Contrary to popular belief, domesticated kitties aren’t prepared to fend for themselves and thrive outside of human care. Too many stray cats are rescued by VOKRA who are starving, emaciated, dehydrated and in poor health overall, with issues ranging from fleas, to ear mites, to injuries sustained by protecting themselves or their territories from other animals.

This is especially true in cats who used to have owners and have been abandoned to their own devices. These cats are accustomed to being looked after - fed, watered with a roof over their head - and haven’t learned how to take care of themselves. This gives them even less opportunity for long term survival if left on the street. Luckily, there are organizations such as VOKRA that can help kitties who have been abandoned, if and when they’re found in time.

When Harmon came to VOKRA in March 2022 he was starving and dehydrated to the point he was unable to stand without falling back down. He was covered in mud, had a bad eye infection and needed eye drops. He spent his first couple of days at VOKRA on IV fluids and, as he had a suspicious ringworm-looking lesion, he was kept isolated. Happily he tested negative for ringworm and his patchy fur is likely due to malnutrition, as well as having some hair fall out during the process of trying to wash out the caked-on mud.

“Harmon’s lucky VOKRA was called in when they were,” says Kathryn Melnyk, volunteer medical team lead. “I don't think he would've survived a few more days.”

Harmon’s approximately 5 years old and was neutered prior to coming into VOKRA’s care. It’s clear he’s not feral as he’s a sweetheart with people and starts to purr and knead when given care and attention. All very strong signs that he likely used to have an owner. He’s not microchipped or tattooed and searching through missing cat sites brings no results. Unfortunately, we’ve concluded that poor Harmon was abandoned.

Pets like Harmon aren’t equipped to survive on the streets. While cats should have some instincts that will help them stay alive, and some do, a domestic cat hasn’t been prepared for life on their own. Because pets are fed, they haven’t had to hunt or fight for their food, and many simply don't know that killing for food is necessary. They’ve been taught to rely on humans, which means they lose, or don’t learn, survival instincts because they trust there will always be someone there to feed and care for them. They haven’t been taught the necessary skills they need to live outdoors. A domestic cat forced to live by itself is unlikely to survive on their own for long unless they find someone new to care for them.

Typically, if a domestic cat ends up living on the streets, it’s either gone missing or was abandoned. Abandoned cats are distraught, frightened and confused because they don’t understand why their situation has changed. This is especially true if they’ve spent their life as an indoor-only cat who all of a sudden is outside. Initially, the cat will spend its time and energy trying to return to their home. A cat who has never spent time outside won’t know how to properly defend itself, hunt for food or survive against the elements. They’re also unaware of local predators, like raccoons, birds of prey, coyotes and cougars. A cat’s only natural defense against a wild animal are its claws and natural fighting instincts. And if attacked, the cat has no way to seek help or medical care. It’s very easy for a wound to become infected or for a cat to become injured to the point where they can no longer hunt for food independently.

We’ll never really know how Harmon came to be out on his own, but he was lucky he was found by a caring person who knew to call a rescue group for help. He’s now on the road to recovery and has moved into foster care. From there he’ll eventually find his true forever home and family.

If you see a cat in need of help, please be sure to reach out to a local rescue group or animal shelter.

Here are some photos of Harmon in his foster home!

Rescuing Harmon: Not All Kitties Can Fend for Themselves

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