Definition & Meaning of "alley cat"

What is an "alley cat"?

The term "alley cat" is often used to describe stray or feral cats that live in urban or suburban areas and do not have a permanent home or owner. These cats may have been abandoned or born in the wild, and they often survive by scavenging for food, finding shelter in abandoned buildings or alleys, and navigating their surroundings with resourcefulness and adaptability. Alley cats may form loose social groups, known as feral cat colonies, and rely on their instincts and survival skills to thrive in their urban or suburban environments.