They Say, I Say 2

They say that stray cats are the same as feral cats. They both live outdoors and have to fend for themselves. They both will be able to go to a rescue and be adopted out. An outside cat is an outside cat. What’s the difference? Others say, just by feeding a cat that lives outside, means it’s a stray. When asked about body language, they don’t know what you’re talking about. But that exact body language is what can save them or kill them in a shelter.

Alley Cat Allies wrote an article that explains the difference and why it’s essential to understand the difference. “A stray cat is a cat who has been socialized to people at some point in its life” is their definition of a stray. They explain “a stray cat can also become a pet cat once again”. They go on to say “a feral cat is a cat who has either never had any contact with humans or it’s contact with humans has diminished over time”. After their definitions, they explain what can happen to feral cats if you call to have them picked up by animal control; “A feral cat is not likely to ever become a lap cat or enjoy living indoors…… they are likely to be killed if picked up by animal control or brought to shelters”.

I believe that this article is very accurate based off the experiences I have with both stray and feral cats. The rescue I volunteer for has taken in many stray cats, and have recently been working on feral cats they obtained from a hording house. The one thing that this article doesn’t state that seems to be working at the rescue is, a person has to be dedicated and very educated about cats to resocialize a feral cat. The rescue has gotten many cats who are very fearful of people. While these cats will always be shy, many have been passed as adoptable and are waiting for that patient someone to come adopt them. However, not all the cats have shown progress and will be going to a farm where they will be kept as outdoor cats. People should know the difference because there are resources out there that can help feral cats because regular shelters will not have the funds that the rescues do to give the proper attention to feral cats.