The Difference Between Stray and Feral Cats

The most common misconception with strays and feral cats is that they are “wild” animals. Feral and stray cats are both domestic animals, although stray cats are socialized to be near people and are typically the product of abandonment or getting lost and separated from their homes. Feral cats are cats that have had little to no contact with humans and act accordingly. They have strong family bonds and live in tight groups called colonies.

Cats become socialized when they interact with people and are held, spoken to, and played with from an early age. Since feral cats don’t get this interaction  feral cats have a natural aversion to humans and more often than not they cannot adjust to living anywhere but outdoors.

As for stray cats, over time they can become more wild as their contact with humans dwindle. But unlike a cat who was born into the feral lifestyle, stray cats have the ability to become house pets once again. By slowly re-introducing them to your home after living outdoors it may take awhile for them to acclimate, especially when they have been away from humans for a long enough period of time.

Despite the difference in social interaction, both types of cats live in a generally harsh environment. They have to hunt for food and shelter, or depend on the kindness of strangers. You don’t have to bring a cat into your home to protect it either! Building shelters, or making areas they stay more comfortable with blankets and food can make a world of difference. You can also look up shelters in your area to find ones that will offer Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) services to keep the population down.

It is important to know how to identify what type of cats you may see around you. Strays are much more likely to come to humans and can be easier to take to shelters or adopt. Feral cats should not be approached however, and should be handled by professional caregivers.  Here is a guideline that can help you decipher what type of cat you’re dealing with:

To find out more about handling and helping stray and feral cats in your area, go to The Humane Society’s website.

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Washington, DC - Cat Found in the 1400 Block of G Street, NE with Eye Injury: $5,000 Reward For Information Leading to the Arrest/Conviction of the Person(s) Responsible for this Horrific Act of Animal Cruelty - Washington Humane Society

$5,000 REWARD: On Friday March 13, 2015, a community cat was recovered from the 1400 Block of G St. NE with an eye injury. The cat was found for have a BB lodged in his eye while receiving treatment. Based on the condition of the eye/wound it is suspected that the cat was shot not much earlier than the day he was recovered.

WHS is seeking the help of the community for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this horrific act of animal cruelty. The Washington Humane Society is offering a $5,000 reward that will be given to any person who provides such information.

If you have any information about this case, please contact the
Washington Humane Society Humane Law Enforcement Department:

Officer D’Eramo
dderamo@washhumane.org
(202) 723-5730
Information will be kept confidential upon request.

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Louis, a Ginger Tom Cat, Accused of Pouncing on to Unsuspecting Pet Dogs Heads in Wells, Somerset

Louis, a 17-year-old Ginger Tom Cat, accused of pouncing on to unsuspecting pet dogs heads in Wells, Somerset.

Whether he’s running through the magnificent nave, warming himself next to a cosy radiator, or curling up in his favorite basket in the gift shop, Louis the cat has become a beloved feature of Wells Cathedral.

But Louis has gotten himself into trouble after a Ginger Tom answering his description was accused of a series of rather nasty attacks on dogs in the peaceful Somerset city.

The owner of one alleged victims was, Mandie Stone-Outten, who said her Springer Spaniel, Millie was targeted in Market Place close to the Cathedral. “This dangerous, semi-feral cat pounced like a wild lion in the jungle on to my dog Millie’s head,” she said.

“It happened so quickly. I pulled the leash backwards and Millie went flying down the curb, into the gutter, and ended up in a heap of muddy rainwater.

Beware, this ball of fluff is not as cute and cuddly as he looks. I’ve got a battered elbow, battered knee and a sore wrist,” she said.

Louis began living at the great 12th Century Church about ten years ago to keep the mice away.

He has become so popular he has even starred in a children’s book, called 'Louis the Cathedral Cat', and is featured in a range of merchandise including clocks, coasters and wine-stoppers available in the gift shop.

Debbie Sheppard, who works at the Present Company in Market Place, saw the aftermath of the Millie incident – and spotted Louis running off.”

