At one point or another, a cat lover may find themselves in a position where adopting a feline becomes an option to consider. While taking in any pet demands careful consideration, it’s especially important for prospective cat owners to understand the difference between stray and feral cats. Before you welcome a new feline into your home or schedule an appointment for pet vaccinations, take a moment to explore what makes stray and feral cats different. 

A Beginner’s Guide to Stray vs. Feral Cats

Stray Cats

A stray cat has been socialized to humans at one point or another throughout its life. Yet, due to abandonment or running away, the cat has since fallen out of contact with other humans. In other words, a stray cat was a pet at a prior time in its life. If a rescuer intervenes early enough, it is possible for a stray cat to be placed in a home successfully.

Feral Cats

Like stray cats, feral cats do not live in a domestic environment, but the important difference is that feral cats have never had human interaction. They are, therefore, unlikely to ever acclimate to an indoor living environment. With that said, if a feral cat should have kittens, they may be successfully placed in homes if they are rescued at a young age.

How to Care for Either

A stray cat can become feral if it goes long enough without socialization. Thus, it can become difficult for a rescuer to tell the difference between a feral or stray. In general, while both strays and feral cats are likely to be hesitant of people, a stray cat might “warm up to” and approach people after some time. Unlike feral cats, strays may also make and hold eye contact and are likely to live alone instead of in colonies.

Whether it’s a stray or feral, every feline deserves a fighting chance at survival. If you’re able to open your home to a stray cat, it’s important to make sure you schedule your new cat for pet vaccinations and spaying or neutering to keep them healthy and to help control the population. Feral cats, too, should be spayed or neutered to prevent the overpopulation of cats living on the streets; however, they are not legally required to receive pet vaccinations.

Whether you’re interested in spaying or neutering an unsocialized cat or you’ve recently begun caring for a stray, Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic in Stratford County, CT, welcomes you to receive affordable services for dogs and cats. As a non-profit organization, our goal is to end pet overpopulation by providing low-cost spaying and neutering for animal owners and advocates. We also offer pet vaccinations, microchips, and a range of additional pet care services for dogs and cats. Learn more about how we help stray and feral felines by visiting our website or call (203) 690-1550 to book an appointment.