What To Feed Stray Cats: Dos and Don'ts

What To Feed Stray Cats: Dos and Don'ts

Written by: Karuna Subbiah

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Time to read 9 min

Feral cats, wild kitties, and stray cats - when it comes to abandoned felines, we refer to them by various mysterious names. They can be found peeking out from the backside of our house or sniffing around the neighborhood. These abandoned cats mostly share a similar destiny– short lives due to lack of food and shelter, etc. Chances are, you may find some of them begging for food at your door. And as a pet parent, we know that you feel very bad.


If so, it’s unlikely that you have cat food stocked up in your kitchen to feed them then and there, right? Also, a lack of knowledge of which food to offer and which not to, is a concern when you run to the pet store to get some. Therefore, we decided to help you to find what to feed a stray cat.

How to Approach Cats For The First Time

Before we head into the part where we will be discussing the dos and don’ts, let’s first learn how to attract or approach a cat if you want to feed them. Cats are very active and sensitive animals, they can sense threats easily and can react vigorously if not treated well. Approaching a cat can be harder than approaching a dog because of their fierce nature.


The best way to approach a cat is to be observant first, understand their behaviour at a particular time or during the whole day. There must be a place where that cat feels comfortable or rests. If a cat already has a feeder, he won’t come to you, so first determine that. If you find his comfortable place, bring the food to the place at the same time for the first few days and leave. Cats are very shy; they won’t eat if they find you staring at them, so better leave. Let them get comfortable with you and the food. It will take time, but with a proper routine, you will be able to approach that cat easily.

Dos And Don’ts Of Feeding Feral Cats

Dos: What Can You Feed A Feral Cat?

Dos of feeding feral cats

Tuna

It is one of the best food items to serve a stray cat. It is simple and plain food that smells pungent which encourages a nervous cat to eat or direct them towards the food bowl.


It is one of the best food items to serve a stray cat. It is simple and plain food that smells pungent which encourages a nervous cat to eat or direct them towards the food bowl . Various vets also suggest placing tuna in the first place on your cat food checklist to ease the feeding process. Tuna are high in nutritional content such as protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals. Try not to give Tuna to kittens as it can imbalance their digestive system. Also, avoid using canned tuna and always cook it well before serving it to a cat. 

For instance, you can go for Whiskas Tuna in Jelly Meal Adult Cat Wet Food . It is gluten and grain-free cat wet food  with no preservatives, colouring, or additives. You can check this product on Supertails to get a better understanding of the specifications and features of this food.

Chicken and beef

Another great option to feed cats is simply cooked (boneless) chicken. Chicken has high nutritional content making it best for fulfilling most of the nutritional needs. They are high in protein, carbohydrates, and essential amino acids. Giving chicken and beef during summer can act as a good hydrating meal as these are high in moisture content which will fulfil their water requirement. To make it more delicious, one can add a little plain boiled rice or even unseasoned scrambled eggs to the dish.

You can buy some healthy chicken cat food from various online pet stores for different cats. For adult cats, you can consider Whiskas Chicken in Gravy Adult Cat Wet Food for senior cats and  Whiskas Chicken in Gravy Meal Kitten Wet Food  for small kitties. 

Plain Rice Or Sweet Potato

Plain rice and sweet potato are good fixes for a starving feral cat. Rice can be beneficial for cats who are facing digestive issues as they are easy to digest carbohydrates and are high in fiber content. On the other side, potatoes act as an addition that will keep them full for a long time and will also satisfy their hunger. These can be great options to offer. Just make sure to not provide them with stale food as it can do more harm than good.

Don’ts : What You Should Not Feed A Federal Cat?

 Don’ts Of Feeding Feral Cats

Dog food

Many times, if you are out of cat food, the next best thing you may think of feeding them is dog food. However, this is not such a good idea.


Pet foods are specifically made and processed to suit the stomach of different animals. That said, dog food is ideal for canines and cat food for felines. So, do not mix them up.

Most Fruits And Veggies

Often do you think to feed them leftover vegetables or fruits? Isn’t it? Well, this will not be a good idea. Cats are carnivores and feeding them tomatoes and potatoes may give them gastrointestinal problems. Hence, avoid offering them fruits and vegetables as much as possible. However, you can offer them bananas, cooked sweet pumpkin, and eggs at minimal proportions during critical times. Otherwise, try to avoid human foods to keep your new feline friend healthy.

Human Foods That are Toxic to Cats: Avoid These Things

There are many foods that we eat can be toxic for cats. Cats are sensitive to various ingredients, such as coffee, alcohol, or chocolate. Giving them these can alter their digestive functions and can lead to serious problems such as diarrhea or constipation. Even small amounts can be harmful to their gut. Sometimes, this can be the reason for their death, too.


