Why Feeding Matters

If you've found a stray or lost cat, feeding it serves two purposes: keeping the cat alive and building trust so you can help it. A hungry cat is more likely to approach you, making it easier to catch, scan for a microchip, or reunite with its owner.

Safe Foods for Stray Cats

  • Canned cat food — the best option. Complete nutrition and strong smell attracts cats.
  • Cooked chicken or turkey — plain, no seasoning, no bones.
  • Cooked fish — plain, no seasoning. Tuna is especially attractive.
  • Cooked eggs — scrambled or hard-boiled, plain.
  • Plain rice or oatmeal — small amounts mixed with meat.
  • Baby food — meat-based, no onion or garlic powder.

Foods to NEVER Feed a Cat

  • Onions and garlic — toxic, causes anemia. Found in many human foods.
  • Chocolate — toxic, especially dark chocolate.
  • Grapes and raisins — can cause kidney failure.
  • Xylitol — artificial sweetener, deadly. Found in sugar-free gum and peanut butter.
  • Raw meat or fish — risk of parasites and bacteria.
  • Raw eggs — risk of salmonella.
  • Bones — can splinter and cause internal injuries.
  • Milk — most cats are lactose intolerant. Causes diarrhoea.
  • Dog food — not toxic but lacks nutrients cats need (taurine, for example).
  • Alcohol — even tiny amounts are dangerous.
  • Caffeine — coffee, tea, energy drinks.

How to Feed a Stray Cat

  1. Place food in a shallow dish — on a paper plate or shallow bowl.
  2. Place it in a sheltered spot — under a bush, on a porch, away from dogs and traffic.
  3. Provide fresh water — in a separate dish.
  4. Feed at regular times — this builds routine and trust.
  5. Stay nearby but don't stare — sit quietly at a distance. Let the cat eat without feeling threatened.
  6. Move closer each day — gradually reduce the distance. Over days, the cat will accept your presence.
  7. Talk softly — let the cat get used to your voice.

Building Trust to Help the Cat

Feeding is the first step. Once the cat trusts you:

  • Check for a collar — when the cat allows you near.
  • Try to pet it — slowly, from the side. If the cat hisses or backs away, give it more time.
  • Use a humane trap — if the cat won't let you handle it, set a trap baited with strong-smelling food.
  • Have it scanned for a microchip — at any vet clinic.
  • Register the found cat with a photo on Cat Reunite.

Should You Take the Cat In?

If the cat is friendly and lets you handle it:

  • Take it to a vet for a health check and microchip scan.
  • Keep it separate from your pets — in a bathroom or spare room.
  • Provide food, water, and a litter box.
  • Register it as a found cat.

If the cat is feral (wild, won't approach):

  • Continue feeding and contact a local TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) organisation.
  • Don't try to handle a feral cat — they can be aggressive when cornered.

Long-Term Feeding

If you're feeding a stray cat long-term:

  • Use cat food — not human food. It's nutritionally complete.
  • Provide shelter — a simple outdoor cat shelter (plastic bin with straw).
  • Contact local rescues — they may be able to take the cat.
  • Consider TNR — Trap-Neuter-Return prevents more stray kittens.

Every Fed Cat Is a Cat You Can Help

Feeding a stray cat isn't just kindness — it's the first step to helping it. A fed cat is a healthy cat, and a trusting cat is one you can scan, register, and reunite. Register a found cat now.