National Feral Cat Day (16 October)

National Feral Cat Day

Created by Alley Cat Allies in 2001, National Feral Cat Day is observed on 16 October each year to raise awareness of the estimated 50–80 million community cats living outdoors in the United States, and the millions more worldwide.

Date 16 October (annually)

Focus Feral & community cat welfare, TNR

Founded by Alley Cat Allies (USA)

How to participate Online & local events worldwide

What is a community cat?

Community cats — also called feral cats, outdoor cats, or free-roaming cats — are domestic cats (Felis catus) that live outdoors without a traditional owner. They range from fully feral individuals with no human socialisation to semi-feral cats that accept food from people but will not be handled, to stray cats that have lost their previous home and retain socialisation.

The welfare challenges of community cats are significant: they face road traffic, predation, disease, and harsh weather. They also pose a welfare challenge to wildlife. National Feral Cat Day focuses on practical, evidence-based management rather than debate about their status.

Trap-Neuter-Return: the evidence

TNR is the primary focus of advocacy on National Feral Cat Day. The method involves:

Humanely trapping cats using box traps
Taking them to a vet for neutering/spaying, vaccination (at minimum rabies), and health check
Ear-tipping the left ear tip under anaesthesia — a universal sign that a cat has been TNR'd
Returning the cat to its original outdoor home

Population modelling studies, including research cited by Alley Cat Allies and Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2019), show that sustained TNR in a managed colony stabilises and gradually reduces colony size. Lethal control, by contrast, leads to "vacuum effect" reinvasion — new cats move into vacated territory.

Ear tipping. The small notch cut from the left ear tip is the universal signal that a cat has been neutered. An ear-tipped cat found outdoors should not be re-trapped for surgery. It is already treated.

How to get involved

Find a local TNR programme

Use the Alley Cat Allies programme finder (US) or contact Cats Protection (UK) to find TNR support in your area.

Donate to a rescue

TNR is cost-effective but not free. Local rescues operating colonies often need funding for trap hire, veterinary costs, and food. Many run specific campaigns on 16 October.

Report a cat in need

If you spot an injured, very thin, or sick-looking community cat, report it to a local rescue or your local authority animal services. Do not attempt to treat it yourself.

Spread accurate information

Much public debate about feral cats relies on inaccurate claims. Sharing evidence-based resources — such as those from International Cat Care — helps change policy.

Frequently asked questions

What is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)?

TNR is a humane population management method for feral and community cats. Cats are humanely trapped, neutered or spayed, vaccinated, ear-tipped (a small notch on the left ear as identification), and returned to their outdoor home. Alley Cat Allies and independent research show TNR stabilises and gradually reduces colony populations without lethal control.

What is the difference between a feral cat and a stray cat?

A stray cat is a domestic cat that has lost its home — it has been socialised to humans and can often be re-homed. A feral cat has had little or no human socialisation and lives as a wild animal, typically in colonies. Most feral cats cannot be successfully re-homed as indoor pets. Cats Protection (UK) provides guidance on telling the difference.

How can I help community cats in my area?

Contact local rescue organisations about TNR programmes. In the UK, Cats Protection operates and supports TNR nationally. In the US, Alley Cat Allies' TNR programme finder locates resources by state. Providing consistent food and water, and reporting injured or sick cats to a rescue or vet, are also meaningful contributions.

Is it legal to feed feral cats?

Laws vary by country and municipality. In the UK there is no general prohibition on feeding stray or feral animals, but local councils may issue notices if colony feeding is causing nuisance. In the US, some cities have colony management ordinances that formalise caregiver responsibilities. Check your local authority's position before establishing a feeding station.

Can a feral kitten become a pet?

Yes, if it is young enough (under 8 weeks is ideal, before 12 weeks is possible) and handled regularly during the socialisation window. Older feral kittens require more patient, intensive socialisation work but many do bond with humans. Adult feral cats are generally not suitable for indoor re-homing. International Cat Care's feral cat guidance covers assessment and socialisation methods.