“Louis likes to sleep in here, and he was in here on the day in question. It was nearing the end of the day, so I put Louis outside. The next thing I heard was this hissing, and when I looked outside Louis was walking up the street looking very sad.” She said.

Sheppard, insisted Louis was a very nice, gentle animal. “He’s a very sweet cat and I certainly don’t think he’s suddenly turned nasty." The last time she saw Louis he was being petted by children on their way to school, and was definitely not lashing out.

"There have been at least two other attacks involving a Ginger Tom around the Cathedral, but there is a chance that it could all be a case of mistaken identify.

I’ve heard there was another Ginger Cat around here at the same time, and it’s possible that it’s him attacking the dogs. We don’t know for sure whether or not Louis was involved. He had definitely been in the shop just before the incident happened outside, but it could have been a different cat.” She added.

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A Stray Cat Taken To An Animal Shelter, Escapes And Returns To The Family Who Found Him…And Get's His Forever Home

Mr. Fancy, a stray tabby, was taken to animal shelter after a kind family cared for him for a month. However, he was determined to get back to them. Sometimes animals can just sense a good person. That was the case with Mr. Fancy. The long-haired tabby showed up in the yard of the Bosche family in Lucedale, Miss. early last year.

Anne Bosche said the family dog originally spotted him. She put out some food for him, which he accepted even though he seemed skittish. After the initial meeting, Mr. Fancy came back to the house each night for a month. He was wary at first but was waiting on the porch each day after about a week.

Eventually, the family made the decision to take him to a local animal shelter.

Mrs.  Bosche said she felt uncertain about taking the cat to the shelter. She said "I cried the five miles back to my house." Apparently she had good reason to. According to the shelter, he escaped 20 minutes after he arrived.

It took a month of navigating busy streets, but Mr. Fancy finally made it back to the family that had been so kind to him.

One morning Mrs. Bosche heard her husband talking to someone in the kitchen.

Confused, she walked in to see who it was. To her surprise it was Mr. Fancy. He ran up to her, meowing the whole way, when she entered the room. Mrs. Bosche refused to let him go again, and now Mr. Fancy has a permanent home.

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The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Cat

All cats and kittens should be either spayed or neutered unless the owner is in the business of raising purebred cats. The days of letting the family cat have a litter of kittens so that kids could observe the miracle of birth are long gone. Animal rescue groups have done an excellent job communicating the tragedy of homeless pets. Most people now realize that stray and feral cat overpopulation is an enormous problem.

According to 2008 stats from the Humane Society, there are approximately 88 million owned pet cats in the United States (more than dogs!). Nearly one third of all US households own a cat and on average most of those homes have two cats. Eighty seven percent of the pet cats in the U.S. are spayed or neutered. It's a very common procedure and there are many benefits.

What Is Spaying And Neutering?
Sterilizing a cat is known as neutering for males and spaying for females. Neutering a male cat is a fairly simple procedure performed by a professional veterinarian. The cat is placed under general anesthesia, and the testes are removed through an incision in the scrotum. The incision is very small and stitches are usually not even necessary.

Spaying a female cat is a more involved and invasive procedure, and as such is often more expensive. The ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed after the cat is immobilized with general anesthesia. The operation is known as an ovario-hysterectomy. The abdominal area is shaved and the surgical wound usually only requires a few stitches.

Kittens should be spayed or neutered when they reach sexual maturity, which is usually between four and six months of age. However a cat can be safely spayed or neutered at any age, so even older adopted cats should have this procedure.

Some rescue organizations participate in a "catch and release" program where homeless cats are captured, neutered or spayed and released. This is considered more humane than euthanizing strays. The catch and release program is sometimes known as TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and the cats that are sterilized have part of one ear clipped. If you adopt a cat with a clipped ear, he or she has almost certainly been already spayed or neutered as a result of this effort.

Why Spay Or Neuter Your Cat?
There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your cat, and they extend to your pet, your family, your home and society in general.

Stray and feral cat overpopulation is a massive problem. The life of a homeless cat can be miserable and harsh. Feral cats also contribute to the destruction of other indigenous wildlife, especially birds.

Un-spayed female cats may be restless and noisy and exhibit other behavior problems.

