MYTH:             Feral cats live short, miserable lives, so it’s best to trap and euthanize them.

 TRUTH:            Studies show that feral cats have about the same lifespan as pet cats. 

Some people want to tame the feral cats they care for because of the misconception that feral cats live short, miserable lives.  This myth has been swallowed whole by too many groups, including some of the most prominent animal organizations in the country.

The truth is that the well-being of feral cats is most compromised by behaviours associated with mating and giving birth to endless litters of kittens.  Spaying and neutering significantly changes the picture.   Male cats no longer fight and roam.  Female cats no longer bear kittens.  Vaccination ensures a higher level of health.  Feral cats in managed colonies frequently live 10 years and longer.

The longest living feral cat that Pacific Animal Foundation looked after lived at Lonsdale and West 1^st Street.  Missy was between 2 and 3 years old when discovered, and was fed faithfully by one of our PAF Directors for 16 years. 

MYTH:             Feral cats are diseased and can make pet cats or children sick.

TRUTH:            Feral cats are generally healthy.  The incidence of disease in feral cat colonies is no higher than among owned cats.

 Feral cats shun human contact.  They aren’t interested in interacting with you or your children.

MYTH:             Caregivers cause the establishment of feral colonies.

TRUTH:             Feral cats naturally congregate in colonies.

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