What is a Feral Cat?
A feral cat is a free-roaming outdoor cat that has never been socialized around humans. Most feral cats live in bonded groups or colonies. They gather where they can find shelter and a reliable food source. As they have always lived outside they cannot be tamed and cannot be adopted into homes.
Feral cats are often confused with strays that are domestic cats that have either been abandoned or have become lost. Stray cats by comparison can be re-trained over time to trust people again and may end up moving in with their caretakers.
 Controlling the Population of Feral Cats
An unaltered female cat left alone to breed can produce two or three litters per year. Each of her offspring in turn can produce two or three litters per year and so on and so on. This cycle results in literally thousands of unwanted kittens in the community.
The only way to control the number of free-roaming cats and to prevent their suffering is to consistently spay and neuter.
Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR)
Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) is a program wherein feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered and released back into their territory.
TNR is the only proven method of cat population control.
Cities that have adopted TNR programs in their communities have seen a noticeable reduction not only in the number of cats in local colonies but also in the number of feral cats being relinquished to shelters.
The Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter recommends Trap-Neuter-Release as the preferred method of managing feral cats.
Other Benefits of TNR
Cats that have been spayed or neutered live healthier lives. Females are less likely to develop ovarian or uterine cancer; males are less likely to develop testicular cancer.
Unaltered males have a tendency to fight during mating season, once neutered the urge to fight is eliminated preventing injury and infection.
Males that have been neutered will also often cease spraying which is a common complaint against feral cats.
For information on how to trap please click here.
For assistance or advice on trapping please contact Anne Macleod via email or at 818-469-3937.
Spay and Neuter Assistance
A lot of veterinarians offer reduced rates to rescuers who are willing to trap and releas e feral cats. We recommend calling the vet clinics in your community to check prices.
The VBAS also highly recommends using the services of FixNation.
Fix Nation is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the population of feral cats by offering free sterilization for as many cats as possible. Their services are free to feral cats but donations are welcome. An application must be filled out and appointments are by reservation.
They are located at 7680 Clybourn Ave, Sun Valley 91352 Tel# 818-524-2287.
For more information please visit www.fixnation.org.
How to Keep Feral Cats Off Your Property
While all feral cats have a right to live, the VBAS understands that their presence on private property can occasionally be a nuisance. There are several ways to mitigate the effects of outdoor cats without resorting to the inhumane and unnecessary step of removing the cats.
Scattering citrus peels or spraying citrus scents will deter cats. Sprinkling coffee grounds can also be effective. There are several cat repellent sprays on the market that can be used in yards. Plastic carpet runners placed in soil spike side up will be a disincentive to dig.
Remember to keep all trash tightly covered and if cats perching is a problem cover cars or other vehicles.
White vinegar can be used to get rid of unwanted urine smells.
Why Bringing Feral Cats to the Animal Shelter is Not an Option
Adult feral cats are unsocialized and cannot be tamed. For this reason they cannot be adopted as house pets. Indeed, when brought to a shelter and caged, feral cats cannot be handled at all.
For this reason, the majority of feral cats relinquished by people to shelters are euthanized.
Trapping cats and bringing them to a shelter to be killed is inhumane and unnecessary. The practice does not reduce the number of outside cats. As long as the food source remains other cats will move in, increasing the mating and subsequently expanding the population.
 Barn Cat Program
The only survival option available for feral cats relinquished to shelters is to be relocated to a safe outdoor area where food and shelter will be provided. A barn or stable environment would be ideal as would an industrial location or a residential yard.
Feral cats require minimal care. They must be fed once a day and be provided with a safe refuge to gain protection against the elements and to have a means to escape from natural predators such as coyotes.
Feral cats provide a great service as they are a natural deterrent to rats and mice.
Adopting a yard cat is also a great solution for people who love cats but cannot have them indoors due to allergies.
For more information on rescuing feral cats please contact Anne Macleod via email or at 818-469-3937.
For a printable flyer please click here.
Adopt a Feral Kitten
Feral kittens under 3 months of age can be socialized and in time will become loving, affectionate pets. The taming process takes patience and the understanding that the kittens will come around at their own pace. Sometimes it takes a month, sometimes six months depending on the age and temperament of the kitten.
Due to space restrictions at the shelter we cannot unfortunately provide the amount of time that these kittens require. Adopters are desperately needed to save the lives of these wonderful young cats.
For tips on taming a feral kitten please click here.
To adopt a feral kitten please contact Anne Macleod.
Resources
For more information about feral cats and how to help them please visit the following websites:
Alley Cat Allies
Feral Cat Caretakers Coalition
Fix Nation
Stray Cat Alliance
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