Q: What is a feral cat?
A: A feral cat is an unowned, unsocialized cat who lives outside. Though they may look like your average domesticated house pet, feral cats are different in a very important way; they fear people like any other wild animal. A feral cat will not approach you and will do its very best to stay away from people.
Q: Is there a difference between a feral cat and a stray cat?
A: Yes! A stray cat is a domestic cat that has been abandoned or has ‘strayed’ from home and becomes lost. Stray cats were once pets and can often be successfully adopted into a loving home. Stray cats tend to be much more visible and may approach people in search of food or shelter. Feral cats on the other hand cannot be adopted into a home. A feral cat is wild. It would be unkind and inhumane to expect them to live in a shelter or home environment.
Q: Where do feral cats live?
A: Everywhere! Feral cats are found throughout communities all over the world. They commonly live in a colony, a group of related feral cats. Although feral cats may be seen by people who feed them, strangers may not realize that feral cats are living nearby because they rarely see them. They are most commonly found in rural areas where there is a reliable food source and shelter. , It is very likely that people may not realize that feral cats are living nearby because the cats are rarely seen.
Q: Who do feral cats belong to?
A: Feral cats belong to the community and it is everyone’s responsibility to care for them. Cat overpopulation is a significant problem not only in Langley, but across North America. Though many welfare organizations like ours have made great process in addressing this crisis, there is still a lot of work to be done. A solution to the problem will require the community’s continued support through proactive spay/neuter programs and humane education.
Q: What if I don’t want a feral cat living in my neighbourhood?
A: Feral cats are a part of our urban landscape. Just as a raccoon or coyote, we can successfully learn to coexist with these creatures.
Q: Can I relocate a feral cat to a different area than where it was found?
A: No. It is not in the best interest of the feral cat. Feral cats become extremely attached to their outdoor areas and their feline friends within their colony. This is the place they call home. They know where to find food, where to hide from predators and where there is a safe spot to sleep. Relocating a feral cat endangers them and is considered by many animal welfare experts to be inhumane.
Q: What can I do about a feral cat or feral cat colony?
A: Call LAPS! For well over a decade, our team has worked hard to address the challenge of cat overpopulation within Langley with humane and proven methods. Our goal is to improve the lives of feral cats and their relationship with the community.
One of the most effective ways to help feral cats is through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives. TNR has proven to be the best approach to controlling feral cat populations. In this approach, feral cats are humanely trapped and taken to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Once the cat has fully recovered, they are then returned to their feline colony. Kittens and cats who are friendly and respond well to human interaction can be socialized and adopted into safe and loving homes. With each cat or kitten, we strive to make the best decision possible based on the needs of each cat.
In addition to our TNR work, we also offer over 200 free spay and neuter certificates to Langley felines each year. By removing the financial barrier for families with cats in need, we can provide an effective solution to cat overpopulation.
To date, we have spayed and neutered thousands of cats, and of these beautiful felines, we have placed hundreds into loving homes. But there is still work to be done!
Q: Does TNR solve common complaints associated with feral cats?
A: Yes! When feral cats are trapped, neutered and returned to their territory, they no longer reproduce. This stabilizes the population and eventually, the number of cats will decrease over time. Neutered feral cats are much less likely to roam from their territory which reduces the likelihood of them getting into fights with pet cats. Foul odours from spraying are also greatly reduced because neutered male cats no longer produce testosterone which causes the strong, pungent smell of their urine.
Q: Why can’t my local shelter take in a feral cat that I have trapped?
A: As mentioned before, feral cats are wild cats who belong outside. Safely housing a feral cat is dangerous for the staff at the shelter and incredibly stressful for the cat. The best situation for a feral cat is for it to be spayed/neutered and then returned to its home in the community with its colony.
