Feral Cat Feeding: Winter Nutrition And Food Sources

Feral cats are resourceful and well-adapted to living outdoors, but they may need extra support during the winter months. One of the most important tasks for those caring for these cats is providing food. This paragraph will discuss what to feed feral cats in winter, as well as other ways to help these cats during the colder season.

Wet food is best, but dry food won't freeze

Wet food is the best option for feral cats in winter. It is more nutritious than dry food and has a higher moisture content, which helps prevent urinary tract issues and keeps cats well-hydrated. It also takes less energy to digest, meaning cats can spend more energy on staying warm.

However, wet food is more likely to freeze in cold temperatures. To prevent this, you can warm up the food before placing it in a covered feeding station, use insulated bags to keep it warm during travel, or spray insulation foam into the underside of plastic feeding dishes. If you are unable to prevent the food from freezing, dry food is a good alternative. It won't freeze as easily and can be a convenient supplement to ensure cats get the necessary nutrients.

If you are providing dry food, make sure to feed larger portions than usual to give feral cats an extra caloric boost. On average, an adult feral cat eats roughly 2 ounces of dry food daily in temperate weather, so be sure to increase this amount during colder weather.

It's also important to note that the amount of food a cat needs depends on its size, the weather conditions, and the availability of other food sources. Observe the cats and adjust the amount of food accordingly. If they eat all the food in 15 minutes or less, put out a bit more.

Insulate with straw, not hay

When preparing to help feral cats in winter, it is important to provide a shelter that can protect them from snow, wind, and other harsh elements. Insulating these shelters with straw is a good way to keep cats warm and dry. Straw is a by-product of farming and is made from the leftover stalks of crops such as wheat and rice. It is inexpensive, long-lasting if kept dry, and has good insulation properties.

Straw is a better insulator than hay because it repels moisture. Cats can burrow into straw to stay dry and warm, whereas hay, being more leafy, has a higher moisture level and is more prone to overheating when compressed. Hay also has a higher food value, which increases the potential for insects, mice, and other critters to invade the shelter. Additionally, hay tends to compost more quickly and can even heat up and catch fire.

To keep cats warm and safe, it is important to keep adding straw to their shelters throughout the winter season. This will help them conserve energy and stay warm. Straw is also easier to dispose of at the end of the season, as it is biodegradable.

By using straw instead of hay for insulation, you can provide a safer and more comfortable environment for feral cats during the cold winter months.

Use heated bowls

Wet food and water can freeze in winter, so it's important to ensure that feral cats have access to unfrozen food and water. One way to do this is to use heated bowls. Heated bowls can be purchased online from sites such as Amazon and eBay, or from specialist retailers like Farm Innovators and K&H Pet Products.

Heated bowls are available in a range of sizes, from 20 ounces to 128 ounces or more. They are typically powered by electricity, with power cords that are chew-resistant to protect the cats. Some heated bowls are thermostatically controlled, which helps to regulate the temperature of the contents and prevent freezing.

Heated bowls are ideal for keeping water from freezing, but they can also be used for wet food. If you are using heated bowls for food, consider using insulated bags to keep the food warm during transport.

When using heated bowls, it is important to keep safety in mind. Ensure that the bowls are placed near the cats' outdoor houses for easy access, and that they are not placed in areas where they could be a trip hazard for humans or animals. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and cleaning of the heated bowls.

By using heated bowls, you can help ensure that feral cats have access to the food and water they need during the cold winter months.

Feed in a covered structure

Feeding feral cats in a covered structure is one of the best ways to feed them. A feeding station protects the food and the cats from poor weather, hides the food from passersby, and helps keep the site clean.

There are many variations and types of feeding stations to put food and water in. They can be purchased pre-made or you can build your own. A simple station can be made from a Rubbermaid storage bin. Using a box cutter or utility knife, cut out a wide doorway in the long side of the bin or two smaller doorways in the shorter sides. There needs to be either a wide doorway in front or two on the sides so that one cat can't go in and keep the rest out. A stand with a sloping roof, open on two sides, and off the ground, may be all that is needed for several cats to eat together.

The ideal location for a feeding station is a spot that is easily accessible by the caretaker but hidden or inaccessible to the public. The more privacy, the better. Blend the station in with its surroundings, like placing it behind a pile of rocks in an open field or under a large board in an alley. Try to also place the feeding station near the cats' shelters so they won't have far to travel in inclement weather.

It is important to keep the feeding location neat and clean, for the health of the cats and for community relations. Keep the food dishes in one place to facilitate cleanup and to provide a tidy appearance, and remove feeding dishes within 30 minutes. Feed the cats on a regular schedule so that they know when to come, and both the food and the cats will spend less time exposed to the weather.

Observe the cats and the time it takes for the food to be eaten. If the cats eat all of the food in 15 minutes or less, put out a bit more. In the winter, expect the colony to consume more food because they will need extra calories to maintain energy levels. In places where wet food may freeze, it is advisable to just feed dry food. If you know the colony will eat right away, and you plan to feed canned food, consider warming the food before arriving at the site and using insulated bags to keep the food warm during travel.

Don't feed fruits and vegetables

While it is important to provide feral cats with food, water, and shelter during winter, it is crucial to be mindful of what and how to feed them. Here are some reasons why you should not feed fruits and vegetables to feral cats, especially during the cold months:

High Sugar Content

Fruits contain high levels of natural sugars, which can be detrimental to cats if consumed in large quantities. This sugar content can lead to weight gain and even diabetes in feral cats. While apples, bananas, and pears offer vitamins and fiber, they should be given sparingly due to their high sugar content. Similarly, cranberries, rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, should be fed in their raw or cooked form while avoiding cranberry sauce or juice, which are high in sugar.

Difficulty in Digestion

Feral cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their digestive systems are designed to process animal protein primarily. While some vegetables can be fed in small amounts, they may be challenging for cats to digest due to their high fiber content. For example, celery, rich in vitamins and fiber, should be cut into thin strips to make it easier for cats to consume.

Choking Hazards

Certain fruits with peels, seeds, or pits, such as apples, pears, and apricots, can pose a choking hazard if not properly prepared. It is crucial to remove these parts before offering them to feral cats.

Lack of Interest

Cats lack the taste receptors for sweetness, so they may not be interested in fruits. Their bodies are designed to crave and enjoy meat, so they are less likely to be attracted to fruits and vegetables.

Potential Toxins

Some fruits, such as oranges, contain oils in their seeds, leaves, stems, and peels that are poisonous to cats. While the ripe fruit is safe, the rest of the plant components can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and dermatitis.

In conclusion, while fruits and vegetables may provide some nutritional benefits, they are not a necessary or ideal food source for feral cats, especially during winters. It is best to prioritize providing them with a meat-based diet and adequate shelter to ensure their health and well-being.

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