Q&A for How to Know if a Cat Is a Stray

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What is the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A feral cat was born in the wild, and had no human contact as a kitten. A stray cat has usually once been owned, and therefore is used to people, but was either abandoned or got lost and is now living rough.

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Question

Can a feral cat become a house pet?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A truly feral cat (rather than a stray) is unlikely to make a good house pet. They lack the basic exposure to humans during the crucial socialization period. This means the cat is life-long hard-wired to be distrustful of people, and do whatever it takes to avoid being close to them.

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Question

How do you get a stray cat to come to you?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The best way to do this is through gradually building their trust. Start by putting food down, and waiting some distance away to let the cat get used to you. As they become accustomed to your presence, take a step closer. Continue this until the cat tolerates you being close, and then try to tempt them to you with a tasty treat.

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Question

Do stray cats meow?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes, stray cats meow. Like all cats, they have a wide and varied vocal language to express a variety of emotions and moods.

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