3. Community Cats: Once lived in a home, but were lost or abandoned (Hisss!) or otherwise forced to survive on their own. Their behavior and posture will land somewhere between owned outdoor cats (confident and friendly) and feral cats. They may be approachable still, but depending on how long they've been on their own, may be shy, skittish or no longer enjoy being handled. They may have adapted to outdoor living, and appear to be fairly healthy. They may still rely on neighbourhood humans to feed them, and provide shelter.
How can you help? Monitor the cat's situation, and bring them to ACCC if they appear to be injured, unhealthy or a nuisance on private property. Rehabilitation can be possible in some circumstances, but will need to be done through the proper process.
4. Feral Cats: These cats are born wild, or have not had human interaction for a significant amount of time. Are completely self-sufficient, and rarely have injuries, frostbite or malnourishment issues. They will not allow themselves to be touched or handled, and will back away or run when approached. They remain fairly hidden, are usually nocturnal and will usually live in a colony in one territory with sufficient sources of food, shelter and water.
How can you help: Leave these cats alone, as they cannot usually be rehabilitated into domestic cats, except with very specialized training. Feral kittens can be brought in to ACCC at approximately 3 months of age, when they are no long dependent on their mother's milk.
Nicole Niska,
Owner, Paws the Cat Cafe
Diploma in Feline Behaviour and Psychology
When you have determined that a cat needs assistance, please consider the following steps:
1. Put up posters on mailboxes, talk to your neighbours, use your local community boards and Facebook groups to see if someone in your area owns or knows the cat.
2. Attach a paper collar to the cat before sending them back out, with your contact information to learn about the cat's situation.
3. Post pictures on Animal Care and Control's Facebook Page, as well as Edmonton Lost Pets and Edmonton and Area Lost Pets Facebook pages, as well as Kijiji.
4. Call 311 for instruction and guidance.
5. During business hours, the cat can be brought to Animal Care and Control for safekeeping, after business hours, or if the cat is in distress, it can be taken to Guardian Vetrinary Centre, as they offer 24 hour emergency services, and receive lost pets on behalf of the city. This should be done in emergency situations only.
6. Outside of business hours, if the found cat is healthy, secure it in a bathroom, garage or carrier until ACCC is open in the morning.
Together, we can work to keep our kitty friends safe and happy.