How to Tell Look-Alike Feral Cats Apart
Five black cats at the bowls, and you're not sure if the one by the fence is Shadow or Pepper. Every caretaker has been there. Here's what helps.
Look for the small marks
Most "identical" cats aren't. Look for:
- a white spot on the chest, belly or toes;
- a kink or bend in the tail, or a short tail;
- a notch or nick in an ear;
- an ear tip (more on that in our ear tip guide);
- eye color, which varies more than you'd think;
- size and build, and whether the face is round or narrow.
Pick one or two marks per cat that you can see from a few feet away. Those are the ones that matter at dusk.
Take photos from more than one side
One photo from the front often isn't enough. Try to get the face, one side, the tail and any marks. Photos taken in daylight are easier to compare later.
Notice habits, not just looks
Who always eats from the same bowl? Who arrives first, who hangs back, who comes from a certain direction? Habits are often the fastest way to tell two look-alikes apart.
Write it down where you'll see it
The best notes are the ones you have with you at the feeding spot. In FeralCatTracker you can give each cat up to four photos and a list of its marks, so the answer is on your phone when you need it.