Males who are not neutered (also known as Tom Cats) have many behavior problems, including a tendency to roam if allowed outside and a habit of spraying strong smelling urine inside the house to mark their territory.

Spayed and neutered cats generally have fewer health problems and a longer life expectancy.
Is there a downside to sterilizing your pet cat? Not really. Sometimes neutered males require slightly less food after the procedure so they don't gain weight. But most cats are healthier, happier and calmer if they've been spayed or neutered.

Fast Facts On Cat Sterilization
Most animal shelters and rescue groups require cats to be spayed or neutered before they will allow them to be adopted. The new owner should anticipate picking up the cost for this procedure.

The cost of spaying or neutering varies widely depending on the U.S. location, but will range from a low of $50 through a pet shelter to a high of $200 for a private veterinarian in a large urban area.

In most cases your cat will be able to come home the same day, especially if they are scheduled to be spayed or neutered in the morning.

For nervous cat owners who worry excessively about their beloved kitty, most vets are happy to call you after the procedure is over to let you know how your pet is doing.

Millions of beautiful cats and kittens are exterminated each year by animal shelters who can't find enough homes for them. The famous artist Leonardo da Vinci once said "even the smallest feline is a masterpiece." Cat owners can help make sure that each precious fur covered work of art has a happy home. The best way to accomplish this goal is through responsible spaying and neutering. FOLLOW US!

How to Care for Outdoor Cats in Winter

Who are those cats you see outside on cold days? They may be pets whose owners let (or put) them outside.

Or they could be community cats, a group that includes ferals (who are afraid of people) and strays (who've been lost or abandoned). No matter how resourceful these outdoor cats are, they need help surviving winter.

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Los Angeles Woman Has Her 8 Foot Alligator Pet Seized by Cops After Claims She Was Feeding it Feral Cats After the Creature Was Found Surrounded by Kitten Carcasses

California animal control discovered an eight-foot alligator surrounded by the bodies of two cats at a suburban Los Angeles home on Monday.

The female crocodile named Jaxson was found in a box with a lid at the home of Laura Mattson, who had been caring for the reptile for years, possibly decades.

'It was found under foliage and debris. You had to be looking for it to locate it,' said Mark Salazar, of field operations director for Los Angeles Animal Services, who said experts estimate Jaxson is 40 years old.

To read more on this story, click here: Los Angeles Woman Has Her 8 Foot Alligator Pet Seized by Cops After Claims She Was Feeding it Feral Cats FOLLOW US!

Emerald Colored Stray Cat Turns Heads After Sleeping on Heap of Synthetic Paint

Stalking along the backstreets and failing miserably to blend into the background, the sight of this emerald-coloured stray has caused uproar in a Black Sea resort town.
Locals in Varna, Bulgaria, assumed the cat was the victim of a cruel prank by vandals and set up a Facebook group called 'Punishment to the the perpetrator of this criminal act'.

But it has now been revealed that the cat has developed a green hue because it usually sleeps on an abandoned heap of synthetic green paint in a garage.

To read more on this story, click here: Emerald Colored Stray Cat Turns Heads After Sleeping on Heap of Synthetic Paint FOLLOW US!

Meet the Feral Cats of Disneyland

What child didn’t grow up wishing they could live in the Cinderella castle at Disneyland? Who hasn’t closed their eyes and wished with all their might that they could be Cinderella? Well … maybe you didn’t need to set your sights so high to gain entrance to the illustrious castle, if you had wished to be a cat you may have had better luck!

It is a little known fact that Disneyland is not only home to fantastical creatures, but also a colony of feral cats! Cats have taken up residence at Disneyland since 1955. Allegedly, Walt Disney found the cats living in the building that is now Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and rather than evicting the four-legged intruders from the grounds, he let them stay. The cats were natural hunters and could fend for themselves. They even proven helpful to control any unwanted rodent populations – yeah, we’re looking at you Minnie! Disney now runs a TNR program to help control the cat population and there is even a vet clinic that helps ensure they all stay healthy.

