Cats that live on the street or in the garden, although each has its own personality, will often end up living together and even sharing their food bowl. However, it's crucial to understand the difference between a stray cat (one that once had a home and was abandoned or lost) and a feral cat (one that was born on the street and avoids human contact). Once we decide to take responsibility for their well-being, we agree to care for them regularly.
For this reason, it's essential to know how to feed a cat colony , because although it seems simple, it requires organization, nutritional knowledge, and respect for neighborly relations. It's not just about providing food, but about managing a population to prevent the problem of feline overpopulation from worsening.
Opt to give them quality dry food
Whether you have cats in your garden or care for a colony, it's advisable to feed them dry food . This food is complete, long-lasting, and doesn't spoil quickly. Furthermore, if the animals leave droppings on the ground, they can be easily cleaned up, preventing the arrival of ants or other pests that can be a major nuisance.
Regarding quality, it's vital to avoid supermarket brands (especially the brightly colored ones), as they lack essential nutrients. It's recommended to opt for mid-range or high-end brands. Some recommended options include brands like Orijen, Acana, Natural Greatness, or Carnilove. If you're on a tight budget, there are cooperatives specializing in colony food that offer an optimal nutritional balance.
A key point is that the food should be grain-free and free of byproducts (such as beaks, eyes, or skin), as cats are obligate carnivores. Excessive grain intake can cause food allergies or urinary problems like cystitis. Dry food allows you to keep feeders or hoppers always full so your feline friends can eat as needed.
Bring them food several times a day and establish routines.
Cats typically eat between four and six times a day. Whenever possible, we should feed them at least three times , or twice if the portion is large and nutritious. Because they burn a lot of energy moving around outdoors, we can safely give them kitten food , as it is higher in calories and protein.
Establishing fixed feeding times is essential . This not only creates a routine for the animals but is also the most effective tool for facilitating capture and sterilization . If cats are fed erratically, their behavioral patterns are disrupted, making it much more difficult to capture them for TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) purposes.
The strategic use of wet food
Wet food is an excellent supplement due to its high water content, vital for cats that don't drink enough. However, it should be given in moderation and at specific times . Leaving wet food out for extended periods is a serious mistake, as it dries out, rots, and attracts insects, often leading to complaints from neighbors.
Brands like Animonda Carny usually offer good value for money. Wet food acts as a lure when it's time to catch your prey , as it's the most attractive food for cats. After feeding, it's essential to remove the dirty bowls and leave the area spotless to avoid conflicts with neighbors and health risks.
Bring a separate feeder for each of them to avoid conflicts.
Cats are extremely territorial animals . Unless the group is completely bonded, it's best to provide an individual food bowl for each cat. This prevents fights and stress during feeding time. Once they tolerate each other, larger bowls can be introduced.
If you notice cats crowding aggressively around your feet, an effective solution is to prepare the cardboard bowls beforehand, before arriving at the feeding area. This allows you to distribute the food more calmly and avoid stepping on the animals or suffering personal accidents due to the chaos of the moment.
What cats eat by instinct and what they should NEVER eat
On the streets, cats survive by hunting rodents, small birds, insects, and reptiles . Although this provides them with protein, it is not a balanced diet, and they often suffer from malnutrition or weakened immune systems.
It's dangerous for them to have access to the garbage , where they find human food scraps containing toxic ingredients. Under no circumstances should we give them:
- Cow milk: Most are lactose intolerant; it is especially dangerous for kittens.
- Bread with milk: A common mistake in rural areas; it provides no nutrients and can cause diarrhea.
- Leftovers with salt, garlic or onion: They are highly toxic to the feline organism.
- Cooked bones: They can splinter and cause intestinal perforations.
If you can't buy pet food, it's preferable to prepare a homemade meal cooked with chicken or turkey, carrots and a pinch of rice (all very finely mashed), which is infinitely better than junk food.
Responsible and legal management of the colony
Feeding cats without control can contribute to uncontrolled population growth. Ideally, the colony should be registered with the local council and coordinated with animal welfare organizations. In Spain, the Animal Welfare Law and municipal ordinances regulate these activities. To avoid fines or conflicts with neighbors, it is advisable to:
- Use discrete power points and sheltered from the rain.
- Maintain extreme hygiene of the place so as not to attract pests.
- Provide clean water permanently in frequently renewed containers.
- Conduct a census to control how many males and females there are and prioritize sterilization.
Managing a colony is a 365-day-a-year commitment . It's not advisable to do it alone; seeking support allows you to cover vacations or illnesses, ensuring the animals never go hungry.
Caring for a cat colony requires a balance between compassion and responsibility. The key to success lies in providing nutritious food, maintaining good hygiene, and systematic sterilization , transforming a public health issue into a model of ethical and respectful coexistence with animal life.