Other food items such as onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins can also be harmful to the cats. It is better to keep them out of reach if you bring cats into your house. Mind these ingredients before giving food to cats. 

Kitty Dine-in: Best Time to Feed a Cat

If you are a cat lover, and often think about the best time to feed stray a cat . Then, according to the vet, cats have low digestion power, so, once or twice a day is fine. Consider making a routine that will them and you both to know when to feed or eat.


Even you can coordinate with your neighbours to fix a time or routine to feed neighborhood stray cats to avoid overfeeding conditions or wastage of food. 

Feeding feral cats in the winter: Show Some Extra Love

Feeding cats in winter can be an act of blessing for them. During winter, when the temperature is at its lowest, cats need extra calories to keep them warm. You can consider giving them extra food or shelter.


You can consider adding an extra meal to the routine and also you can feed them foods like chicken, beef, or tuna to keep them full and warm. There are also cat-specific wet and dry foods  to cope with their calorie requirements.

Conclusion

There is nothing wrong with showing some love and care. These wild stray cats are dependent on us; they don’t have any sense of what is good or bad, and helping them at their worst can make their lives easier. At Supertails, we believe that these helping four-legged creatures are the cutest and are in extreme need of our help. Even a meal a day can make a huge difference.


It is not necessary to have a cat to become a cat parent, if you are enthusiastic enough and can show love towards the cats that are around you, that is enough to become a pet parent. Parenting starts from home, and becoming a parent of numerous cats rounding your house can be the best feeling you will ever experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it essential to provide high-quality cat food to stray cats?

Yes, it is crucial to provide high-quality cat food to stray cats. High-quality food ensures that they receive the necessary nutrients and minimizes the risk of health issues. It supports their overall health and longevity.

2. How can I fulfill cat nutritional needs when feeding strays?

Choose cat food brands that provide a balanced diet, including high-quality protein sources. Look for options that mention "complete and balanced" on the label, as this indicates the food meets the necessary cat nutritional requirements.

3. What health problems can arise from feeding stray cats improper food?

Feeding stray cats inappropriate or unbalanced food can lead to various health issues, including malnutrition, obesity, dental problems, and digestive troubles. Proper nutrition is vital for their well-being.

4. What is the importance of offering a mix of wet and dry cat food to strays?

Wet cat food has higher moisture content, which helps prevent urinary tract issues and keeps cats well-hydrated.


Dry cat food offers convenience and can be an excellent supplement to their diet, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients.

5. How often should I feed stray cats?

Establish a regular feeding schedule, typically twice a day. This helps stray cats adapt to a routine and ensures they have consistent access to food.

6. How can I provide access to food for community cats without attracting pests?

Use cat food dispensers and feeders designed to prevent pests and wildlife from accessing the food. These are specifically created to keep the cat's food secure while deterring other animals.

7. Can I feed stray cats with homemade food?

While homemade cat food can be an option, it's challenging to meet all the nutritional requirements stray cats need without a wide variety of ingredients. Using commercial cat food is a more reliable choice.

8. How can I help stray cats lead a healthy life through their diet?

To promote a healthy life for stray cats, provide high-quality cat food, maintain a clean feeding area, and ensure access to fresh water. Regular feeding and care contribute to better cat health.


For detailed knowledge on what and how to feed feral cats, you can enroll in some online pet consultations held by Supertails. There you can connect with renowned vets and ask them your queries easily.

9. Can stray cats eat roti?

While a small piece of plain roti occasionally won't typically harm a stray cat, it's not a nutritionally complete food for them and shouldn't be a regular part of their diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies require nutrients primarily found in meat. Roti, being primarily carbohydrates, doesn't provide the essential proteins, taurine, and other vitamins and minerals cats need to thrive. While they might eat it if offered, relying on roti can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. It's always best to provide stray cats with a diet of cat food formulated to meet their specific nutritional needs. If you want to help stray cats, consider offering them a small amount of wet or dry cat food, which is far more beneficial for their health. 

10. What health problems can arise from feeding stray cats improper food?

Feeding stray cats improperly food can lead to a host of health problems. Since cats are obligate carnivores, their bodies are specifically designed to process a diet rich in animal protein. Providing them with human food, dog food, or insufficient amounts of protein can result in malnutrition and deficiencies. Common issues include digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting, often caused by food intolerances or an unbalanced gut microbiome. Urinary tract issues, including crystals and blockages, can arise from improper mineral balance in their diet. A lack of essential nutrients like taurine can lead to serious heart problems and blindness. Skin and coat issues, such as dull fur, hair loss, and skin infections, can develop due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 


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