Fact Sheet|


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Feral, stray, and pet cats are all members of the same species; they are all domestic cats. But stray cats and feral cats are also different from each other in a very important way—in their relationship to and interactions with people.

Whether you are a shelter worker, veterinarian, or feral cat advocate—or you just share your neighborhood with feral cats—knowing how to tell the difference can help inform how best to interact with a cat or what, if any, intervention would be in each cat’s best interest.

What is socialization?

We use the term “socialized” to mean cats who are friendly towards people—or cats who enjoy companionship with us in our homes.

Kittens becomes socialized by interacting with people—being held, spoken to, and played with—from an early age. If a kitten does not become accustomed to people holding her and petting her within this crucial window, she will grow up apprehensive of humans and will not be suited to or happy living in homes.


Pet and stray cats are socialized to people.



  • Over time, a stray cat can become feral as her contact with humans dwindles.
  • Another definition that may help:



Why does it matter?

  • Stray cats can readjust to living with people and can be adopted as companions.
  • Adult feral cats are not socialized to people, which means they cannot be adopted. As a result, they are likely to be killed if picked up by animal control or brought to shelters, so it is in their best interest to continue living outdoors.
  • Stray and feral cats can be difficult to tell apart, especially when they are trapped or frightened. Scared stray cats often need time to relax and show their level of socialization. Learn more.
  • Trap-Neuter-Return takes into account each cat’s level (or degree) of socialization to determine the best environment for them. Feral cats are returned to their outdoor home after being trapped and neutered. Socialized cats and kittens can be adopted into homes.

How do I tell the difference when the cats are outdoors?

Since it is difficult to determine each cat’s socialization during a stressful event such as trapping, it’s a good idea to observe cats on their own outdoors using the guidelines below. Remember that these guidelines are not hard and fast rules and that just one of these traits is probably not enough to draw a conclusion.

Bottom line: If a cat you don’t know approaches you or if you can touch her, she is most likely not feral. Not all stray cats will do this though, especially at first—each cat will act differently in a variety of situations. More monitoring using these guidelines may be necessary to determine if the cat is socialized.




May approach people, houses, porches, or cars

Will not approach and will likely seek hiding places to avoid people


Will likely live alone, not be part of a group

May belong to a colony


Might walk and move like a house cat, such as walking with tail up—a sign of friendliness


May crawl, crouch, stay low to the ground, and protect body with tail


Will probably look at you, blink, or make eye contact

Unlikely to make eye contact


May be vocal, meow, or “answer” your voice

Won’t meow, beg, or purr


Will be visible primarily during the daytime

More likely to be nocturnal; occasionally out during the day


Will probably be dirty or disheveled

Will probably have a clean, well-kept coat.

A male with a big head and thick neck, muscular body, and/or scars from fighting is more likely to be feral, since these are traits associated with intact males (and only 2% of feral cats are neutered in the U.S.). He may also have a spiky coat from high testosterone levels and less time spent grooming; may also have “stud tail”—hair loss, greasiness, or bumps at the base of the tail due to hormones.

Will not have an eartip

Will likely have an eartip if neutered as part of a TNR program


A female who is pregnant or lactating is more likely to be feral, since only 2% of feral cats are neutered in the U.S.

Alley Cat Allies recognizes that a cat’s level of socialization and behavior is not always black and white, particularly for feral cats who recognize their caregiver. They may show signs of familiarity, such as a tail up or hanging out on a caregiver’s porch, but these behaviors are usually limited to the cat’s interaction with the caregiver and only develop after building a relationship over time. Always remember: this does not mean that the cat is a good candidate for living indoors.

How do I tell feral and stray cats apart once I have trapped them?

When in a frightening or stressful environment—such as a trap or a shelter—a friendly stray cat may act like a feral cat, avoiding people and possibly even showing aggression to avoid being touched. “A lot of cats seem feral in traps but are just afraid,” explains Alley Cat Allies Feral Friend Genevieve Van de Merghel. Who can blame them? The cat is in a new and unfamiliar place.

Here are some ways that will help distinguish a feral cat from a scared stray cat when they are frightened, confined, or in a new place.




It may be possible to touch the cat eventually or she may tolerate a small amount of touching with an object

Can not be touched, even by a caregiver


May come to the front of the cage


Will likely stay in the back of the cage and retreat as far back as possible


May eventually rub against the cage in a friendly way

If jolted or frightened, may shake, rattle, or climb the cage, and could become injured banging into the cage


May relax over time

Will remain tense and unsocial


May investigate toys or food placed near the cage

Will likely ignore all people and toys, and possibly even food

May respond to household sounds like cat food cans or bags being opened

Will not show any familiarity or interest in household sounds


May hiss or growl to show anxiety


Will be aggressive and lash out if threatened or cornered (signs of aggression include ears back and eyes dilated)



What do I do next?

Once you have evaluated a cat and feel like you have a sense of the cat’s level of socialization, the next step is to get the cat neutered. From there, use your evaluation to do what’s in the cat’s best interest: