When most people think of feral cats, they picture a scrawny cat roaming the streets searching for food. While it’s true that feral cats are often homeless and have to fend for themselves, they are very resourceful animals. One way they do this is by making dens. Read on to learn about feral cat dens and why you should know about them.
Do feral cats make dens?
It is a common misconception that feral cats do not make dens. On the contrary, these cats are experts at finding places to hide from the elements and predators.
Feral cats will often take up residence in abandoned buildings, garages, and even sewer systems.
If there is a place where a cat feels safe and sheltered from the outside world, chances are good that a feral cat has claimed it as its own.
Moreover, these animals are not above making their dens in the homes of unsuspecting humans.
While most people think of feral cats as lone creatures, the truth is that these animals often live in colonies.
When choosing a den site, feral cats will often consider the location of other colony members to stay close to their familial support system.
What is a feral cat den?
A feral cat den is a place where a wild cat feels safe. This can be an abandoned building, a storage shed, under a porch, or even in someone’s garage.
Feral cats will often make their dens in groups, with each cat having its own space.
The size of the den will depend on the size of the group and the availability of resources.
Why do feral cats need dens?
Feral cats need dens for several reasons.
- First, dens shelter them from the elements. This is especially important in winter when temperatures drop below freezing, and snowfall makes it difficult for them to find food.
- Second, dens protect them from predators. This is especially important for newborn kittens, which are not yet able to defend themselves.
- Finally, dens give feral cats a sense of security and belonging. In a world that is often hostile to them, having a safe place to call their own is crucial.
What should you do if you find a feral cat den?
If you come across a feral cat den, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Feral cats are wary of humans and will not hesitate to attack if they feel threatened.
If you must remove the den for some reason, such as if it is located on your property and you are concerned about damage or disease, contact your local animal control or humane society for assistance.
Conclusion
Feral cats are often seen as nuisance animals but are actually very resourceful creatures. One way they survive is by making dens. Dens shelter them from the elements and protection from predators. If you come across a feral cat den, the best thing to do is leave it alone. However, contact your local animal control or humane society for assistance if you must remove it.
[su_box title=”Affiliate Disclosure”]This website is supported by its readers. Please assume that all links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links we will make a commission from Amazon. Thank you.[/su_box]
