National Feral Cat Day – A Tribute to My Wild Cousins
17 October 2025

National Feral Cat Day – A Tribute to My Wild Cousins

Join Paow — South Africa’s sassiest black cat — as he celebrates National Feral Cat Day with wit, warmth, and whiskers! In this blog post, Paow explains what feral cats are, how they differ from strays, and how kind humans can help care for them through simple, compassionate actions like Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR), feeding stations, and outdoor shelters. Both informative and hilarious, this article is a heartfelt salute to the wild-at-heart felines who remind us that every cat deserves dignity, safety, and love — even under the stars.

 

 

Paow’s Blog: National Feral Cat Day – A Tribute to My Wild Cousins

By Paow the Cat, Esq. (Chief Mouser, Philosopher, and Occasional Napper)

 

Hello, my fabulous human readers!

Paow here — your favourite sleek, sophisticated black cat with just enough sass to fill nine lives. Today, I’m stepping away from my usual glamour and tuna snacks to discuss something very important: National Feral Cat Day (celebrated every year on October 16th).

 

Now before you ask, “Paow, what’s a feral cat? Are they like you, just with a bad hair day?” — allow me to pounce in with some clarity.

 

What Exactly Is a Feral Cat?

 

A feral cat is a feline who was born and raised in the wild — meaning they’ve never known the cozy luxury of a lap, a laser pointer, or that thing you humans call “Netflix.” They’re not stray cats (who were once pets and got lost or abandoned); ferals are truly wild-at-heart creatures. Think of them as the lions of the alleys, the tigers of the trash bins — brave, independent, and a bit suspicious of your kind.

 

They live in groups called colonies, usually near food sources like farms, factories, or backyards with kind humans who can’t resist putting out a saucer of milk (though please — milk is so last century, and not good for cat tummies, unless diluted with enough water to just show a snow white colour!).

 

How You Can Help Feral Cats (Without Losing a Finger)

 

If you want to help my rugged cousins live safer, healthier lives, here’s how you can do it the right way:

 

1. Support TNR (Trap–Neuter–Return)

This is the gold standard of feral cat care. Cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered (to prevent more kittens being born into hardship), vaccinated, and then returned to their outdoor homes. It’s kind, effective, and — dare I say — downright clever.

 

2. Provide Shelter

Even a simple box lined with straw or an old cooler turned into a cat cabin can save lives during cold or wet nights. Feral cats appreciate privacy, warmth, and a roof that doesn’t leak — much like me.

 

3. Offer Food and Fresh Water

Feeding stations with clean water and dry food are a big help, especially when natural food sources are scarce. Bonus points if you keep the area tidy so the neighbors don’t hiss at you.

 

4. Spread the Word, Not the Myths

Many humans think feral cats are pests — but they actually help control rodent populations and keep local ecosystems balanced. Be their voice. Educate others. And please, don’t ever dump unwanted cats outdoors. They deserve better than that.

 

Why National Feral Cat Day Matters

 

This day isn’t just about cats — it’s about compassion. It’s a reminder that every living being, even the scruffiest alley cat, deserves dignity, care, and respect.

 

And if you’re wondering whether feral cats can become pets — sometimes, yes. Especially kittens. But for most adult ferals, their hearts belong to the moonlit wild. They’re happiest outdoors, as long as humans help make that life safer.

 

A word from Yours Truly 🐾

 

So, on this National Feral Cat Day, I raise my tail high to salute my untamed brothers and sisters. You may not wear collars, but you wear courage. You may not sleep on Granny’s couch, but you sleep beneath the stars — and that’s pretty majestic too.

 

And to the kind humans reading this: thank you for caring. Keep feeding, fixing, and fighting the good fight.

 

Until next time — stay purr-litical, stay pawsitive, and remember: kindness is the cat’s meow.

 

With love and a flick of my tail,

Paow

Chief Advocate for Feline Dignity

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