Feral cats are undomesticated felines and they live in colonies on the streets. There are several feral cat problems that may affect both humans and pets. Being aware of these problems can help you prevent them.
Feral Cats May Transmit Diseases to Humans
Feral cats are typically not vaccinated and they can transmit different diseases and parasites to humans. These are known as zoonotic diseases and may be transmitted through saliva (through biting) or scratches.
To avoid these, you shouldn’t play with feral cats; if you would like to adopt a feral cat you need to consult a vet and have the cat examined and vaccinated.
If you have been bitten by a feral cat, you should get a rabies shot immediately and have a routine checkup performed to ensure that you are healthy.
Ferals May Infect Your Pets
Feral cats live on streets and when your cat gets outdoors, it may often happen that he will get into fights with feral cats. The bites and the scratches may transmit various diseases including rabies, the feline HIV, the herpes virus or other infections.
Feral cats may have a lot of fleas and they may also have intestinal parasites. This means that your pet may get infected with intestinal parasites without having direct contact with a feral cat; all your pet needs to do is to ingest infested feces.
Make sure your pet has all the vaccinations before you allow him to roam. If you want to avoid fights with feral cats, you should keep your cat indoors. Neuter your cat, as neutered cats are less likely to get in fights.
Also, get periodical preventive dewormers.
Feral Felines Can Be Aggressive
Feral felines are more aggressive than domesticated cats. This may also be because they are in pain and are affected by different diseases. There are also ferals that are affected by rabies and these felines are particularly dangerous.
The aggressiveness is one of the reasons feral cats get rarely adopted.
You should avoid contact with feral cats and try to keep your pets away from feral cats as well.
Dealing with Feral Cats
Feral cats have a shorter life expectancy, as they are not vaccinated and they are more likely to get hit by cars; however, feral cats should be neutered, so that the rising number of feral felines can be controlled.
Presently, there are a number of pet organizations that patrol and catch feral cats, administering vaccines and neutering them prior to releasing them back on the streets. This can help prevent a few diseases and may also reduce the chances of feral cats infecting other pets or humans.
Feral cats may adapt to domestic living, but they require special training. If you would like to adopt a feral cat you need to get help or at least some training tips from feral cat organizations in your area.