Feral cats A feral cat lives outdoors and has never been socialized with humans. They are not aggressive when left alone but may act with aggression if too much contact is attempted by a human and the cat does not have a visible escape route.
Semi-feral cats A semi-feral cat has had some contact and experience with humans and has developed a comfort level with humans due to feeding, receiving medical care or similar contacts, but is unsuitable as an indoor pet.
Social cats While social cats are more likely to seek out attention from humans and may allow petting on their terms, behavior can vary between individuals, and not all cats tolerate handling. It should be noted that these cats may be owned, outdoor-dwelling cats. Check for a spay/neuter tattoo or ear tip, and a microchip before bringing a socialized cat in for TNR/SNR services.