Feral cat is a term that has been used to describe a homeless cat that is undomesticated. “Feral” describes a particular behavior a cat expresses when it is not used to people or feels frightened.  It is very difficult to determine whether a frightened cat was born in the wild with no human contact, has formerly had human contact (but has been abandoned or lost) and became un-socialized from living on its own or if it is simply frightened.  Until proven otherwise, these cats are identified as “feral”: a behavior a free-roaming cat may convey that appears unsocialized or wild.

Humanely trapping is the first step to a successful TNR project. A true feral cat is unsocialized because he/she has not had contact with humans, so the cat is not friendly. Due to their untamed nature feral cats are frightened of people and require special handling, like any wild animal.

While under sedation, the cats can be examined by a licensed veterinarian, than neutered/spayed, ear-tipped and vaccinated. During this time a veterinarian can treat each cat for any injuries such as a wound or abscess. Both are common among unneutered male cats due to fighting.

An ear-tip is a universal method to identify a spayed/neutered feral cat.

Like the human ear there is very little feeling in this portion of the ear. Ear-tipping is performed under general anesthetic. Ear-tipping is the surgical removal of the tip of one ear as a visible sign that the cat has been sterilized. This methods provides immediate visual identification, which any animal welfare group (animal control, local shelters, etc.) can quickly determine/identify a cat that is feral and has been spayed/neutered.