We often hear conflicting opinions about stray cats. Some believe they don't need help, others that they're dangerous, or that they don't suffer from life outdoors. However, the reality is quite different. Here are 10 common misconceptions… and the truth you need to know.
1. “Stray cats know how to fend for themselves.”
False. Their life expectancy on the street is 2 to 4 years , compared to 12 to 15 years for a domestic cat. They suffer from cold, hunger, disease, and accidents.
2. “They always find something to eat.”
Not really. An adult cat needs 250 to 300 calories a day . Many suffer from malnutrition, especially in winter when prey and food scraps become scarce.
3. “A stray cat is necessarily a wild cat.”
No. The majority of stray cats are abandoned domestic cats or their descendants. Some remain very close to humans, others become fearful for survival.
4. “They are not afraid of the cold thanks to their fur.”
False. Even if their fur thickens, below 0°C , a stray cat is at high risk of hypothermia without shelter.
5. “Never feed a stray cat.”
Feeding without organization can create imbalances, but structured feeding (appropriate kibble, clean water, fixed point) is vital for their survival.
6. “Stray cats inevitably spread diseases.”
They can carry the virus, but it's not inevitable. Sterilization and vaccination campaigns greatly reduce the risks.
7. “They are multiplying because the associations are doing nothing.”
False. Associations conduct sterilization campaigns for tens of thousands of cats every year , but without collective support, this remains insufficient.
8. “A stray cat is necessarily aggressive.”
No. Most simply avoid human contact out of fear. With time and patience, some even become tame.
9. “Shelters can take them all in.”
Impossible. Shelters in France already take in over 45,000 animals a year and lack resources. Animal care must also be provided on the streets, with shelters and monitoring.
10. “Installing a shelter is pointless.”
On the contrary. A shelter reduces heat loss by 40% , protects against the elements, and can save lives. It's a simple but vital action.
Restoring stray cats to their rightful place
Behind every misconception lies a reality often harsher than we imagine. Stray cats are not meant to live outdoors: they survive there, however precariously. But with awareness campaigns, acts of solidarity, and solutions like Miawi shelters , it is possible to improve their daily lives and reduce their suffering.
