Feral vs shy domestic cat

I found a cat in my backyard this morning and I am so worried about it!! It looks thin but not emaciated. It hissed at me when I tried to get close but then ran under my porch. I am trying to figure out if this is a feral cat or just a really shy domestic cat that got lost. I don't want to trap it if it's feral, but I also don't want to leave it out there if it's just scared. Coco is hiding under the bed again, so the house is tense. Has anyone dealt with this specific distinction before? I need to know if I should call the humane society or try to foster it myself.

It is difficult to tell from a distance, but posture is a good indicator. Feral cats tend to hold their tails straight down or tucked tight, whereas a domestic cat, even a shy one, often holds the tail up or puffs it out defensively. I would suggest leaving a plate of wet food outside near the porch. If it eats while watching you, it is likely domestic. If it only eats when you are gone, it may be feral. You can read more about behavioral cues in tell if cat is feral or just scared.

As a vet tech, I can tell you that many 'feral' cats are actually just severely under-socialized domestic cats. The difference often comes down to their reaction to confinement. If you can get them into a carrier, a domestic cat will usually settle down after a while, even if they scream at first. A true feral cat will fight the carrier aggressively and continuously. I have a thread on getting shy cat into carrier for vet that might help you with the trapping aspect if you decide to go that route.

Oh my gosh, I feel for you. My cat Mia is super shy and when we first adopted her, she didn't come out of her hiding spot for three days. I remember panicking because I thought she was sick. It is really hard to tell the difference. I would definitely try the food test Donna suggested. I left out some of the stuff from what to feed a stray cat and she came out in the rain to eat it. If this cat eats in front of you, that is a huge sign it is just scared, not feral. Keep the environment quiet like beth_b96 suggested in her other thread.

Please be careful with your own cats while you are doing this. I know Coco is already stressed. I would suggest setting up a small carrier outside the porch entrance. Some cats will walk into a carrier voluntarily if it is open and has a blanket inside. If it does not, you may need to call a trap. Also, remember that if you do get it inside, you need to isolate it from your other pets. See quarantine period for new cats for how long to keep it separated. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Thank you all! I think the food test is a good place to start. I am going to leave some out tonight. If it eats in front of me, I will try the carrier method. If not, I will call the local rescue. I am so worried it is feral because I don't know how to handle those, but I read socializing a feral kitten and it seems like even adults can be socialized with enough time? Or is that only for kittens? I really hope it is just a lost domestic cat.