ukpets logo
Pet Classifieds Pet Classifieds
  • For Sale
  • For Adoption
  • For Stud
  • Wanted
Post An Ad
Pet Care Blog
  • All Pet Care
  • Training Tips
  • Health / Grooming
  • General Advice
  • Interesting Articles
Tools Tools
  • Dogs
  • All Dog Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Dog Breeds
  • Cats
  • All Cat Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Cat Breeds
Account Account
Register
Sign In
Connect With Us:
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
Advanced Search Post an Ad
£0£2000+

Can Feral Cats Make Good Pets?

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

feral cats as petsFeral cats are cats that live outdoors and are left to fend for themselves. They fear humans and try to avoid contact with them. With the growing feral cat population, there are many questions about them, including their potential to be house pets. Here is a guide that will answer your questions about the interesting and enigmatic feral cats.

Aren’t feral cats and stray cats the same?

Biologically, there is no difference between house cats, stray cats, and feral cats. However, behaviourally speaking, there is a huge difference. The main difference between a stray cat and a feral cat is that a feral cat has little to no socialisation with humans, whilst stray cats used to be house cats. If you want to know more about their differences, click here.

How can I tell if a cat is feral?

cat hiding in the grass
The following are signs that determine if a cat is feral or not:

  • The cat’s body language and vocalisation
    Feral cats stay low to the ground; they crouch and protect their bodies using their tails. Generally, they appear frightened and/or hesitant when a person is nearby. They are also not likely to make eye contact, purr, or even meow at people, and they may avoid human contact entirely. Stray cats, on the other hand, tend to behave casually like a house cat, make eye contact, and meow at people when approached.
  • Socialisation with humans
    Since feral cats have little to no socialisation with people during their formative age, they are not likely to approach humans. Instead, they may run away or hide. In contrast, stray cats may approach humans.
  • Socialisation with other cats
    Feral cats may be a part of a colony, whilst stray cats live by themselves. They also may be more territorial compared to stray cats.

Can feral cats become good house pets?

a feral cat strolling in the woodsWith proper socialisation with humans, a young feral cat can possibly be a good house pet. As adult feral cats have not been exposed to people, they will always lack the skills to live in a house; therefore, it is very challenging to turn them into house pets. Additionally, the experience may become stressful for the feral cat as well as the other pets you already have at home.

If you happen to find a feral cat, never try to turn it to a pet nor take them to a shelter as they may be only euthanised. The best thing to do is to contact local groups that have a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme. They will trap the feral cat, vaccinate, spay or neuter it, and then return it back to its colony. Programmes like this help in reducing the overpopulation of cats, lessen the cat’s chances of spreading contagious diseases, and control aggressive behaviours.

Health concerns about feral cats

Contrary to popular belief, it is rare for people to acquire a disease from a cat, especially feral ones as they are not likely to get near humans.

Many cat parents also worry that feral cats may transmit virus and diseases to their beloved house cats. For that reason, TNR programmes are helping to reduce such risks.

Common misconceptions about feral cats

a cat walking in the grass fieldFeral cats have a bad reputation because they are misunderstood. A lot of people think feral cats are likely to attack humans because they are perceived as aggressive. They are considered a nuisance in the community. However, in reality, feral cats are just another type of wild animals.

To help feral cats in your area, report them to your local TNR programme.

Are you raring to bring a new pet home? Take a look at these cats for adoption or for sale!

You may also like to read these interesting articles:

  • The Key to Becoming a Healthy Pet Owner
  • CATS FOR SALE – Questions to Ask Before Buying
  • Should You Adopt a Kitten or a Cat?
  • The Story of Captain Marvel’s Cat, Goose
  • Croydon Cat Killer: Mystery Unfolded After a Three-Year Investigation
Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

Emily Taylor

Related Stories

Are You a Dog Person or a Cat Person?
Are You a Dog Person or a Cat Person?
This is How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy
This is How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy
Is It Required to Neuter/Spay Your Indoor Cat?
Is It Required to Neuter/Spay Your Indoor Cat?
Latest Stories
  • Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?
  • How Big Does a Cane Corso Get?
  • 6 Natural and Cruelty-Free Cat Deterrents for Your Garden
  • Are Blueberries Good For Dogs? Top 7 Health Benefits
  • How Long Do Gerbils Live?4 Ways to Prolong a Gerbil’s Lifespan
  • 6 Healthy Homemade Puppuccino Recipes
  • Do Cats Have Periods When in Heat?
  • Featured Story

    Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?
    Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?

    Why are grapes bad for dogs? Dogs and grapes do not mix because of the fruit's unidentified toxic compound in canines. The lack of information makes … [Read More...]

    Latest Pets for Sale
    3
    Maltipoos For Sale
    Maltipoo puppies for sale ready now

    Cardiff

    1,850

    4
    Bichon Frise Online Ad
    Bichon frise for sale

    800

    5
    Dutch For Sale
    2 X Female Rabbits + Cage + Run + Extras.

    Corby

    120

    4
    Belgian Malinois For Sale in the UK
    Beautiful litter of pup's for sale

    Birmingham

    1,000

    View All
    Post Pet Advertisements
    For Free!
    Sign Up Now
    UK Pets Tools Dogs
    • Dog Breed Selector Quiz
    • Dog Breeds (A-Z)
    • Dog Breed Groups
    • Compare Dog Breeds
    • Dog Names
    Cats
    • Cat Breed Selector Quiz
    • Cat Breeds (A-Z)
    • Compare Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
       Services
    •    Pet Sitters
    •    Pet Transport
    •    Pet portraits
    •    Pet Cremation
    •    Dog Walker
    •    Dog Training
    •    Dog Grooming
    •    Dog Photography
    •    Dog Kennels
    •    Hydrotherapy For Dogs
    •    Catteries
    Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • French Bulldogs for Sale
    • American Bullies for Sale
    • Labrador Retrievers for Sale
    • Cockapoos for Sale
    • Cocker Spaniels for Sale
    Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • British Shorthair Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Ragdoll Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Bengal Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Sphynx Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Maine Coon Cats & Kittens for Sale
    Other Pets for Sale
    • Birds for Sale
    • Rabbits for Sale
    ukpets logo
    • About Us
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy & Cookie Usage
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Pet Insurance
    • Post Free Pet Ads
    Copyright © 2023 UKPets. All rights reserved.