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Working With Feral (Wild) Cats

It's essential to human and animal health that feral cats are spay or neutered a.s.a.p. , and you must follow guidelines specifically for feral cats. Typically feral cats run away the minute you spot them. I have had the pleasure of getting to know several feral cats over the last decade. Some of these cats became loving pets; others remained wild and never allowed me to pet them. Some survive fairly well outdoors in rural or urban areas.

Feral cats are captured in humane traps by volunteers (i.e. you and me) and brought to special facilities or clinics who understand feral cats. While they are unconscious and being spayed or neutered a veterinarian typically checks them for signs of infectious disease. If he or she suspects the cat has a terminal illness that can be transmitted to other animals, or if the animal is very ill, severely injured or suffering from a painful condition they may euthanize the cat immediately. (None of the feral cats I trapped had to be euthanized despite poor conditioning and shabby coats). It's very important to find a veterinarian or a program that specializes in feral cat spay and neuter programs. I'll talk more about what to look for in future articles.

When you work with feral cats there are several things tips to help you successful complete a trap spay and release program. The first step is form a relationship. It can be achieved by the power of stinky food, respecting boundaries but pushing the edge, and acceptance.

When you first spot a wild cat that will not allow you to touch it or one that runs away, start placing stinky food out each night in the same location. Ideally, this should be a location you can view from inside your home or apartment. You want to make sure that the food is being eaten by the cat and not another nocturnal creature like possums or raccoons. Also, if you live in an urban area, place the food next to a tree or safe place so the cat can escape if there are any stray dog packs. Feral cats are often nocturnal so they are more likely to approach new situations at night.

The best type of food is either canned cat food or left over fish. Like all cats, feral cats are carnivores and need to eat meat. However, they often survive on poor diets like left over trash, snakes, mice, insects and birds. Don't feed too much food or something rich. Doing so may cause the cat to vomit or have loose stools, which can lead to dehydration. Start with one or two tablespoons of inexpensive canned food, tuna fish or a single sardine. Over time you can increase the food and add mineral content. Also, think about leaving out a small dish of clean water. Don't let the water sit though, it may attract bugs and if the feral cat has leukemia the water dish may spread the disease healthy cats in the area.

Kate Garvey is a former Vet Tech and animal rights supporter. She teaches Sound Healing Workshops (thoughout the US) and treats clients by appointment in the San Diego area. For more information on how you can use sound for optimal health please visit http://www.InstituteOfSoundHealing.com

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