What can I feed a stray cat? Stray cats are common in public places such as parks and alleys. These cats are usually lost or abandoned and have been socialized by people before. However, if you are homeless or have been in the wild for a while.
You can become a feral cat. The question of whether to feed stray cats is an ongoing debate and has its pros and cons. This has been discussed in detail in our article. It is not good to feed stray cats.
How to feed a stray cat?
If you decide to do so, you can feed stray cats regular high-calorie cat food or canned tuna and provide them with a bowl of fresh, clean water. Dry cat food is also recommended, although it tends to attract other animals such as opossums, skunks and raccoons. To prevent this, it is recommended to store cat food during the day and put it away at night. You can also feed your cat human food as detailed below.
What happens if you feed a stray cat?
While you only have good intentions with feeding stray cats, it may not be a good idea to feed them.
This is because one or more of the following scenarios may happen:
these stray cats will keep coming back to your home, lawn, or yard
their presence may annoy the neighbours
they may overpopulate
they may be carriers of diseases
Once you start feeding stray cats there is a tendency that these cats will bring along more cats to your yard. Also, because they are given high-calorie cat food it may lead to a higher reproduction rate and larger litter. Not to mention the irate neighbours who resent these stray cats in the neighbourhood. Some cities and communities may even have ordinances and laws against feeding stray cats.
South Miami veterinarian Dr Patty Hooley recommends fixing stray cats if you plan to feed them regularly. A good way to do this is to use the trapneuterrescue or TNR program of your local animal rescue organization in your area.
In this way, it is possible to manage a local population of stray cats.
Stray cats must be kept in the yard for regular feeding. You can create an outdoor stable for them to use so they don’t risk entering someone else’s yard. Be careful not to leave any uneaten food. You can also tell neighbours to keep cats away from home by placing cat repellents around them, such as pots filled with lemon peel and vinegar.
Human Foods Consumable to Stray Cat
Stray cats prey on local wildlife, mainly rodents and small mammals such as mice, rabbits and squirrels. They also eat lizards, birds and fish. Human food can be fed to a stray cat when there is no cat food available.
Eggs
Eggs are a good source of B vitamins and protein and are safe for cats. It may also help reduce the risk of food-borne diseases and should be prepared before giving it to your cat.
Chicken
Since cats are carnivores, they mainly eat meat, so the chicken is a good choice. Unlike dogs, cats cannot digest foods high in fibre, so it is best eaten with boiled meat and poultry.
Turkey
Turkey is a good source of protein, and this lean meat is a good snack or snack for your cat.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is any other human meal this is appropriate for cats. It is a superb supply of electricity and Vitamin B and is secure for cats. However, a few cats won’t just like the flavour or texture of oatmeal.
Salmon
Cats want to devour fish and stray cats can also add even seize it themselves from waterways or riverbanks.
You can provide them with cooked salmon which is a superb supply of protein and omega-three fatty acids.
Conclusion
You can feed a stray cat canned or dry cat food and provide him with a bowl of fresh, clean water. Human foods that are safe to give to cats include boiled fish and chicken, bread, and oatmeal. There is a community against feeding stray cats, but you can still feed and care for them responsibly by repairing them with the help of a local animal rescue organization.
