Cat Rescue Groups |

Feral Cats-What They Are and How You Can Help

January 28th, 2010 |

Feral cats are descended from domestic cats but are born and live without human contact. The difference between a stray cat and a feral cat is that strays are homeless descendants of domestic cats, but unlike feral cats, have had prior contact with humans, therefore exhibit temperament similar to that of a domesticated cat.

The average lifespan of a feral cat that survives beyond kittenhood is about 2 years for individual cats and about 5 years for those who live in a managed colony. Indoor domesticated cats live on average from 12 to 18 years, but it isn’t unheard of for them to live to their early 20′s.

There are programs called “Trap-Neuter-Release” or “TNR” that can help reduce the feral cat population. They help improve the health and quality of life for the feral cats by vaccinating and sterilizing them. This helps prevent the spread of disease and also prevents more litters being born into this harsh way of living.

Listed below are some TNR programs, rescue groups and other resources that can help you learn more about ferals and what you can do to help.

Altered Feral State: Walton, Newton & Rockdale Counties

Athens Area Humane Society: Athens

Atlanta Cat Rescue: Atlanta

CampusCats: University of West Georgia, Carrollton

Carroll County Humane Society: Villa Rica

Cat Zip Alliance: Athens

CatLanta: Atlanta

Cat Nappers: Albany

Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen: Lawrenceville

For Paws Sake: Conyers

Furkids: Atlanta