Community cats or feral cats are species that can appear as a nuisance to many. The primary reason for this assumption is the viral diseases and pests that these cats spread around. Moreover, feral cats are also defensive in nature. Thus, there is always a threat of getting attacked when getting close to them.
However, as an integral part of the ecosystem, it becomes necessary to find means measures of coexisting cordially with other species. The same is true with feral cats. Proper care and kindness, such as feeding them, providing them shelter, and administering TNR, can bring a positive change in the attitude of these street cats.
This article will, therefore, uncover factors that can help us coexist successfully with feral cats in urban environments.
3 Ways to Coexist with Feral Cats
Listed below are effective ways to live peacefully with feral cats:
1. Feed Feral Cats
Every living organism requires a sufficient amount of food to survive and thrive. Feral cats are wild and, thus, are often neglected when it comes to feeding. This can aggravate their aggressive behavior. Feeding feral cats is the best way to create a strong bond with them.
It is important to ensure that the cat is fed regularly and at the same time because these cats are very particular. Implementing this practice will also help you monitor and keep a count of the total number of feral cats in your area.
While feeding, you should ensure that only adequate quantities of food are fed. Additionally, the food should not be left outside overnight. Both of these factors can give rise to feral cat-related diseases if not followed.
Tuna is the most loved food item among feral cats. Wellness CORE Wet Cat Food is the best tuna to purchase online. Other food items that these cats eat include chicken, lamb, beef, and rice with scrambled eggs. However, one should remember that feeding milk, dog food, vegetables, and fruits should be strictly avoided.
2. Offer Shelter to Feral Cats
As feral cats live in the wild, there are high chances of them contracting viral diseases from the environment. These cats often sleep in the garbage or other unsanitary places. In this way, they become the carriers of diseases that can even affect the health of humans. This is the main reason that most people are dismissive and insolent towards feral cats.
Offering them shelter can help get rid of this problem. A clean and safe place is the best option to put a stop to health-related problems associated with feral cats.
Moreover, shelters are also very important to keep feral cats out of your house. In adverse weather conditions, these cats tend to get inside the house of humans to protect and safeguard themselves and their little ones. They also tend to leave their children inside your home to save them from predators. Installing a shelter will prevent their abrupt and unexpected entry into the house as they will have their own place to rest and look after the kittens.
3. Perform TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release)
Feral cats multiply exponentially. Thus, controlling their growth becomes necessary. Killing them is not the right option to achieve this. Moreover, trapping and handing them to pounds involves the risk of feral cats being euthanized. This is where the importance of TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) comes to light. This method is also known as trap-neuter-spay-return or trap-neuter-vaccinate-return. It is the most humane approach to address the feral cat population.
The steps involved in this procedure include trapping and neutering these cats. After neutering, these cats are again left open in the wild. Several reports have claimed that TNR has been successful in improving the co-existence between outdoor cats and humans in urban environments.
Moreover, this method brings effective results in reducing flea infestation problems. Thus, there is a lesser risk of the spread of feral cat-related diseases and infections.
Conclusion
Feral cats are not social cat species as they have lived in the wild all their life. This is what makes them hostile and aggressive toward humans. However, with a little care and affection, even these inimical species can be made docile and harmless. Following the necessary measures mentioned in the article are the best way of achieving this outcome.
