Feral cats are cats that have never had much human contact but have adapted to living in the urban and rural areas. They are often seen scavenging or hunting for food, living in colonies, and avoiding humans. You may think that they aren’t like pet cats, but despite their ferocious nature, feral cats still have similar characteristics as domestic house cats and can be quite playful when it comes to interacting with their littermates or makeshift toys. Let’s learn more in this article.
Do Feral Cats Play?
Yes, feral cats do play. As kittens, they often engage in activities such as chasing one another, batting at objects, and wrestling. Kittens instinctively engage in this behavior because it helps them practice the skills necessary to hunt and to fight competitors as adults. Therefore, play is pretty normal for feral cats.
Why Do Feral Cats Play?
The main reason why feral cats play is to practice hunting. Adult feral cats rarely engage in play. Such cats are often in a state of constant survival and are marking their territory, hunting, and mating.
How Do Feral Cats Play?
Feral kittens will typically play with each other, feathers, or injured prey their mothers bring back to their den. As kittens, they may also play with random objects they find around their dens.
Do Feral Cats Play With Humans?
No, feral cats are typically too scared to interact with humans. If they do approach a human, it is usually because they are seeking food or shelter (such cats are also referred to as strays). Feral cats will not generally play with humans and should never be handled by them.
Do Feral Cats Play With Each Other?
Yes, feral kittens do play with one another. However, feral adults rarely play, and the play they engage in as kittens helps them cope with encounters with adult cats. The skills used during playtime as kittens are used for fights as adults.
What Toys Can I Safely Give a Feral Cat?
Interacting with feral cats is not recommended; therefore, you shouldn’t offer them toys. Interacting with a stray cat or abandoned kittens you wish to adopt is acceptable. Such animals can be offered any cat toy. However, they would likely appreciate food and shelter over toys.
Is It Safe to Interact With Feral Cats?
Please be mindful that in some jurisdictions, feeding feral animals is strongly discouraged. For example, the AVMA doesn’t recommend feeding feral cats for public health reasons. Feeding feral cats without any intention of adopting, neutering, or rescuing them is considered counterproductive, as the animals will continue to reproduce in the area while still facing the many struggles of being feral.
Feeding feral cats with the intention of rescuing them is considered acceptable in most instances. However, feeding feral cats with no intention of providing them with a better future is considered counterproductive to animal welfare.
It is not recommended to interact directly with feral cats, as they are wild animals and may be scared of humans. It is best to avoid touching or handling them, and never try to pick them up. Keep in mind that feral cats can make you sick if you interact with them.
If you want to help feral cats, consider the following tips.
- Never try to pick up a feral cat – they may scratch or bite if they feel threatened.
- Always keep your distance from feral cats and give them space to move around freely.
- Provide food and water from a distance, so that the cats are not tempted to enter people’s homes or yards.
- Do not attempt to pet or handle feral cats, as this could lead to the spread of diseases and parasites.
- Contact local animal control authorities if you are concerned about a feral cat population in your area.
- Be aware that juvenile cats may be less wary of humans than adult cats and more likely to approach people.
- Protect yourself against potential infections by wearing gloves when handling food bowls or toy items for feral cats.
- Make sure that any outdoor cats in your area are spayed or neutered to help reduce the feral cat population.
- If you want to provide shelter for feral cats, make sure it is secure and away from public areas such as parks and playgrounds.
- Be aware that feral cats can spread diseases to other animals, so keep your pets away from the area if possible.
If you see a feral cat in distress, contact your local animal control or veterinary clinic for help and guidance. Do not attempt to handle the feral cat yourself, as it may cause additional distress or injury. It is important to take precautions when interacting with feral cats to ensure both their safety and yours.
How Can I Help Feral Cats?
If you want to help feral cats, the best thing you can do is give them food and water, but only if you have the intention of eventually adopting them! You can also provide sheltered areas for the cats to rest in and look for volunteer opportunities with local organizations dedicated to helping feral cat colonies. Finally, make sure that your outdoor cats are spayed or neutered to help reduce the feral cat population.
Conclusion
Feral cats can be quite playful as kittens. They enjoy chasing one another and playing with makeshift toys or other items found in their environment.
The best way to contribute to the welfare of feral cats is to only attempt to befriend them with food, shelter, and toys if you intend on adopting them. Ferals also benefit from being part of a TNR (trap-neuter-release) program, which are usually organized by local animal control authorities in your community or jurisdiction.
Featured Image Credit: M-Production, Shutterstock
