Street-dwelling cats resemble neighbors who live nearby, yet most people never see them or get to know their routines.
Wild cats tend to form loose colonies of about 15 to 20 individuals in areas where space and resources are scarce. They may inhabit empty lots, gardens, parks, or even abandoned structures where shelter and protection are available.
Female cats make up roughly sixty to seventy percent of these populations, with the remaining portion being male.
The territory is clearly marked even when it isn’t immediately obvious to the eye. Felines communicate ownership and boundaries through a combination of scent markers, urine deposits, and the secretions produced by glands located on the forehead and around the tail. They rub against walls, rocks, and trees to leave these signals behind, creating a recognizable map for others and paving the way for a more harmonious coexistence.
Yet with many factors in flux, these cats constantly adopt defensive postures that keep them close to cover. They prefer to stay on the move beside their sheltering zones and rarely venture into open spaces, even when other domestic cats are present. Preventive measures often prove wiser than corrective actions.
Despite the volatility of their environment, the average life expectancy of street cats remains relatively high. They face ongoing hazards, from accidents to mistreatment, with the risk heightening during hot seasons when resources become scarce and stress rises.
To manage population growth, female cats are frequently neutered. The process presents practical challenges, especially when capturing and performing surgeries on free-roaming animals. Scientists warn about the ecological impact of street breeding, noting potential threats to local wildlife and other species. Some people who care for these cats resist hearing such concerns, clinging to the belief that the situation will improve without broader intervention. When agreement falters, the consequences are paid by the animals themselves, underscoring the need for thoughtful, humane management and community collaboration.