Troy - don't worry, I didn't feel provoked at all! Even if I did, I love a good argument! I only mentioned my soapbox because a couple of times I've been accused of "flaming" because I spoke my mind! It was a kind of an "inside joke", nothing else.

You are probably right about the difference between exurban and urban/suburban ferals' lifespan differences. However, one of the reasons I always assumed feral cats have a hard life is the fact that they have 4-6 kittens per litter. Anyone who does even a cursory study of nature knows that the more young born (or hatched) at once, the less likely all survive to adulthood. But, that is admittedly only an assumption on my part.

Also, I agree with you, Spencer, about the risk of rabies in cats. I did say it was rare! But maybe it was less than I thought.

That's what I love about this site, always a chance to educate myself!