Outdoor cats have unique dietary needs compared to indoor cats. Their active, roaming lifestyle requires a nutrient-dense diet to stay healthy and energized. This article will explore what outdoor cats eat in the wild, how to supplement their natural diets, and tips for feeding outdoor cats.
Hunting and Scavenging in the Wild
Feral and free-roaming outdoor cats get most of their food by hunting and scavenging. Their instincts drive them to seek out small prey animals and bird eggs. Common prey includes:
- Mice and voles: A staple food source for outdoor cats. They are high in protein and fat.
- Birds: Outdoor cats are skilled bird hunters. Sparrows, robins and pigeons are common targets.
- Squirrels and chipmunks: Quick and agile, but some cats can catch these small rodents.
- Rabbits: Difficult to catch, but provide a good meal. Watch for fur in vomit.
- Lizards and frogs: Cats pounce on these cold-blooded critters sunning themselves.
- Insects: Outdoor cats will nibble on grasshoppers, crickets and cicadas.
Cats also scavenge leftover food scraps and prey remains. They patrol backyard compost piles and trash cans seeking scraps. Rotting fruit, meat and eggs offer free meals. Outdoor cats are resourceful survivors.
Supplementing the Natural Cat Diet
While hunting provides crucial nutrition, supplemental feeding is important for outdoor cats. Here are tips:
- Leave out fresh water daily. Dehydration is a risk.
- Offer wet and dry cat food. Canned food has added moisture.
- Feed at regular times when possible. Helps deter hunting of songbirds.
- Use elevated bowls to deter ants and other pests.
- Provide shelter for eating, like an outdoor cat house.
- Don’t feed directly on the ground. Attracts parasites and flies.
- Remove uneaten wet food within an hour to prevent spoilage.
- Avoid overfeeding. Outdoor cats self-regulate their intake.
With a balanced diet, outdoor cats can get all the protein, fat, carbs, vitamins and minerals they require. Supplements help provide complete nutrition.
Key Nutrients for Outdoor Cats
Active outdoor cats need a nutrient-dense diet. Key nutrients include:
Protein
- Building block for muscles, organs and immune system.
- Hunting and patrolling requires lots of protein.
- Look for cat foods with at least 30% protein. Meats like chicken, turkey and fish are great sources.
Fat
- High-energy fuel source for vigorous activity.
- Provides fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Cat foods should have at least 10% fat. Look for omega fats from fish.
Water
- Outdoor cats are prone to dehydration.
- Canned food has high moisture content.
- Provide fresh water daily in shallow, clean bowls.
Vitamin A
- Needed for good vision, especially at night.
- Found in organ meats and fish.
Taurine
- An amino acid only found in animal products.
- Essential for heart and eye health in cats.
- Ensure cat foods have added taurine.
transitioning Indoor Cats to an Outdoor Diet
For indoor cats being newly introduced to the outdoors, some dietary adjustments are needed:
- Gradually transition to high-protein, high-fat cat foods.
- Ensure vaccines and parasite control are up to date.
- Offer small amounts of new foods like raw chicken or fish. Monitor for digestive upset.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Mimics hunting lifestyle.
- Prevent overeating junk foods like human scraps.
- Continue providing fresh water 24/7.
- Introduce hunting behaviors with toys and play.
With patience, an indoor cat can adapt to meeting more of its nutritional needs from hunting and scavenging outdoors. Work closely with your veterinarian for advice.
Potential Hazards for Outdoor Cats
Despite their self-reliance, outdoor cats face some unique nutritional risks:
Food Spoilage
- Bacteria and mold can grow quickly in warm temperatures.
- Discard wet food left uneaten after an hour or so.
- Fridges can prolong food freshness when cats are free-fed.
Toxins and Poisons
- Cats may nibble poisonous plants, flowers, or critters.
- Rodenticides and insect baits can be lethal. Keep indoors.
- Chemicals like antifreeze have a sweet taste but are toxic. Limit access.
- Ensure trash cans have tight, locking lids.
Parasites
- Outdoor cats are prone to ingesting parasite eggs that can reinfect them.
- Scoop litter boxes frequently.
- Treat cats monthly with dewormers and anti-flea medications.
- Clean food and water bowls regularly.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and FIV
- Contagious viruses spread through saliva or blood, often from fights.
- Infected cats may suffer nutrient malabsorption.
