Dogs and Cats (live in, food, rated)

[Pintada Kid]

Wouldnt it be logical to Assume that over the years all those unwanted dogs and cats go wild and breed with the Wild animals out there and even run in packs and dont want to mix with people so we never see them? This would apply to any State that has lots of mountains and forests and even farmland areas but in some of our Wilderness areas im sure these animals can easily survive much better then with people. el pintada kid

[Old Gringo]

I think most domestic dogs and cats that owners take out into the boondocks and turn loose end up being coyote or cougar prey. Domestic animals have little chance of survival in the wild. I have run into packs of feral dogs deep in the boonies before, though. Luckily, I was armed.

[RamblinRoseRanch]

Feral dogs were pretty prevalent where I grew up. Back there, unwanted animals were taken to the auger roads (waaaaay back in the woods where mining companies had worked before the mines dried up) and turned loose. Those that could toughened up and went feral. Those that couldn't fed those that could.

[catman]

Some of the dogs just might, but it's unlikely. The big ones would have a chance, although small. Cats wouldn't have any chance at all, because they aren't close enough genotype-wise to interbreed with any of the North American wild cats. Bobcats are considerably bigger than domestic cats, and they just get bigger from there. Most domestic dogs and cats would probably die rather quickly anyway, since most aren't used to fending for themselves.

[songinthewind7]

My dog can run extremely fast so I think he could survive in the wild but I usually don't let him out after dark to run anyway.

[Minathebrat]

Australia actually has a huge feral cat population as in like 12 million of them!

Apparently they are considered an "invasive" species, and some don't like them, though from what I've read, some Aboriginal people say the cats were here before the Europeans...so, they'll have to figure it out.

Cats are pretty crafty.

[lisdol]

Oh my gosh my cat would be coyote food in a new york minute. He has our 41 lb puppy scared of him with his growling and hissing, but I doubt he'd make it in the wild.

[hyw60 -kid]

I live in the central Mountains of New Mexico on a ranch. We are 15 miles from the nearest town. About 99% of the domesticated animals that get dumped around here usually will get dehydrated and starve within a week or so. Unless they are lucky enough to get eaten by coyotes or if small enough owls or harks .

[chilegal]

Originally Posted by hyw60 -kid

I live in the central Mountains of New Mexico on a ranch. We are 15 miles from the nearest town. About 99% of the domesticated animals that get dumped around here usually will get dehydrated and starve within a week or so. Unless they are lucky enough to get eaten by coyotes or if small enough owls or harks .

Welcome to the threads.

And I agree that animals that are dumped will starve or get eaten. It sure makes me wonder why people do not take care of their animals and get them fixed, so they do not dump the litters.

[RamblinRoseRanch]

Probably the same reason they don't here- some people refuse to put out any cash for their critter's care. Anything beyond food and water isn't provided.