feral cat

A feral cat is an undomesticated outdoor cat or a stray or abandoned cat that has reverted to a wild state. Truly feral cats cannot live with humans. They can be born feral or become feral if people fail to spay or neuter their pets, allowing them to roam or abandoning them. Feral cats form groups called colonies and establish territories.1

The most effective method for managing feral cat populations is trap-neuter-return (TNR). In this program, cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and then returned to their territories. This prevents reproduction and allows them to live healthier lives. Kittens that are young enough to be socialized are re-homed. Over time, TNR programs naturally decrease the colony's population. Programs that use lethal control are considered inhumane, ineffective, and wasteful.1