When people talk about how to get rid of a stray cat, they are usually referring to a feral cat. There is a difference. Stray cats are domesticated cats that were abandoned or separated from their owners. Feral cats are cats born in the streets, have never had a home, and have reverted to their wild roots.
You cannot differentiate the two from their appearance, as they generally look the same. However, you can discern the wild ones from the domesticated ones by their behavior.
Stray cats are more approachable; they are more trusting and typically remain calm when approached by humans. Feral cats run away when they see a human approaching and hiss and claw when threatened. Do not try to catch a feral cat on your own. They can be dangerous. Call the animal control or rescue shelter and let the professionals to the hunting.
Keep in mind that whether or not a cat is a stray, there is never a reason to hurt or kill them.
Photos by Olympus E-620....edited LR3.
