There are thought to be millions of stray and feral cats in the United States alone, and as more and more unwanted kittens are born, the overpopulation problem will only continue to grow. This overpopulation results in many cats being abandoned or left without homes.
Stray cats tend to congregate where food is available, so you may see a stray cat in your neighborhood, but not always during the day. This is their normal sleeping time.
Whether you’re trying to find a lost cat or just want to know where your local feral cats live, keep reading to learn more.
Wild animals vs stray cats
When calculating the number of feral cats, it is often combined with the number of feral cats. A feral cat is a cat that has had interactions with humans, but for some reason no longer lives in a human home. It may have run away, gotten lost, or been abandoned by its previous owner.
A feral cat is a cat that was born on the street and has never had a home. Because feral cats have never lived with humans, they are very unlikely to approach humans and often try to avoid them completely.
Stray cats tend to stay around residential areas because they are used to people and know that where there are people there is food, whereas feral cats may prefer to live in less populated areas .
Where do stray cats go during the day?
Stray or feral cats usually live near reliable food sources. For feral cats, this likely means living near populations of wild mice and other small animals. Feral cats may prefer to live in or near residential areas or areas, as they are more likely to remain close to familiar and reliable food sources.
1. Residential area
Stray cats know that there is food near people. They can also be very confident living near people. Some conduct regular routes and patrols visiting different homes and collecting food from willing residents. Otherwise, you may end up rummaging around the trash can.
2. Abandoned property
Stray cats can congregate on abandoned properties. These not only protect you from the weather, but also protect you from predators.
Abandoned real estate doesn’t just include homes. Stray cats can sometimes be found living inside abandoned businesses and factories. Especially if those buildings are home to wild rats or other wildlife that can serve as a food source.
3. Forest area
Another potential food source for feral cats is wooded areas, areas with long grass and lots of wildlife. Some parks may also provide suitable hunting and living habitat for cats. Cats find secluded areas of parks during the day and forage during the dark hours of dawn and dusk.
However, while crowded parks are not ideal places for cats during the day, some wooded areas can be.
4. Barn and Farm
Although they may be more common in feral cats, barns and farmlands provide good hiding places for community cats. These locations usually have plenty of shelter as well as food opportunities.
And because cats kill pests, most farmers welcome them onto their land.
Do stray cats sleep all day?
Cats are crepuscular, so they prefer to hunt in the early morning and evening. They are neither truly nocturnal nor diurnal, so they tend to sleep part of the day and night. You’re more likely to encounter stray cats during these low-light hours because they’re roaming outside, but you’re less likely to encounter them at night or during the day when they’re sleeping in a safe place.
How long do stray cats live?
Each cat has a different lifespan, but overall, feral cats tend to have shorter lifespans than domestic cats. While some feral cats can live alone for only 2-3 years, pet cats tend to live 13-15 years. This is not only because regular food and water may be lacking, but also because there are many dangers for stray cats on the streets.
These risks include predators, disease, traffic, and other feral cats competing for resources and territory.
Should I feed a stray cat?
There are different schools of thought as to whether or not you should feed feral cats. On the other hand, it may encourage an increase in the number of feral cats, which could lead to problems such as further mating and the spread of disease. Also, if you feed a stray cat too often, it can become dependent on you for food, and if for some reason you are removed as a regular food source, the stray cat will live even longer. may become difficult.
But on the other hand, feeding stray cats from time to time can help ensure their survival and maintain the necessary physical strength and stamina. If you have questions about whether you should feed your feral cat, contact your veterinarian or local shelter for advice.
conclusion
Community cats is a general term that includes stray cats and feral cats. The population of these cats is thought to number in the tens of millions in the United States alone, and the number continues to grow. Stray cats are more likely to roam around residential areas where there are known food sources, but true feral cats prefer to stay away from people.
Like domestic cats, feral cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk and sleep most of the day and night.
Featured image credit: IMG Stock Studio, Shutterstock