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Man Calls Animal Shelter Reporting That He Had Duck Taped A Feral Cat's Mouth That Had Gotten Into His Home

It's a story guaranteed to anger anyone with compassion for those who can not speak. A sweet, friendly cat was dropped off at the Humane Society of Forsyth County in Georgia with her four feet cruelly duct taped. The cat couldn't walk and trembled in terror as she tried to remove the tape from her paws.

The egregious story of animal cruelty began last weekend when the man called the shelter reporting a feral" and "vicious" cat had gotten through his car door into his house and was terrorizing his own cat. He told us that he had put "duct tape" over its mouth so it wouldn't bite him."

An agent told the man to remove the duct tape from the cat; she would not "tear him up" and if the cat was truly feral, he would not have ever caught the cat. The man refused and stated he would bring the cat to Animal Control. One hour later, the man showed up with the cat:

"Poor Ducky. Not feral, not vicious- actually very sweet but very scared. His four feet were wrapped in duct tape. He was terrified."

The authorities have been contacted and are investigating this evil deed. For now, Ducky is doing better, and is expected he will soon be available for adoption.

For more information on Ducky and how you can adopt him, click HERE.

The Humane Society of Forsyth County is located at 4440 Keith Bridge Road in Cumming, Georgia. Phone: (770)-887-6480. FOLLOW US!

Feline Panleukopenia Virus Outbreak Hits Indianapolis Animal Care and Control

An outbreak of feline panleukopenia virus has hit the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control shelter, according to WTHR-TV Channel 13, and numerous cats have been infected.

Panleukopenia is highly contagious and often fatal. It is A feline disease similar to parvovirus in dogs. There is no cure for the virus and cats receive supportive care if infected.

Most of the cats at the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control (IACC) have been placed in local rescues and shelters. Those infected will receive supportive care. The virus spread quickly amongst the shelter cats due to close quarters. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain, and is spread through direct contact. Some cats may exhibit no symptoms at all.

The IACC has closed its cat section so the staff can disinfect the area. The shelter will need anywhere from 72 hours to two weeks to decontaminate the cat housing area. The shelter will not be accepting owner-surrenders during this time. Any cat surrendered while the cat section is closed is at high risk for euthanasia. Stray cats will be brought to Indy Feral, A Ttrap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for community cats. FOLLOW US!

Top Dogs: Australian Predators Can Provide 24-7 Feral Cat Control

Feral cats are devastating our wildlife, so we need a long-term, sustainable solution. This is where Australia's natural predators come in.

A few moments on the internet will reveal that, as companion animals, cats are rivalled only by dogs. Our love affair with them is hardly surprising: they are elegant, graceful and affectionate animals. But they are also highly adaptable and successful hunters. Sadly our soft spot for them brings with it disastrous consequences for smaller wildlife species, particularly mammals, birds and reptiles.

To read more on this story, click here: Top Dogs: Australian Predators Can Provide 24-7 Feral Cat Control

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Feral Cats Are Not Stray Cats

Dear Joan: In reference to your column about a woman who was injured by a cat, feral cats get enough of a bad rap without being blamed for behavior of nonferal cats.

A feral cat will not approach a human and will not let a human pet it. I fed a colony of feral cats in Mountain View for a few years. They would come running when the heard my car enter the parking lot, and would come close to me, but would never let me touch them.

To read more on this story, click here: Feral Cats Are Not Stray Cats

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L.A. Firefighter and Mom Attack Lady Who Feeds Stray Cats

Ian Eulian and his mom, Lonieta Fontaine, face assault and battery charges after allegedly beating Rebecca Stafford unconscious for feeding stray cats in the neighborhood.

"He said, the cats were pooping in his backyard and that they attacked his dog,” cat lady Rebecca Stafford told ABC 7. “It got hostile, and then I got punched and knocked out.”

Ian Eulian, 37, and his mother, Lonieta Fontaine, are now on trial, accused of felony assault and battery in the Sept. 14, 2013 attack. The video is expected to be a key piece of evidence, KTLA 5 reported.

Defense Attorneys claim Stafford started the fight, throwing bits of cat food in Eulian’s face before he clocked her.

