Many stray and feral cat colonies enjoy the luxury of having regular meals provided by well-meaning citizens. While this is all well and good, and I encourage them to continue their efforts, some guidelines may be called for to ensure the safety and health of the animals and consideration for the human community near the sites.

Feeding the cheapest food is not necessarily a kindness for these cats. Many of the kibble-types contain dyes and other additives that are not in the best interest of feline health. Dyes and cute shapes appeal to humans; the cats could care less what it looks like as long as it smells good.

Cats are carnivores first, with a smattering of vegetable roughage (i.e. grass consumed mostly for help with eliminating those annoying hairballs) second. I do have a cat that I consider a bit odd as he begs loudly for bits of avocado when I cut into one. Another of my cats loved honeydew and cantaloupe. In any case, whatever food is offered regularly to a cat must be mostly protein for it to be of much value.

Serving canned foods at feeding sites is completely unnecessary and a waste of money. Unless wet food is consumed immediately at an outdoor feeding station, it will just rot in the sun and draw flies, ants and bees. It also draws dogs, raccoons, rodents and other animals including predators, all unwelcome guests at that table.

Cats only eat FRESH meat, and by FRESH I mean just opened or still warm from a catch. Their preferred protein is what they catch themselves, so save your money and put it towards a good brand of kibble.

Overfeeding is another issue that should be addressed. Unlike dogs, cats will consume only as much as they need and will walk away from a bowl with food still in it. Here, again, is a waste of money and sure fire invitation to those uninvited pests.

Leftover kibble also draws birds, and for those who worry about the bird population falling prey to feral cats, this is not a good thing. Felines are savvy, and it doesn’t take long for them to realize that their leftovers will draw a main course directly to them.

If you do maintain a feeding site, be courteous to the humans around. Do not use those flimsy paper, plastic, Styrofoam, and aluminum food containers that just blow away in the wind.

Feed at the same time every day. The animals will all be waiting for you and it will be easy to keep track of who is new, who is ill or injured, and who might still be in need of “fixing.” You’ll also have an accurate head count and so there will be no need to waste food.

The whole group will only take about 15-20 minutes to eat, so stick around to enjoy the show, and ALWAYS pick up after yourself and the cats. You should, however, leave a large metal or heavy plastic water bowl, especially important in the dry season.

Find a sheltered spot and be as inconspicuous as possible with your equipment. Better yet, engage the homeowners and businesses nearby in helping these unfortunate creatures that must live on the streets. Explain to them how the cats are a good thing, as they keep the rodent population down.

Controlled breeding is dire to a healthy group of ferals. If the cats you are feeding are still intact, pregnant or are bringing their kittens to your food, please call us for help in stabilizing the colony, the sooner the better.