What is a Feral cat? I heard about someone trying to unsuccessfully keep it as a pet?

Answer 1

feral cat (or stray cat, alley cat) is a cat which has been separated from domestication, whether through abandonment, loss, or running away, and becomes wild. The term also refers to descendants of such cats, but not to wild cats, whose ancestors were never domesticated.

Adult feral cats which are born feral usually cannot be socialized. Adult feral cats that were originally raised domestically can sometimes be reintegrated, but not always. Feral kittens can often be socialized to live with humans if they are taken from a feral colony before they are about twelve weeks old.

Feral cats may live alone, but are usually found in large groups called feral colonies with communal nurseries, depending on resource availability. Many abandoned pet cats join these colonies out of desperation. The average life span of a feral cat that survives beyond kittenhood is usually cited as less than two years[citation needed] while a domestic house cat lives an average of twelve to sixteen years. However feral cats aged nineteen (Cat Action Trust) and twenty-six (Cats Protection) have been reported where food and shelter are available.

Cityscapes and North America are not native environments for the cat. The domestic cat comes from temperate or hot, often dry, climates and was distributed throughout the world by humans. Cats are extremely adaptable and feral felines have been found in conditions of extreme cold and heat. They are more susceptible to cold, damp conditions than to cold alone. With a need for a diet of 90% protein, many feral cats lack adequate nutrition[citation needed]. In addition, they have no defense against or understanding of such predators as dogs and coyotes. The current population of twenty to forty million feral felines in the United States is due, initially, to human interference by environmental introduction and later, by simple human irresponsibility and neglect.

Answer 2

This is not just said, it is TRUE! A feral cat is one that was born wild. You know how many stray cats are around everywhere. You only need 1 male and 1 female to breed out in the woods, somebody's barn, wherever, and not actually be anybody's pet, and if they're secluded enough, there may be 2 or 3 breeding cycles of all brothers & sisters going on in any given place before somebody finds this bunch and tries to "save" them. These are all literally WILD CATS! And, YES, they are mean, and YES, I still have scars all over my arms from one such cat that I thought I had "rescued" young enough to be "brought-back". Believe me, it ain't happenin'. It is said around here (Pacific N.W.) once they go feral, there's no goin' back, and this is soooo true. Through our SPCA we have the Feral Kitty Committee. I cannot imagine WHY these people still do a trap-spay/neuter & release program because they do NOT (oh, they will for a while) make good pets, and especially around small children.
There ya go, in a nutshell, what a feral cat is---and you do NOT want one. Have a great day.

Answer 3

There are many animals in the world who have had no/very little human contact in their lives and I'm pretty sure that's what people mean when they say that an animal is feral. I've heard of feral horses and dogs as well as cats. some feral animals are labeled untrainable because usually they do not trust people and are used to defending themselves so they do not want to live with people. many feral animals can have diseases and some can be transferred onto humans so it is not a good idea to try to keep a feral animal as a pet int the first place. if you're determined to get a feral animal as a pet make sure you get it checked out by the vet before you handle the animal without cation and before you let the animal in your house.
hope i helped
Meg

Answer 4

A feral cat is one born in the wild, outside of a home with no human contact. The ones that are truly feral will never totally trust a human. I've been able to touch some gently as they eat after feeding them for long periods of time (one took 5 years!). If they are kittens, you can tame them. Feed them and leave for a few days. Then stand a distance for a few days, moving a little closer each day. Then stand by the bowl while they eat for a few days. Then gently touch their heads and that's all for a few days. You can gradually increase the petting and eventually they will be tamed.

Answer 5

Ferals are domestics gone wild. Feral hogs, feral cats, feral dogs, etc. A feral cat may as well be a bobcat for all the luck you have trying to redomesticate it. They're a threat to local wildlife and the health of actual pet cats as well. Some people believe in spay/neuter release (there are several snr groups in my area) but this method does nothing for the local birds......

Answer 6

A feral cat is a common house cat who has reverted back to a wild state probably thru abandonement.The term is often used to describe cats who have inbred with Bobcats as well.A cat that has been abandoned has no fear of interacting with Humans,but may very well be dangerous,if cornered.They can be tamed but it requires a great deal of patience and odds are not great as the cat has lost the trust of humans but not the fear.

Answer 7

Feral = wild

So a feral cat is one that has been on it's own long enough to get used to it. That can include cats that were born "in the wild".

Keeping a feral cat as a housepet is iffy as best.

Answer 8

a Feral cat is a cat that has grown without humane contact not a wild cat. Feral cats are hard to tame but they can be tamed i know I had a couple. I all depends on how much time you spend with them. Mine grew to be quite loving and sweet felines.

Answer 9

Feral - 1. existing in a wild stale; not domesticated or cultivated 2. having reverted to the wild state 3. ferocious; savage; brutal

Answer 10

Feral is a wild cat, little or no contact with people not a breed.