10/16/2026
Today is National Feral Cat Day. 🐾
Feral and community cats are often misunderstood, so here are some things to know if you come across one in the Charlotte area:
1 - Not every outdoor cat needs to be rescued. Healthy community cats can thrive outdoors and may have a regular source of food and shelter.
2 - Don’t try to pick up or pet a feral cat. If they’re unsocialized, they should only be handled by a professional.
3 - TNVR is one way to help. Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return helps stabilize community cat populations while allowing healthy cats to remain in their outdoor homes.
4 - Charlotte has resources to help. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control has community cat resources and lists local organizations that can assist with TNVR, including Friends of Feral Felines and the Humane Society of Charlotte.
5 - Found a healthy adult outdoor cat? Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control generally does not take in healthy adult roaming cats, so it’s important to understand the situation fully before bringing one to the shelter.