Are feral cats considered wildlife? Is it legal to trap feral cats and take them to an animal shelter?

No, in Illinois feral cats are not considered wildlife. They are not protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code. It is legal to live-trap feral cats and take them to an animal shelter. However, feral cats can be carriers of disease, and they will try to bite and scratch once they are caught. So caution is needed when trapping them and transporting them to a shelter. Your local animal shelter can provide tips on the best way to trap the cats, and may be able to provide trapping assistance.

Can you tell me where to find the requirements on live Trapping feral cats? Specifically how long a cat can remain in a trap. I know in wildlife you have to check a trap at least every 24 hours. But I can't find specifics on trapping ferals. I'm dealing with a situation of someone leaving Ferals in traps for extended amounts of time and I'm trying to find the exact statute pertaining to this.