UK Laws on Keeping Feral Cats: Legal and Care Guide

The law surrounding animal welfare and domestic pets in the U.K. is often misunderstood. Bringing home a feral cat, for example, isn’t always as simple as purchasing a cosy bed and getting them registered with a vet.

However, you should know that in England, the law requires all domestic cats to be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks of age under new rules from June 2024. This mandatory measure helps ensure cats’ safety and links them to their legal owners. Feral cats, defined as free-living cats with little or no human contact, are exempt from compulsory microchipping due to the practical challenges of handling them.

Importantly, adopting or caring for a feral cat means you accept certain responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This includes ensuring the cat has sufficient food, water, shelter, and veterinary care when needed.

What is the Definition of a Feral Cat?

It is important to understand the difference between a feral cat, a stray, and a wildcat.

• A stray cat is one that has somehow lost its way from its home or has been abandoned by a family for any reason. Stray cats usually remain domesticated in some way.
• A feral cat is a feline that has never been a household pet and had no interaction with humans. They may have been born wild, often part of a stray mother’s litter and live in colonies for safety.
• Wildcats are a separate breed of feral feline that live exclusively in the Scottish Highlands. These cats are very rare, completely untameable, and must be kept away from domestic homes. Beware unscrupulous breeders selling these as domestic cats, as they can appear similar.

Feral cats behave very differently to typical pets. They are often unkempt, aggressive, and unwilling to share their space.

While there is no law preventing you from adopting a feral cat, you must be prepared for the significant commitment and challenges involved in caring for and potentially taming such an animal.

If you lack experience handling feral cats, it’s best to notify a local cat shelter rather than attempt to keep one yourself.

Is it Legal to Provide Feral Cats with Food and Water?

Yes, it is legal to provide stray and feral cats with food and water, similar to feeding other wildlife such as hedgehogs and songbirds. Nevertheless, feeding feral cats comes with responsibility.

Feral cats often live in colonies, so feeding one may attract many feral cats, which can lead to noise, fighting, and territorial disputes. People living in rural areas like farms find feral cats useful for controlling rodents, but you should know what you are committing to before deciding to feed them regularly.

How to Bring a Feral Cat Home Responsibly

If you decide to adopt a feral cat, especially a young one, take these steps to ensure their welfare and comply with the law:

• Register the cat with a vet for a full health check, including flea, worm, and vaccination treatments.
• Get the cat microchipped if it is socialised enough to be handled safely. This registers you as their legal owner and means you are responsible for their actions and welfare.
• Have the cat neutered to reduce aggression and unwanted breeding, especially since feral cats are prone to roaming at night.

Bear in mind many feral cats are resistant to domestication, especially older cats accustomed to living wild. Young feral kittens have a better chance to adapt.

If your attempts to integrate a feral cat fail, contact your local cat shelter where trained professionals can care for them appropriately.

Are Feral Cats Protected by Law?

Feral cats are protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which makes it illegal to wilfully mistreat or neglect them. They have the same protection as domestic cats against cruelty.

Unfortunately, if a feral cat is hit by a vehicle, the driver is not legally obliged to stop or report the incident, as is also the case with pet cats.

If you suspect mistreatment of feral cats or a nearby colony, report it to the police or the RSPCA immediately. Local shelters can be informed to manage the situation humanely.

Note that culling of feral cats is legal only under specific, controlled, humane conditions and must not be attempted by members of the public, who could face prosecution.

Could a Wandering Pet Cat Be Classed as Feral?

Not all cats seen roaming are feral. Many pet cats explore outdoors and may appear homeless but are not feral if they display friendly behaviour.

If you catch a wandering cat, you can take it to a vet to check for a microchip. Microchipping of cats is now mandatory in England, but not yet in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, though strongly recommended there.

Ultimately, understanding these differences is crucial to the responsible care and legal compliance regarding feral cats.