Are domestic cats just a step away from being wild?

Question

Even though they purr softly at your head and snuggle with you in bed, are they still the same wild cats, adjusted to us?

Answer 1

Cats can survive on their own in the wild which should answer your question. If it got to the stage where a cat couldn't fend for itself in the wild then i would change my mind. Hope this solves your query

Answer 2

No I think there is quite a leap from domestic to wild. They may go Ferrel, but that is simply a domestic cat who has either not been handled at all or one who has been abused and no longer trusts humans. True wild cats are somewhat removed from their domestic counterparts. Usually a cat that has been treated well and is a pet will not go "wild".

Answer 3

They *seem* more so to me than dogs do, but then I am a 'dog person'.

I've had good luck w/ ferrel cats. Just took a deal of patience and time.

The cat I have now was ferrel. His mom had accidentally scratched his eye so badly it had to be removed. His sense of balance is very poor, but he's happy. He doesn't know he's disadvantaged.

Sorry to get off-topic. I'd say, largely, yes--not entirely. But that's just my opinion.

Answer 4

they never loose the killer instinct, I live with 6 cats and in different degrees of wildness they all like to hunt and every other day they leave the "present" infront of my house door, mostly mice or birds unfortunately. they are all well fed and very attached to us, never aggressive towards us or friends, but the hunting passion will never fade away.

Answer 5

Yeah, and you're just a meow away from being attacked at all times. I love cats...the wilder the better. Wish I had a bobcat.

Answer 6

it's in their instinct. That is why even housecats like to hunt birds, mice, etc.. The way they crouch down before they are about to attack something/someone..they learned that from their ancestors.

Answer 7

They definately never really lose that hunting, stalking, and killing prey instinct.