A feral cat is a wild outdoor cat that is leary of human contact. Most feral cats live without human contact for a long period of time, or they grow without socialization to humans as kittens, feral cats are extremely frightened and suspicious of humans. These forgotten felines eventually start congregating in one place and form a “colony.” These mostly intact cats are constantly breeding. Largely ignored by animal sheltering and government animal control agencies, feral cats often die from disease, infected wounds, starvation, traffic or they are trapped and ultimately killed.

Cats in our society occupy a spectrum that runs from cherished household pet to wild ferals that have limited human contact or support and live in the wild as part of native ecology. Some of these elusive felines were born in woods, parks and alleyways and will never become accustomed to people. Others may be "marginally owned," living in a backyard, garage, or barn, or traveling from doorstep to door-step in search of a handout of food and some shelter. 

In many cities, feral cats proliferate unabated with no safety net of care. But there are effective, humane methods to control their population. Humane organizations and rescue groups can control the feral cat population, provide medical care, keep the cats adequately fed and if possible, adopt them into loving homes. This activity is key to solving cat overpopulation.