Feral Cats

The wild cats from Colorado
By: Mark Apsen
February 2007
10:17 AM

 Caption: Jim's feral cat hisses in shock

 Who are the mysterious animals, that seem to have no bodies? Who, makes the bushes rustle, when really, it seems that no one is there? This would be Colorado's mostly friendly, mostly solitary, mostly hunters, and mostly CATS strange little wild things. They love using a house hold cat, or another cat, to help them out. Not entirely, as slaves, but proving dominance over the other cat. These cats are in charge! They are normally a dark color and blend in with there surroundings very well, unlike other cats. They hang out in large, vast areas of land, marking their borders frequently. They often, make a nest out of twigs and leaves, leaving it in a hidden area. A feral cat, likes to play tricks on people- and almost are never caught- so watch out! Normally, where they live, is around small animals, or livestock. Such as chickens, mice, hamsters, and other small rodents. Chickens are easy for it too take down- so farmers close up your pens tightly. They mate with few female cats around, and if they do the cats born would be a mixed cat breed. These cats are also freakishly fast! Their instincts, are to gain food- and do anything they can to achieve it. They love soft things, so don't take your favorite blanket outside, near the woods or running water- also, feral cats enjoy the water! Unlike other cats.

  I was down in Colorado the other day, and my friend commented that whenever he went into his woods, he heard a hissing sound. As a reporter, I was curious. A few days later we found the cat- which is located in the picture above. Jim-my friend- allowed me to go into the woods, and we found the cat camping out behind the barn. It was sleeping, and seemed to be in shock, when it woke up. I didn't escape after some claws scoring my face.

   Rule Number One: Don't scare a feral cat (unless you want four stitches in your face)
   Rule Number Two: Speak nicely to the cat, they can understand what you say
   Rule Number Three: If the cat never shows it's face, but you can hear it- it likes you but never try to coax it out. (See rule one and two for more detail.)
   Rule Number Four: Don't go anywhere near the feral cat's nest, it can smell that you have been there and may react, or stay away from you
   Rule Number Five: Never chase the cat
   Rule Number Six: Try not to hunt the cat, as it prefers to be left alone


See page 45 for more on the wild cats from Colorado