Feral cats are wild cats that have not been domesticated and typically live in colonies.
These cats often rely on humans for food and shelter, and their populations can quickly get out of control if they are not appropriately managed.
If you’re considering feeding feral cats, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, it’s important to understand that feral cats are different from stray or abandoned cats.
Feral cats are wild animals, and while they may seem friendly, they are not used to human interaction and may be afraid of people.
On the other hand, stray or abandoned cats are typically more socialized and may be more comfortable around people.
Second, you must be aware of the potential risks of feeding feral cats.
Feral cats may carry diseases that can be passed to humans, and they may also be a nuisance if they become too comfortable around people and start to beg for food or raid trash cans.
Finally, you need to ensure that you provide the right food for feral cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive.
Feeding the cats plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, will not give them the nutrients they need and could be harmful.
What Are Feral Cats?
Feral cats are domesticated cats that have been abandoned or have gone back to a wild state.
They are typically not comfortable around humans and are often wary of people.
They can be found in urban, rural, and suburban areas and typically live in colonies. These cats often hunt for food and may prey on small animals.
They are typically not socialized with humans and can be quite fearful and aggressive.
Feral cats usually live in colonies near food sources, such as garbage dumps, busy streets, or construction sites.
While they are often seen as pests, feral cats can also help control the population of rodents and other small animals.
What to Do With a Cat While on Vacation
There are a number of options for what to do with a cat while on vacation. One option is to have a friend or family member come over to house-sit and take care of the cat.
This can be a good option if the sitter is someone the cat is already familiar with and feels comfortable around.
Another option is to board the cat at a pet resort or kennel.
This can be a good choice if the resort has amenities that will make the cat feel comfortable and relaxed, such as private rooms, play areas, and outdoor space.
If neither of these options is possible, another option is to hire a professional pet sitter to come to the house once or twice a day to feed and water the cat and provide some companionship.
This can be a good option for cats resistant to change or not doing well in new environments.
How to Feed Feral Cats While On Vacation
1. Hire a Pet Sitter
A pet sitter is a person who takes care of pets when their owners are away.
This can include feeding, walking, and playing with the pet. It may also involve providing basic medical care, such as giving medication or cleaning wounds.
If you’re going on vacation and have feral cats that you feed, it’s important to make arrangements for someone to continue feeding them while you’re away. One option is to hire a pet sitter.
This person can come to your home once or twice a day to check on the cats and ensure they have food and water. Alternatively, you could ask a friend or neighbor if they would be willing to do this for you.
2. Get an Automatic Food Dispenser
If you have a pet, you know how important it is to ensure they are fed on time. With an automatic food dispenser, you can rest assured that your pet will always have food available.
These devices can be programmed to dispense food at specific times and can even be linked to your phone so that you can receive alerts when the food has been dispensed.
If you are going on vacation and have feral cats that you feed, an automatic food dispenser is a great way to make sure they are fed while you are away.
There are many different types and brands of automatic cat feeders available, so choose one that best suits your needs.
Some factors to consider include how much food the dispenser can hold, how often it dispenses, and whether you need batteries or an AC adapter.
Some models of automatic cat feeders are designed to be used with dry food, while others can also be used with wet food.
If you feed your feral cat dry food, look for a dispenser that has an adjustable timer so you can control how often it dispenses food.
You may also want to consider a model that has an ice pack to keep the food fresh.
If you feed your feral cats wet food, look for a dispenser with an ice pack to keep the food fresh and a timer to control how often it dispenses food.
Some models of automatic cat feeders can be programmed to dispense wet food at specific times of the day.
No matter what type of automatic cat feeder you choose, be sure to clean it regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care.
Investing in a quality automatic dispenser will save you a lot of trouble because you will not have to wake up early to feed your cats.
It allows you to feed your pet at certain intervals making it a routine and this means that when you’re away your cat will remain fed.
One of the best dispensers in the market include PETLIBRO pet feeder
While on vacation also make sure the feral cats have access to fresh and clean water and PETSAFE Drinkwell dispenser comes handy.
3. Get Your Neighbor to feed the cats
If you have friendly neighbors, see if they would be willing to help you out by feeding your feral cats while you’re away on vacation.
This is probably the easiest way to ensure the cats are taken care of, and it doesn’t require any extra work.
Here are some tips for asking your neighbors to help feed your cat:
· Choose a trustworthy neighbor who you know will be reliable in caring for your cat.
· Write out clear instructions for feeding your cat and leave them with the neighbor.
· Make sure the neighbor knows when they will need to start and stop feeding your cat.
· Leave some extra food and water in case the neighbor needs to feed your cat more than once.
· Thank the neighbor in advance for their help.
4. Extra food and dispensers
Extra food and dispensers should be placed out of reach of other animals and children.
If you’re leaving town for a while, it’s important to make arrangements to continue feeding any feral cats that you may have been caring for.
If possible, leave out extra food and water bowls filled with fresh food and water.
You may also want to leave out some extra dry food dispensers in case the wet food runs out.
Make sure to place all of this out of reach of other animals and children so that the feral cats can still access it.
If you have a cat door, you may also want to leave it open so they can come and go as they please.
What Consider When Feeding Feral Cat
When feeding feral cats, there are a few things to consider. The first is what type of food to give them.
Dry food is typically the best option, as it is less messy and easier to store than wet food.
It is also important to ensure that the food is high in quality and nutritious, as feral cats often do not have access to the best resources.
Another thing to consider is how much food to give them. Providing 1/4 cup of dry food per day for each cat is generally recommended.
Finally, it is important to provide fresh water for the cats at all times. This will help them stay hydrated and healthy.
