What to Feed a Found Cat (Short-Term Care Guide)

First: Provide Water

Before food, give the cat fresh water. A lost or stray cat may be dehydrated, especially in hot weather. Use a clean bowl and place it near the cat — don't force it to drink. If the cat is very weak, offer water in a shallow dish or syringe a few drops at a time.

Safe Foods for a Found Cat

If you don't have cat food on hand, these human foods are safe short-term:

• Cooked chicken (plain, no bones, no seasoning).
• Cooked turkey (plain, no gravy or seasoning).
• Tuna (in water, not oil; no added salt).
• Cooked white fish (cod, tilapia — no bones).
• Plain cooked rice or pumpkin (small amounts, for fibre).
• Scrambled eggs (plain, no butter or salt).

These are safe for 1–2 days while you arrange proper cat food.

Foods to NEVER Give a Cat

Some common foods are toxic to cats:

• Onions and garlic — destroys red blood cells, causes anaemia.
• Chocolate — toxic to cats (theobromine).
• Grapes and raisins — can cause kidney failure.
• Cow's milk — most cats are lactose intolerant; causes diarrhoea.
• Dog food — lacks taurine and other nutrients cats need.
• Raw meat or fish — risk of parasites and bacterial infection (short-term, better safe than sorry).
• Bones — can splinter and cause internal injury.

If the Cat Won't Eat

A stressed cat may refuse food for the first 12–24 hours. This is normal. Keep offering small amounts of strong-smelling food (tuna, warm chicken) and leave it nearby. Don't force-feed. If the cat hasn't eaten after 24 hours, consult a vet.

Long-Term: Get Proper Cat Food

Human food is only a short-term solution. Within a day, get proper cat food:

• Wet food: Higher in moisture, more palatable for stressed cats.
• Dry food: Convenient and good for teeth, but offer water alongside.
• Kitten food if the cat is a kitten (higher calories and nutrients).

Keep the Cat Separated from Your Pets

Until the found cat has been checked by a vet, keep it in a separate room away from your own cats. A found cat could carry:

• Fleas and ticks.
• Ear mites.
• FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus).
• FeLV (feline leukaemia virus).
• Ringworm.

Provide a separate litter box, food bowl, and water bowl.

Find the Owner

While you're caring for the cat, the owner is likely searching frantically. Register the found cat on Cat Reunite with a photo and the location where you found it. Also:

• Have the cat scanned for a microchip at any vet clinic (usually free).
• Post on local Facebook lost-and-found pet groups.
• Notify shelters and vets within 5 miles.
• Check if the cat matches any recently reported lost cats.

If You Decide to Keep the Cat

If no owner comes forward after 7–14 days and you decide to adopt the cat, take it to a vet for a full check-up, vaccinations, and spay/neuter. Read more: Found a Stray Cat? Here\'s Exactly What to Do.