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in the black drop-down menu on your right. Thank you.)

on Twitter @thepettreehouse

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 at: www.whispersoftheworld.com

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Washington Humane Society - Offering Two FREE Sessions for Fosters Interested in Taking in Feral Kittens - August 24th and September 17th

Learn how to turn your hissy kitty into a cuddle monster at Deferalizing School!
We are offering two FREE sessions for fosters interested in taking in feral kittens.

With a little love and attention from you, these cats can get off the streets and into adoptive homes.

Join Our Team of Feral Fosters!

Learn how to turn scared hissy kittens into adoptable lap cats!

Most kittens entering WHS need some type of socialization, which is best provided in a foster home. The more deferalizing foster homes we have, the more kittens we can take in off the streets.

2 Sessions Available
Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:
WHS Spay and Neuter Center
1001 L Street, SE
Washington, DC (Near the Navy Yard)

Ready to sign up? Click here: Deferalizing School: Teacher Training! 

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The Humane Society of Calvert County is sponsoring a new program called F.A.C.T. - Offering FREE Spay/Neuter Services for Cats in the Tri-County Area!

The Humane Society of Calvert County is sponsoring a new program called F.A.C.T. We are offering FREE Spay/Neuter services for cats in the tri-county area. ALL cats are included (house cats, barn cats and feral). Locally-participating veterinarian offices will provide the spay/neuter services.

If anyone needs assistance for their kitties please contact The Humane Society of Calvert County. This is good for Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's Counties.

Please contact: Sally 410-257-5866 or Rose 443-875-4731

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Meet Scott Giacoppo from the Washington Humane Society - Find Out What this Life Long Cat Advocate Has Seen in the Way of Changes for Cats!

Meet Scott Giacoppo from the Washington Humane Society in D.C. and find out what this life long cat advocate has seen in the way of changes for cats in shelters, adoption programs, community cat programs, feral cat, trap, neuter, vaccinate, return programs, fostering cats and kittens, and even the challenges involved in mountain lion sightings around our nation’s capitol.

Check out the Washington Humane Society


Watch or listen to previous episodes of the Cat Chat Show




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Do You Know The Difference Between A Feral And Domesticated Cat?

Do you know the difference between a  feral and domestic cat? You probably have seen a feral cat, and just thought it was a stray cat.

Feral Cats:
Life-span: 2-3 years

Feral cats are descended from domestic cats, but are born and live without human contact. These are the ones you see running through your backyard. Sometimes you can hear them fighting and making a crying sound like a baby.

Feral cats are homeless cats, some consider them as wild animals.  They are often confused with pets who were abandoned or have become lost.

The moms usually give birth in quiet, unseen spots where the kittens will not be visible for several weeks.  They will hide during the day and come out at night. Since there is no human contact, they will be totally wild. When the kittens begin to romp and play, they are usually noticed by humans, but are not easily captured.

They are usually terrified of humans, and a feral kitten may hiss and "spit" at humans.
The feral kitten is capable of giving you a nasty scratch or bite and will probably try to escape if given the chance. To the kitten you may be seen as a predator; the kitten may think it is fighting for its life.

Feral diet: small mammals (rabbits, mice), birds and carrion.

Domesticated Cat:

Life-span: 15 years

A domestic cat, or house cat is a small furry domesticated carnivorous mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship.

A stray cat is one that has possibly become separated from it's owner. It may have become lost, dumped, or even abandoned when the owner moved or died. These are cats that are used to people, and tend to be somewhat  approachable.

Sometimes stray cats will have on collars with tags indicating that the are a pet.

Domestic Cat Diet:

Dry foods are  very helpful with matters of oral hygiene. Dry food, unlike moist, requires chewing and gnawing of kibble to be swallowed.

Typically, moist food is higher in fat and calories, and therefore more palatable. Many cats that are ill or debilitated will eat moist food because of its taste and ease of digestion.

Failure to control the breeding of pet cats by spaying and neutering and the abandonment of former household pets has resulted in large numbers of feral cats worldwide, with a population of up to 60 million of these animals in the United States alone.




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