- Test cats regularly. Isolate and feed sick cats separately.
Working with your vet to address these potential hazards is key to keeping outdoor cats healthy. Proper nutrition helps maintain their immune defenses.
Feeding Feral Cat Colonies
Community cats in feral colonies depend on supplemental feeding for survival. Here are some tips:
- Feed at the same time daily. Cats quickly learn routines.
- Provide multiple scattered feeding stations to prevent crowding.
- Wet and dry food work well. Avoid only feeding dry, which lacks fluids.
- Water stations are key, changed frequently.
- Don’t offer more than cats will eat in one sitting.
- Feed in areas shielded from the elements.
- Avoid plastics which develop bacteria over time. Stainless steel is best.
- Monitor cats for signs of illness, injury or parasites.
With routine, consistent feeding, feral cat colonies can thrive and keep rodent populations in check naturally. Work with local rescue groups to implement trap-neuter-return programs and provide medical care.
What Do Outdoor Cats Eat? – Key Takeaways
- Outdoor cats are natural hunters, eating mice, birds, insects and other prey. They also scavenge scraps and waste.
- Supplementing food is important to ensure outdoor cats get balanced, complete nutrition. Both wet and dry food are recommended.
- Key nutrients for outdoor cats include protein, fat, water, vitamins and taurine. Aim for cat foods with at least 30% protein and 10% fat.
- Hazards like toxins, parasites and viruses threaten outdoor cats’ health. Work with your vet on preventatives.
- Feeding feral colonies requires routine schedules using multiple dedicated feeding stations.
While outdoor cats retain their natural hunting skills, supplemental feeding provides insurance they get all the nutrients they need. With care and vigilance, outdoor cats can thrive on their unique varied diets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Cat Diets
What do outdoor cats hunt?
Outdoor cats are natural hunters who will catch and eat small rodents like mice and voles, birds, rabbits, lizards, frogs and insects. They patrol yards and fields looking for this type of prey.
Do outdoor cats need cat food?
Yes, supplementing the diet of outdoor cats with cat food is recommended. While their hunting provides protein, feeding cat food helps ensure they get a balanced array of nutrients. Both wet and dry foods are good options.
What health problems do outdoor cats face?
Outdoor cats are prone to picking up toxins, parasites, viruses, injuries and other hazards in the environment. Working closely with your vet on preventatives like deworming and vaccines is crucial. Monitor cats for signs of illness or hurt.
Should I feed feral cats?
Feeding feral cat colonies helps ensure community cats’ survival and general health. Routinely feeding at the same locations helps colonies thrive and naturally control rodents. Partner with rescue groups to organize trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts.
Do outdoor cats need shelter when eating?
Providing some form of outdoor cat house or enclosed shelter is beneficial when feeding outdoor cats. It allows them to eat undisturbed and have refuge from rain, snow or cold winds. Elevated feeding stations also help.
How often should outdoor cats be fed?
Most outdoor cats do well with being fed twice a day. For cats rummaging for other food, you can also free-feed dry food in timed cat feeders. Feral cat colonies typically do best with once or twice daily feedings on a consistent schedule.
What human foods can I feed outdoor cats?
In moderation, cooked chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, and fish can supplement outdoor cats’ diets. Avoid sugary, salty and spicy table scraps. Things like grapes, chocolate, onions, garlic and caffeine are toxic for cats.
How do I transition an indoor cat to an outdoor diet?
Gradually switch the cat’s food to higher protein, higher fat options that mimic prey. Introduce small amounts of raw chicken, fish or eggs. Use interactive feeding toys to teach hunting behaviors. Ensure the cat’s vaccines and parasite prevention are up to date before going outdoors.
Do outdoor cats need water?
Access to fresh, clean water is crucial for outdoor cats. Dehydration is a real risk. Provide multiple water bowls that are shielded from direct sun. Change water frequently. Canned wet food also provides extra fluid intake.
Conclusion
Outdoor cats have adapted to survive and hunt on their own, but providing supplemental feeding is still important. By understanding outdoor cats’ dietary needs and smart supplementation, cat owners and feral cat caretakers can support healthy, energetic and well-fed felines. Monitoring their health, offering sturdy shelters and partnering with vets helps mitigate risks from hazards. With thoughtful care and nutrition, outdoor cats can thrive.