Feral vs. Stray
Not all outdoor cats are feral. Nancy Peterson, feral cat expert for the Humane Society of the United States, says the population known as free-roaming cats includes*:

• Indoor/outdoor cats that roam neighborhoods. These are pets and wandering does not make them 'wild.'
• Cats that were once pets but have been abandoned or gotten lost and have learned to survive on their own or joined feral coloinies. When the cats mated their offspring were never handled by humans, so the kittens became feral. These cats, when captured, can usually be resocialized to live with humans. But their initial reaction to being captured is often frantic and they can be mistaken for being feral.
• Feral cats, which are generally one generation or more removed from being house pets, aren't socialized to humans and can rarely be tamed. But their kittens, if caught young, can become house pets. The degree of "feralness" (i.e. wildness) can vary considerably from one cat to the next but in general feral cats have not had contact with humans.
  
  *Source: USA Today May 7, 2008

Feral cat housing
Cats are usually adopted in pairs to increase bonding. The outdoor home must provide food, water and shelter sufficient for Wisconsin winters. Ideal housing is a barn that provides the feral cats with adequate shelter and allows easy access into and out. If a barn is not available, a feral cat shelter can be built or provided. This can be done inexpensively. Please see our Outdoor Shelters page and Alley Cat Allies' instructions on building cat shelters.

Feral cat confinement/acclimation period
It is essential for the cats to be confined in their new home for a period for 3-4 weeks so they become familiar with their new environment and remain on the premises. This is a necessary part of a successful relocation: the cats need to regard their new home as a permanent feeding station before being permitted to roam. If owners do not confine the cat the cat will most likely run away and become injured or worse. The cat should be confined in a small building such as a milk house. If this structure is not available large dog crates can be used. Dane County Friends of Ferals will loan these to anyone willing to care for feral cats.

Acclimating feral cats to humans
During the confinement period we recomend the new owner visits the cat daily to ensure the cat is bonding to his new location. Talking to teh cat helps them overcome their ingrained fear of humans. A radio tuned in to a talk show is also helpful.

Feeding feral cats
The new owner must provide the cat with fresh food and water daily during the confinement period and every day afterwards. Even though the cat may supplement their diet through "organic rodent control" fresh food on a daily basis is essential to keep the cats healthy.

The presence of dogs and feral cats
If dogs are present at the new home, their interaction with the feral cats will need to be monitored at the beginning. Although it may not be a problem, the dogs should be introduced to the cats slowly and not be allowed to chase the cats or they will run away.

Summary
The majority of effort required of the caregiver is during the confinement period. Once feral cats are released, the caregiver need only provide the cats with fresh water and food on a daily basis.

For more information:

Alley Cat Allieshas lots of great information on caring for feral cats as well as starting a TNR program in your community.

Fretful Felines
Dr. Susan Krebsbach, founder of the Dane County Friends of Ferals, explains and demonstrates the gentle handling and restraint of anxious cats in this DVD. It was developed to assist rescue organizations and veterinary clinics with an effective way of handling anxious cats, allowing the cats to be less apprehensive. Dr. Krebsbach uses her extensive experience with both feral and tamed cats as the background for this instructional DVD. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this DVD will be donated to Dane County Friends of Ferals. Visit www.creaturecounseling.com/Products.html to purchase the DVD.