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Cats have a variety of distinguishing external features. Some of these include triangular ears, and very large eyes. Cats actually have the largest eyes (relative to their body) of any mammal.

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Jose Luettgen

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2y ago
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9y ago

Cats have a variety of distinguishing external features. Some of these include triangular ears, and very large eyes. Cats actually have the largest eyes (relative to their body) of any mammal.

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12y ago

The physical characteristics of a feral cat don't differ that much from housecats. Feral cats usually have:

  • thicker winter fur with heavier shedding in spring (becomes normal thickness after being indoors)
  • coat may be rougher - but not unkempt (an untidy cat is often ill, even just a cold/respiratory infection makes cats groom less)
  • more hairballs from licking their thicker fur
  • rougher pads from walking on rough surfaces and hot surfaces (these soften after about 2 months being inside)
  • Males often have large jowls-- big fat areas alongside the cheeks. These are from being un-neutered and having testosterone. Once fixed, the male's jowls become smaller until normal size.
  • Males may have scratches or abscesses from fights over females or territory.
  • Males and females may have chinks or small V cuts in one or both ears from fights with other cats.
  • Females may be recurrently pregnant, and have malnutrition.

Emotionally

  • More shy or skittish if they have been betrayed, tormented or abused on the streets - BUT, if a feral cat has been fed and shown attention, he/she often becomes more trusting. If they haven't mastered trust and later get sick, the cat WILL turn to the person who has fed, watered, and given it attention.
  • Some Feral cats are SO docile that other cats will repeatedly put the shyer cat into an inferior "pecking order". These non-Alpha cats will be very shy, skittish, fearful, and may have looked downward for so long that the cat's neck has developed Arthritis from being unable to lift its head (a dominance trait). These are cats who need rescued the most, and it may take months indoors before the cat un-learns such submissiveness and begins to learn how to be a CAT again. But, they are also the most grateful for being rescued from their private terror of living on the streets.
  • Kittens who are not handled by 5 to 6 weeks old may never like being touched. The sooner a feral cat is rescued--preferably with its mother and litter mates-- the better chance at rehabilitation.
  • Even kitten who were never touched and grow up feral come to a point where THEY want to need a human. They may be somewhat distrusting, but an older cat (over 6 yrs old), an ill cat, a starving cat, or a dying cat will often seek out a human they feel is "safe". In males, this is often after they have lost their Alpha dominance to a younger, more fertile male. The once-Alpha cat is pushed out from its territory and truly needs a human at that point.

NOTE: It is a myth that no feral cat can be rescued and rehabilitated.

NOTE: Any feral who is adopted needs checked by a Vet AND spayed or neutered. AND, adoption is a lifetime commitment, even if you need to help the cat stop some bad behaviors. Spraying will stop usually after the cat is fixed.

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12y ago

A cat is a smaller version of a lion, or any big cat. They have similar features. Sharp teeth, pointed ears, long fur, upright tails, and small feet.

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9y ago

Cats can have fur or they can be hairless. They typically have large ears, round eyes that can vary in color, and large whiskers.

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12y ago

fluffy ears, long tails, cosy fur

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Q: What is the physical appearance of a Cat?
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