There are believed to be millions of feral and feral cats in the US alone, and the overpopulation problem continues to grow as more and more unwanted kittens are born. This overpopulation leads to many cats being abandoned or otherwise finding themselves homeless.
You may see feral cats in your neighborhood, as they tend to congregate around potential food sources, but you don’t always see them during the day, perhaps because it’s too busy for them, and also because this is their normal bedtime.
Whether you’re trying to find a lost cat, or just want to know where the local feral cat population hangs out, read on for more information.
Feral vs Stray Cat
When calculating wild cat populations, their numbers are often combined with feral cats. Feral cats are those that have been socialized with humans, but, for one reason or another, no longer live in a human home. They may have run away, lost, or been abandoned by their previous owners.
Feral cats are those that were born on the streets and never had a home to live in. Because feral cats have never been around people, they are less likely to approach people and will usually try to avoid them.
Feral cats are more likely to stay around residential areas because they are used to people and they know that where there are people, there is food, while feral cats may prefer to exist in less crowded places.
Where Do Stray Cats Go During the Day?
Feral and 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 are more likely to stay near the reliable food sources they are used to, which means they prefer to live in or near residential properties and areas.
1. Residential Areas
Feral cats know that food can be found near people. They can also feel confident living near people. Some will even have regular routes or patrols that go through different houses where they collect food from willing residents. If not, they can search around the trash cans.
2. Abandoned Property
Stray cats can congregate inside abandoned properties. They provide shelter from the weather as well as protection from predators.
Abandoned properties don’t just include homes; you may find a population of feral cats living inside abandoned businesses and even factories, especially if those buildings also include a population of feral rats or other wild animals that would serve as a food source .
3. Wooded Areas
Another possible source of food for feral cats is woods or areas with long grass and lots of wildlife. Even some parks can provide suitable hunting and habitat for cats. Cats can find secluded areas of the park during the day and hunt for their food in the low light of dawn and dusk.
Busy parks don’t make ideal locations for cats during the day, however, but some wooded areas might.
4. Barns and Farms
Although potentially more common among feral cats, barns and fields make great hiding places for community cats. These locations usually offer plenty of dining opportunities, as well as places to stay.
And because cats kill vermin, most farmers welcome cats onto their land.
Do Stray Cats Sleep All Day?
Cats are crepuscular, meaning they prefer to hunt at dawn and dusk. They are not really nocturnal or diurnal, so they often sleep during parts of the night and day. You are more likely to see feral cats during these low light hours when they are outside and more likely to see them at night and in the middle of the day when they are sleeping in a safe place.
What is the Lifespan of a Stray Cat?
Although each cat’s individual lifespan is different, in general, stray cats tend to live shorter lives than domestic cats. Some wild cats can only live 2-3 years on their own, while domesticated cats tend to live 13-15 years. This is not only because of the potential lack of regular food and water but also because of the many dangers on the streets for stray cats.
Some of those dangers include predators, disease, traffic, and other stray cats competing for resources and territory.
Should You Feed Stray Cats?
There are different schools of thought when it comes to whether you should feed feral cats. On the one hand, it can encourage more feral cats which can lead to problems including further mating and the spread of disease. Also, if you feed stray cats often, they may become dependent on you for food, which means they will have a harder time surviving if you are taken away as a regular food source for any reason.
But, on the other hand, occasionally feeding a feral cat can help ensure their survival and help maintain their strength and stamina, which they will need. If you have any questions about whether or not to feed stray cats, talk to your veterinarian or local shelter for advice.
Conclusion
Community cats is an umbrella term that covers feral and feral cats. The population of these cats is believed to be in the tens of millions in the US alone, and that number continues to grow. Feral cats are more likely to hang out in residential areas where there are known food sources, while true feral cats will prefer to stay away from people.
Like domestic cats, feral cats are crepuscular, so they are most active at dawn and dusk, sleeping for large parts of the middle of the day and night.
Featured Image Credit: IMG Stock Studio, Shutterstock
