Facts & Information
What is the Difference Between a Stray Cat and a Feral Cat?
A feral cat is a cat that has never had social contact with a person, whereas stray cats have had social contact with a person at some point in their life. Feral cats are born in the wild and live in colonies. Stray cats were once household pets that lost or left their domestic home. Feral cats are scared of humans and will avoid contact. Although they are shy, they will claw, scratch, and bite if threatened. According to the Wisconsin DNR, “the feline population has tripled over the last four decades with about 2 million feral cats roughly estimated in Wisconsin.”
Why Do I Have Them?
Stray and feral cats will often enter properties looking for food, water, and shelter. Underneath porches, decks, and sheds are potential places for cats to make a home. We recommend homeowners not feed stray cats because of the problems they create. They kill thousands of songbirds in Wisconsin every year. Cats also make noise and unpleasant odors. Additionally, according to the CDC, “feral cats have been the primary animal responsible for the transmission of rabies to humans in the United States.”
Treatment & Control
How Do I Get Rid of Stray & Feral Cats?
Cat Removal & Trapping
Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control specializes in stray and feral cat removal. Live trapping is the most effective and humane way to remove a cat. Our wildlife specialist will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify problem areas. We will safely catch and take stray and feral cats to rehabilitators or human societies.
Exclusion
Preventative exclusion services are an essential step in effective animal control. Our deck trenching services keep cats, skunks, and woodchucks from digging underneath your deck or shed. We utilize heavy-duty wire mesh panels to prevent burrowing animals from building dens under such structures. Securing trash cans and removing pet food will also help avoid feral and stray cat problems.
Cat Removal & Trapping
Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control specializes in stray and feral cat removal. Live trapping is the most effective and humane way to remove a cat. Our wildlife specialist will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify problem areas. We will safely catch and take stray and feral cats to rehabilitators or human societies.
Exclusion
Preventative exclusion services are an essential step in effective animal control. Our deck trenching services keep cats, skunks, and woodchucks from digging underneath your deck or shed. We utilize heavy-duty wire mesh panels to prevent burrowing animals from building dens under such structures. Securing trash cans and removing pet food will also help avoid feral and stray cat problems.
Breeding Season
The reproduction of feral cats is one of the major concerns regarding these animals. They breed year-round and produce dozens of kittens that are often as aggressive as their parent cats. Therefore, we will take them to facilities where they will be spayed or neutered and socialized.
Where Do Cats Live?
Stray and feral cats are found throughout Wisconsin. They live outdoors in colonies in farmlands, suburbs, and cities. Abandoned buildings, old barns, garages, and underneath decks are potential places for these cats to build dens.
What Do Cats Eat?
Stray and feral cats are carnivores. They primarily eat small rodents, birds, and insects.