Feral and Stray Cats: An Important Difference

Quick Facts:“Community cat” is an umbrella term that refers to any member of the Felis catus species who is unowned and lives outdoors. Both feral and stray cats are community cats.Community cats have a wide range of behaviors and degrees of socialization. See our comprehensive Cat Socialization Continuum guide.Observing a cat’s behavior, including their body language, can help you assess their level of socialization.Understanding a cat’s level of socialization can help you act in their best interest.Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) protects and improves the lives of all community cats, regardless of their level of socialization.Feral, stray, and indoor or pet cats are all members of the same species; they are all domestic cats. However, understanding their behaviors and interactions with people can shed light on the nuances that set them apart. Stray cats and feral cats exhibit distinct characteristics that may not be immediately apparent.Whether you are a shelter worker, veterinarian, or ca...