For some, it is a title from birth, while others become feral by the need to survive. They may find shelter and scavenge near humans but have never known human touch. Others once had a home but lost it, ran from abuse in it or were dumped. Left on their own to survive and without continuing human contact, strays eventually will become feral.
Most feral cats live within colonies created in part by the urge to breed.
It can be a short hard life ending violently. No one knows how many feral cats are in the United States, but conservative estimates are in the millions. Each of these cats is at risk of being killed by a car, tortured by a sadist, or dying of starvation or disease. Despite their seemingly overwhelming numbers, it is possible to help these cats by humanely trapping them. Once caught, the cats should be transferred to a humane animal shelter or to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered, treated for worm and flea infestation, and then adopted.