Cats

What's the difference between a feral and a stray cat? Watching a cat running around outside without a home might just be enough to melt your heart. But sometimes all the different terms used to describe homeless cats can get a little confusing. If you've ever wondered what's a feral cat versus a stray cat, you're not alone. Some people use the words interchangeably, but there really is a difference. A stray cat is more socialized, while a feral cat is very scared of people. But it's a little more complicated than that.

The average house cat lives a relaxing life filled with naps, naps, and more naps. But barn cats have a serious job to perform—controlling the rodent population in barns. You can help keep your hardworking barn cat happy and safe by providing the necessities: veterinary care, comfortable shelter, food, water, and fun. Let's take a closer look at each one.

Community cats are your local population of free-roaming felines. They include adults, kittens, healthy, sick, altered, unaltered, friendly, or feral (unsocialized and fearful of people) cats, and may or may not have a caregiver.

Taking your cat's temperature is easy to do at home with a little preparation. The most accurate way to take a cat's temperature is by gently inserting a lubricated thermometer into the cat's rectum. Pet-specific oral, ear, and skin thermometers are also available at many pet stores. These are easier to use, but may be less accurate than taking a rectal temperature.

Cats love to meow and "talk" to their owners, but sometimes it can get a little out of hand, even for the cutest fur babies. When your cat is meowing frequently and can't seem to stop, you may find yourself asking: "Why does my cat meow a lot?" Excessive meowing can have many causes, including boredom, wanting to talk with you, feeling hungry, or being stressed or sick. The key is learning to translate your cat's meows.

Have you ever woken up to find your cat sleeping on your chest or curled up on top of your legs? Or maybe your kitty likes to nestle on your lap while you're watching TV. Whatever the case, you've probably asked at some point, "Why does my cat lay on me?" Cats generally snuggle up with you because they love you and you help them feel warm, safe, and secure.

Do cats get bored? It's a valid concern. You want your fur baby to be happy and healthy, but you might worry that your cat doesn't have enough activities to stay entertained. A cat that over-grooms, eats too much, or becomes a little destructive might have too much pent-up energy because he's bored. You can help by providing lots of mental stimulation through interactive toys, playtime, cat trees and perches, and clicker training.

If you've ever spotted a pair of eyes peering at you from under the neighbor's porch or caught a glimpse of a furry tail disappearing around a corner, you've likely encountered a community cat. Community cats are your local population of free-roaming felines. They are often a diverse group made up of feral cats, strays, and outdoor pets. As populations of community cats have rapidly expanded, many people have wondered what, if anything, should be done to manage these growing colonies.

How do stray cats survive the cold weather every year? If you have a soft spot for kitties, then you've probably wanted to know how to keep a cat warm outside in winter. Long exposure to freezing temperatures can be dangerous, even for cats. You can help outdoor cats survive the winter by providing heated food and water alongside a dry, warm shelter that's safe from the elements.