Why does a cat become feral? - briefly
A cat becomes feral due to lack of socialization with humans during its critical socialization period, which typically occurs between 2 and 7 weeks of age. Additionally, cats may revert to a feral state if they are abandoned or neglected by their owners after having been previously socialized.
Why does a cat become feral? - in detail
A cat can become feral due to a combination of factors that lead to its separation from human contact and socialization. Feral cats are typically unsocialized cats that were born in the wild or abandoned by their owners and have had little to no positive interaction with humans. The process of a cat becoming feral is complex and involves several key aspects:
Firstly, the lack of early socialization plays a significant role. Kittens that are not handled or exposed to human contact during their critical socialization period, which typically lasts from 2 to 7 weeks of age, may fail to develop trust in humans. This early experience shapes their behavior and attitude towards people for the rest of their lives.
Secondly, abandonment or being lost can contribute to a cat becoming feral. When a pet cat is abandoned or becomes lost, it must fend for itself in an unfamiliar environment. Without human support and care, these cats often revert to a more primitive state, learning survival skills from other feral cats they encounter.
Thirdly, the absence of positive reinforcement from humans can lead to a cat becoming feral. Cats that are not provided with food, shelter, and affection by humans may associate human presence with negative experiences or lack of resources. Over time, this association can make them wary and aggressive towards people.
Fourthly, the influence of other feral cats is crucial. Feral cats often live in colonies where they learn survival strategies and behaviors from each other. Newly abandoned or lost cats may adopt these behaviors to survive, becoming feral themselves.
Lastly, the cat's genetic predisposition can also play a part. While all domestic cats have the potential to become feral given the right conditions, some breeds or individual cats may be more prone to reverting to a wild state due to their innate temperament and instincts.
In summary, a cat becomes feral primarily due to a lack of early socialization, abandonment or being lost, absence of positive human interaction, the influence of other feral cats, and possibly genetic predisposition. Understanding these factors is essential for preventing cats from becoming feral and for developing effective strategies to manage feral cat populations.