson, CPPS since 2018