Life in Davis is anything but difficult for feral cats. Even so, some feel that somebody needs to help improve their lives! Davis' nice climate provides little challenge for some introduced species. While not nearly as problematic as quackgrass or the notorious zebra mussel, a thriving introduced species in Davis is the feral cat. These are domesticated cats that have said adieu to houselife and have taken up on their own under the big blue sky.
Reasons for leaving home
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distaste for dry cat food
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not enough petting from master
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too much squeezing by master's progeny
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no respect (Dangerfield Syndrome)
Real Reasons for leaving home
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Lost, with no collar or microchip
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Born Feral
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Neglected
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Abandoned
Life for feral cats can be not-so-nice. Dangers include: contracting viruses, attacks by other cats or other animals, and injuries caused by cars.
Controlling the Feral Cat Population: Spaying and Neutering
An important way for you to help control the feral cat population (and help both cats and native wildlife) is to have your own cat spayed or neutered. Low income pet owners can take advantage of the annual free Spay Day at UC Davis. The rest of you can see your vet.
The Feral Feline Organization is also dedicated to helping improve the lives of feral cats in Davis. They conduct a TNR program to keep the colonies from multiplying out of control. If you are aware of feral cats in your neighborhood (or apartment complex) that have not been spayed or neutered, contact the FFO or the SPCA.
Generally, feral cats that have been spayed or neutered get their ears marked (so it doesn't happen a second time). The markings can take the form of a snipped ear, a triangular notch, or even a hole-punch. A female would typically have her right ear marked, and a male would have his left ear marked.
Rodents in the Arboretum attract many feral cats.
The snipped right ear marks this feral as a spayed female.
This photo of a silhouetted cat shows the ear-punch method.
For more info on other local "wild" animals see Town Wildlife, Cats or Lost Pets.
Please share your stories of feral cats in your neighborhood.
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2005-08-29 14:22:49 One vomited in my yard last weekend. Last year, one left a dead bird in my garden! —AlphaDog
2006-12-06 06:39:38 A year ago a frightened 6 month old abandoned, and thus semi-feral kitten showed up in my yard. My cats took him in and treated him with kindness, as I did. It's taken over a year, but I can finally pet himand pick him up. Granted, he takes me for a Bed and Breakfast: shows up for dinner, sleeps inside, has breakfast and leaves. But he is now family, and has been neutered, vaccinated, and will soon get a chip put in him. He keeps loosing collars, but I'd rather them be a little loose than too tight. Give these guys a chance. Their almost all abandoned or runaways. You'll be surprised how grateful they are if you show them a little bit of respect and tenderness. —MonicaBallyurban
2007-08-23 12:05:45 there are some feral cats at parkside —StevenDaubert
