What is a COMMUNITY CAT?

"Community Cat" is an umbrella term for any cat that has no owner. They may be abandoned pets, lost, or ferals perhaps born in the wild. They live in residential neighborhoods, wooded areas, commercial properties, wherever they can find food and shelter. Some survive on their own in the wild, others rely on caring members of the community who provide them with shelter, food and water. The term "Community Cat" reflects the reality that for these cats, "home" is in the community rather than in an individual household. Overpopulation is the biggest threat to these cats.

STRAYS and FERALS

What is a Feral Cat?
A "feral" cat is a feline who lives outside a normal home and has to some extent reverted to a wild state. Ferals tend to be fearful of people and keep their distance unless the person is someone they have come to know and trust. They originate from lost or abandoned domestic cats who either became wild themselves after living on their own or parented feral offspring. In contrast to ferals, a "stray" is a lost or abandoned cat who still retains his tame nature.

Cat Colonies
Most cats living on their own are feral and live in groups called "colonies." The cats in a colony share territory and a common food source. Often the cats in a colony are related by family, but not always. Feral colonies can form anywhere there is adequate food and shelter. The vast majority of ferals are not completely wild because they rely on people for their food source, whether it's a restaurant dumpster or a kind neighbor who comes by once a day. Relatively few subsist by hunting alone.