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Rescue Centers for Unwanted Cats, Dogs, Horses, Pets and Other Animals

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Rescue Centers is dedicated to providing helpful resources for dogs, cats, horses and other animals who have been displaced, or are unwanted, in need of a home, temporary shelter or sanctuary. Our site includes links to pet rescue groups located throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

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Kitties in the Sink (c) Heidi Bosch

Feral Cats

Feral is another term for stray or alley cat. A pet cat is very tame and is called a domestic cat. If a domestic cat is abandoned, it reverts back to natural instincts in order to survive. Once it has kittens, and then raises its kittens in nature, away from human contact, its kittens (who know nothing other than its mother's survival teachings) are known as feral. Feral means wild.

Feral cats are afraid of humans, just as most wild animals are. If fed and taken care of by humans, they can eventually become more relaxed around them, just as bears, raccoons or squirrels become accustomed to human contact if fed on a regular basis. You cannot pick up a feral without getting scratched and bitten, just as you would not pick up a squirrel or pet a bear that came up to you for a treat without the consequences of getting bitten or scratched. With enough time, gentle treatment, and patience, it is possible to tame a feral, just as trainers are eventually able to tame bears and other wildlife.

Ferals have become an increasing problem in the United States and ideas on how to cut back the feral population varies. Currently, it is believed the best way is to capture, spay/neuter, then return the feral to its colony. Eventually, unable to reproduce, the colony dies off. There are many places that offer vouchers for discounts on surgery to sterilize (fix) cats. There are also humane traps to catch ferals.

Below are feral cat resources for those who are interested in helping out.

Feral Cat Organizations

United States

Canada

Europe

General Information

Feral Cat Humane Traps

     


Cat Groups (To be verified)


Domestic Cat Rescue


Feral Cat Rescue





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