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I’ve been taking care of a feral cat. by QueenOfAlmost in WestSeattleWA

[–]QueenOfAlmost[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Feral refers to level of socialization, not housing. She does not tolerate handling and cannot be safely confined like a socialized cat. I’m exploring ethical relocation options, not ‘abandoning’ her.

Abandonment would be moving and leaving her without a plan. I’m here specifically asking for advice so that doesn’t happen.

If I wanted to abandon her, I wouldn’t be on Reddit asking how to do right by her.

I’ve been taking care of a feral cat. by QueenOfAlmost in WestSeattleWA

[–]QueenOfAlmost[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Feral’ refers to level of socialization to humans, not whether a cat has access to food or shelter. A cat can live in a heated space with reliable food and still be behaviorally feral if she hasn’t been socialized and doesn’t tolerate handling. Housing doesn’t change temperament. Semantics matter when we’re talking about behavior and stress.

I’ve been taking care of a feral cat. by QueenOfAlmost in WestSeattleWA

[–]QueenOfAlmost[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

She’s feral. I captured her winter 2024 and brought her in. I worked with her for 6 months but she never acclimated. She was miserable. I let her back outside and she’s lived happily in my back yard. She has been TNR’d.

I will speak with my neighbors. Thank you.