The Feral Cat Population: Understanding the Numbers and the Impact

Feral and free-roaming cats are a common sight in communities across the United States, but just how many of them exist? The answer isn’t simple. Because feral cats don’t live in homes, tracking their population is difficult, and estimates vary widely.

Here’s what we have found based on research and expert estimates:

• The most recent estimates suggest there are between 60 and 100 million feral and stray cats in the U.S.

• A more conservative range suggests 30 to 80 million.

• Some studies indicate feral and free-roaming cats make up 18-49% of the total U.S. cat population.

• The National Feline Research Council suggests that the best available number is 32 million, with 76% living in urban areas.

While the exact number remains uncertain, one thing is clear: feral and free-roaming cats are a significant part of our communities, and their presence requires responsible management.

Feral Cats in Durham County

Looking closer to home, we can estimate the number of feral and free-roaming cats in Durham County, North Carolina using available data.

• Durham County’s population (2022): 333,292 people

• Estimated feral cats in Durham: 60000

• Estimated human-to-feral cat ratio in Durham: 5.55:1

This means that for approximately every 5.55 people in Durham, there is one feral or free-roaming cat.

How Does This Compare to National Estimates?

To put Durham’s numbers into perspective, we can compare them to national estimates. Based on the 2024 U.S. population estimate of 341.2 million people, here are the national human-to-feral cat ratios for various estimates of the cat population:

• 60 million feral cats: 5.69:1

• 100 million feral cats: 3.41:1

• 30 million feral cats: 11.37:1

• 80 million feral cats: 4.27:1

• 32 million feral cats: 10.66:1

This means that nationally, for about every 7 people, there is 1 feral or free-roaming cat. Durham’s estimated ratio was almost 6:1, very close to this national average.

Why Do These Numbers Matter?

Estimates help to explain the magnitude of the situation to the public. Understanding the scope of the feral cat population is essential for effective community-based solutions. Feral cats face challenges such as food scarcity, exposure to harsh weather, and disease. They also contribute to concerns about wildlife predation and overpopulation.

What Can You Do?

If you’re concerned about feral cats in your neighborhood, there are ways to help:

• Support TNR programs by volunteering or donating.

• Report cat colonies so they can be assessed for TNR.

• Educate your community about the benefits of humane management.

• Spay/neuter your pets and encourage others to do the same to prevent more cats from being abandoned.

If you’d like to get involved in local efforts to help feral cats, reach out to us! We’d love to chat about how you can make a difference.