What To Feed Stray Cats: Dos and Don'ts

Written by: Karuna Subbiah

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Time to read 5 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.


If so, it’s unlikely that you have cat food stocked up in your kitchen to feed them then and there, right? Also, due to 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 out by mentioning some food to feed feral cats in their time of need.

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.


Various vets also suggest placing tuna in the first place on your cat food checklist to ease the feeding process and help them get the required nutritional content. Try to buy the most natural tuna possible. For instance, you can go for Schesir Tuna Natural Style Cat Wet Food

It is gluten and grain-free cat wet food with no preservatives, colouring and 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. 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. Like 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. These food items will not only make them feel full but also aid their digestion process. 


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

Some people think that they can feed feral cats some fruits and vegetables as they are easily available at home. But, this should not be the case. Also, 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. Else try to avoid human foods to keep your new feline friend healthy.

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.


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