Are feral cats happy and healthy since, after all, they are living free?
In fact, domestic cats are not equipped to survive unaided in Catalina’s wildlands and they also live a difficult life in the city. Despite the best efforts of those helping them and because of their shear numbers, they face severe shortages of food, shelter and veterinary care. In the interior, their lives can be extremely difficult and inhumane as they brave extreme heat during the summers and may not have sufficient fresh water. Being unfamiliar with cactus, they often sustain injuries that, untreated, become infected. They are also injured in fights with other cats and appear to interact negatively with the endemic Catalina Island fox, competing for territories and prey and fighting. Rattlesnake bites can be disabling or fatal to feral cats. Domestic cats are by far healthiest in homes.
