Table of Contents
A Guide to Feeding Them
A Guide to Feeding Them – Stray cats can be adorable, but taking care of them requires a bit more than just throwing a can of cat food outside your door. You want to make sure that these furry felines stay healthy and safe, and that requires some special attention to their feeding habits. Here’s what you need to know about feeding stray cats.
How to Care for Stray Cats: A Guide to Feeding Them
What Should You Feed a Stray Cat?
According to Alley Cat Allies, most adult cats eat 5.5 oz of canned food and 2 oz of dry food a day. If you’re only feeding dry food, one adult cat will eat about 1/2 cup a day. If you’re caring for a kitten, they will need more food per day and the food should specifically be kitten food.
How to Care for Stray Cats: A Guide to Feeding Them
Whether to feed them dry or wet food will depend on where you live and the time of year. In the summer, canned food may spoil more quickly, so dry food may work better. In winter, when cats require more energy, canned food may be a better option. No matter what you choose to feed them, be sure to pick up uneaten food to prevent it from spoiling or freezing and attracting unwanted pests.
Where Should You Feed A Stray Cat?
When feeding a stray cat, it’s important to choose a discreet spot that is easily accessible to your residence but away from busy roads or neighbors as much as possible. To keep the food and water safe from the elements, you can create a feeding station – a plastic storage container with an entry hole cut into the side will do.
How to Care for Stray Cats: A Guide to Feeding Them
Make sure to place the food and water bowls on high ledges or fences so the cat(s) feel safe while they eat. Try to feed them at the same time every day and during daylight hours to deter wildlife from eating their food instead. These habits can also help you monitor the cat’s health and make it easier to trap them for neutering, spaying, and vaccination.
How to Care for Stray Cats Without upsetting Your Neighbors?
Feeding stray cats can strain relations with some neighbors or even be against homeowner association regulations. However, providing food for stray cats can help them feel safe around you, Monitor their health, and makes catching them to neuter or spay easier. This is important for the long-term welfare of the neighborhood cat population.
Caring for stray cats can be a challenging task, but with patience and persistence, you can provide them with the nourishment they need. Here are some tips on how to feed stray cats:
Set up a feeding station: Find a safe, sheltered spot to place food and water for the cats. It should be somewhere that is easy to access but not too visible, as you don’t want to attract unwanted attention. Use sturdy bowls that won’t tip over easily, and make sure they’re cleaned and refilled regularly.
Choose the right food: You can feed the cats either wet or dry food, or a combination of both. Look for high-quality cat food that is packed with nutrients, and avoid feeding them human food as it can be harmful to their health.
Provide fresh water: Make sure that there is always fresh water available for the cats. You can use a shallow dish or a water fountain, but be sure to change the water regularly.
Be consistent: Establish a feeding routine and stick to it. This will help the cats to feel safe and comfortable, and they will come to expect food at a certain time.
Watch from a distance: Stray cats are often wary of humans, so try to keep a respectful distance while they are eating. Observe them from afar to make sure they are healthy and not showing signs of illness or injury.
Consider getting them spayed or neutered: If you’re regularly feeding a group of stray cats, it’s a good idea to have them spayed or neutered. This will help to control the population and prevent the cats from mating and having more kittens.
Remember, feeding stray cats is a kind and compassionate act, but it’s important to approach them with caution and respect. With patience and persistence, you can make a positive difference in their lives.
