Stray cat, wildcat and domestic cat they belong to the same species, even if they live very different lives. Often people confuse or alternate the terms (especially when it comes to feral cat and stray cat), but there are very specific differences and we at Todocat are here to reveal them to you.
Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of these terms and how you can distinguish between alley cat, feral cat and domestic cat.
Domestic cat and stray cat
The term stray cat refers to felines with a recent socialization or a recent life as a pet specimen.
Unfortunately these specimens end up on the street for various reasons, from abandonment to simple loss. Most of the cats that are in associations and those that are rescued from the streets are considered to be strays, because they are usually able to reintegrate into family life without too much difficulty.
According to the latest estimates dating back to 2018 (therefore the Covid period is not taken into account) by the Italian League for the Defense of Animals and the Environment, there are 2.4 million stray cats in our country.
What does wildcat mean?
A feral cat, on the other hand, is a feline he never had no human interaction. This definition can also be extended to cats that have lost all contact with humans for a long time.
Feral cats are often born to strays or other feral cats and are used to living outdoors. They are naturally fearful of humans and other animals and can appear aggressive.
Behavior can be the main indicator of whether a cat is stray or feral.
Can you tame a wild cat?
A wild cat cannot be tamed, just as a cat that does not need humans cannot be tamed.
If the cat you see is healthy, in good condition and allows itself to be approached or seen, then it is not a wild specimen, but one that has already known man.
The cat born wild (and still wild when you meet it) hunts for food, hides and does not show itself. If it lets itself be seen, it means that it is ill, injured, weak, in this case some associations advise to intervene urgently to try to catch it in order to cure it.
If the cat’s life is in danger, it is not necessary to trap it: a towel and some basic techniques will allow you to get close and take it to the vet. Let’s see some techniques to attract him.
How to attract feral cats with food?
The cat always begins its relationships with the eye contact (so you don’t have to get close) and above all you have to allow him to take the initiative. Place a bowl of food in his field of vision, without getting too close and moving away to allow him to approach and eat.
Make sure you back away without leaving the animal’s field of vision and not look at it: a direct gaze is interpreted by a wild cat as aggression or intimidation. Then use your peripheral vision to observe its approach.
Feral cats are generally not attracted to kibble, they prefer wet food with a strong smell because they are used to hunting. In the beginning, meat is more successful than fish. Make sure you use fresh food and feed small amounts to avoid digestive problems. Furthermore, you should not leave food available outside periods of “exercise” to prevent the cat from getting into the habit of waiting for you to leave to eat. To eat, it must accept your presence.
Continue to feed the animal day after day so that it gets used to your presence and begins to trust you. As the animal will tolerate your presence you can begin to always approach gradually and little by little.
How to recognize a wild cat?
Recognizing a stray or feral cat depends on physical and behavioral factors. It is advisable to be sure before attempting to capture or tame the animal if it is a stray or wild specimen.
Not many feral cats can be happily tamed and live indoors, so the right steps need to be taken. Consider these signs that help distinguish strays from feral cats:
Physical differences between a feral cat and a domestic (stray) cat
- Stray cats often look dirty and unkempt because they are not used to living outdoors.
- Wildcats usually have clean fur and are relatively well cared for.
- Stray cats may be underweight or look unhealthy because they are not used to fend for themselves in the wild.
- Feral cats are often more muscular and fitter, often bearing scars from their survival techniques.
behavioral differences
- Stray cats can act like pets. They can approach humans with their tails raised and appear friendly.
- Feral cats do not want to be approached and avoid any interaction or contact with humans.
- Stray cats may meow a lot and purr when touched.
- Feral cats do not usually communicate vocally with humans.
- Stray cats are often found out and about during the day, looking for food, shelter and human contact.
- Bobcats are usually nocturnal and are rarely seen during the day.