WHAT IS A FERAL CAT?
A feral cat is a cat that has reverted back to a wild state.  It may be a domestic housecat who has been abandoned or gotten lost or the offspring of such a cat.

Feral cat populations can grow fast because an unspayed female cat can (and often will) have litters only four months apart. Within five months from their birth, her kittens can (and often will) begin to have litters of their own and so on. Within five years, a single cat can be responsible for the births of thousands of kittens.

WHAT IS A FERAL CAT COLONY?
A feral cat colony is a group of cats who live together, breed with each other, and generally avoid human contact. 

Unfortunately, feline diseases are common among feral cat colonies because unlike owned cats, ferals have no one to ensure that they receive medical attention. 

Ironically, feral cat colonies are often supported by well-intentioned citizens attempting to help the plight of these cats by providing food. However, providing food for feral cats without providing medical attention unfortunately only serves to create a growing population of homeless cats doomed to a poor quality of life.

Sunnyvale Animal Control requests that residents NOT feed feral cats.

WHAT IS THE LIFE OF A FERAL CAT LIKE?
The average feral cat only lives for three years. Serious diseases such as feline leukemia and feline AIDS can spread amongst feral cats as they are easily transmitted from one unvaccinated cat to another.  Other risks that feral cats face are predation, starvation, and the ever-present threat of being hit by a car. Unspayed female ferals can spend their entire lives either pregnant or trying to nourish their kittens. While unneutered males, prone to fighting, can risk death from untreated wounds.

IF YOU ARE FEEDING A FERAL CAT:
Please be advised that you are legally responsible for the health and welfare of the animals you feed. Consistent feeding of a feral cat may make you it's legal caretaker.  If you are feeding feral cats please ensure that they receive the proper vaccinations to keep them healthy. Please also assume responsibility to help end the cycle of homeless cats by having the cats spayed or neutered (Trap-Neutered-Release). (Also, be aware that you may be unintentionally attracting other, possibly disease-carrying, animals - such as rats, raccoons or skunks - into the area).

Low cost spay/neuter available.  See Spay/Neuter Resources.