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Helping Stray and Feral Cats By Cody Saltsman

Helping Stray and Feral Cats

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Page 1: Helping Stray and Feral Cats

Helping Stray and Feral Cats

By Cody Saltsman

Page 2: Helping Stray and Feral Cats

A dedicated animal advocate, Cody Saltsman has rescued many abandoned cats in and around his neighborhood. Cody Saltsman has also had many pets of his own, including a cat who became his childhood companion.

Many cats may live outdoors, but not all are strays. There are many outdoor cats who have no human families and are perfectly happy in such a condition. Known as feral cats, these animals have not socialized to humans and instead have lived their entire lives as wild animals. A feral cat's behavior typically contrasts dramatically with that of a stray cat, who was once a pet but has lost his or her family.

Because they were once pets, stray cats are more likely to approach a person or human dwelling.

Introduction

Page 3: Helping Stray and Feral Cats

This animal will have the body language of a house cat, which includes expressing friendliness by walking near a human being with its tail raised. A feral cat has no inclination toward bonding with humans and is more likely to creep close to the ground, wrap its body with its tail, or run away to avoid sight by humans. It does not meow or purr to communicate with a human, as these are pet behaviors.

Stray cats may act wary, anxious, or upset when cornered or captured. However, these animals are more likely to revert back to pet behaviors over time, while adult feral cats are likely to never acclimate to humans.

Stray and Feral Cats

Page 4: Helping Stray and Feral Cats

They do not typically accept affection or form relationships with caregivers. For this reason, it is often best to vaccinate and sterilize such a cat before returning it to the environment where it feels comfortable. Stray cats, however, often make loving and playful pets once they have resocialized.

Conclusion