Whether walking in a public park or resting in the sit-out of our house, we often see stray cats searching for food outside. Some even come to us in the hope of getting something to eat. Most of us readily oblige and give whatever food we have to them. But are all human foods safe for cats to eat? Probably not.
If you are also confused about what to feed stray cats in India, then you have landed at the right place. In this blog, you will see some of the best foods and also the worst foods for stray cats. So let us get started,
8 Best Foods For Indian Stray Cats
Here are 8 cheap and healthy food options for the stray cats.
1) Cooked Chicken
Cooked Chicken is an excellent food option for Indian Stray Cats, as it is high in protein, easily digestible and affordable as well. Also as cats are obligate carnivores, chicken fulfils almost all of their nutritional needs. Unlike raw meat, which can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E.Coli, properly cooked chicken doesn’t have this problem and is safe for the cats to eat.
Cooking also removes small, brittle bones in the chicken which can cause choking hazards in the cats.
2) Boiled Rice With Fish
Boiled Rice with Fish is one of the tastiest and most nutritious meals you can provide to street cats. It is an excellent source of protein, Omega 3 fatty acids and essential vitamins that help a cat to build muscles, and maintain good skin health and immunity. Since stray cats struggle to find a complete meal, rice with fish offers power-packed nutrition for them.
Also, boiled rice acts as a carbohydrate source for the cats making it more fulfilling. It is also easy to digest, making it ideal for weak and sick cats.
3) Scrambled or Boiled Eggs
Scrambled or Boiled Eggs are an excellent food option for stray cats. They are rich in protein, essential vitamins, and healthy fats. Eggs are also rich in amino acids, which help maintain a healthy coat and support overall body functioning. Boiled eggs are also safe and easily digestible, which makes them ideal for weak and sick cats who have a tough time eating hard foods.
At the same time, avoid feeding raw eggs to them, as they contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Avidin, which can hamper nutrient absorption and lead to poor skin health.
4) Dry Cat Food
Dry cat food is also a fantastic option for stray cats in India since it is nutritionally balanced, convenient and has a longer shelf life. Unlike home-made foods which lack nutrients, dry cat food is designed to meet all the nutritional needs of your cats. You can buy cheap and affordable dry cat foods from brands like Drools, MeO, Purepet etc. These foods offer complete and wholesome nutrition to stray cats, who often struggle with malnutrition.
One of the best things about dry cat food is that it helps in keeping good dental health in the cats. They help tremendously in removing Tartar and Plaque buildup between the cat’s teeth.
5) Wet Cat Food
Another great food option for stray cats in India is wet cat food or gravy cat food. These foods consist of high moisture content that keeps the stray cats well-hydrated since they often struggle to find good drinking water. Keeping your cats hydrated also reduces the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney issues. The high water content of wet cat foods makes it easier for weak, sick, or older cats to consume, especially those with dental problems.
Besides, the soft texture of wet cat foods makes it suitable for both kittens as well as adult cats.
6) Oatmeal
Another cheap and healthy food option for stray cats in India is Oatmeal. It is a gentle food that consists of an easy-to-digest source of fibre which keeps excellent digestive health in the cats. It is also a soft, easily chewable food that makes it ideal for kittens as well as adult cats. The good fibre content of Oatmeal helps smoother digestion in cats and also prevents the problem of constipation in them.
Another advantage of Oatmeal is that it is affordable and easily accessible in India. They can be easily prepared by boiling it in water (without salt, sugar, or milk) and mixing it with other protein-rich foods like boiled chicken, eggs, or fish
7) Vegetables (Occasionally)
Feeding stray cats vegetables occasionally is also excellent as they provide essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and hydration to the cats. Although cats are obligate carnivores who need protein as their primary nutrient source, small portions of vegetables can offer antioxidants, digestive support and good overall general wellness.
However, it is important to note that vegetables should be only given in smaller quantities and should be cooked without salt, spices or oil.
8) Fresh Water
Apart from food, keeping a bowl of water for the cats helps prevent the problem of dehydration in them. It also supports kidney functioning and improves overall health in cats. Since summers in India can get extremely hot stray cats are at risk of problems like urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney problems, and heat exhaustion. Providing fresh, clean water to the cats ensures that they stay hydrated and keep proper body functioning.
6 Foods To Avoid Feeding Indian Stray Cats
Here are 6 foods you should absolutely avoid feeding stray cats.
1) Onion and Garlic
Onion and Garlic are highly toxic foods for cats, as they can cause severe health issues, which include anaemia and organ damage. These foods consist of compounds called thiosulfates, which are harmful to cats, as they break down red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia. Even small amounts of onion and garlic, whether in raw, cooked, powdered or in gravy form can be dangerous for cats.
2) Spicy and Oily Food
You should never feed spicy and oily food to stray cats as it can cause severe digestive issues, dehydration and long-term health problems in them. This is because they have a sensitive stomach and can’t process spices, excessive oil or strong seasonings commonly used in Indian Food. Their digestive system is designed for a high-protein, low-fat diet and consuming spicy food can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite.
3) Chocolate and Caffeinated Food
Chocolate and Caffeinated Foods are toxic foods for cats and can cause problems like vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate etc. This is because these foods consist of elements like theobromine and caffeine, which cats cannot metabolize properly, resulting in problems like poisoning, heart problems, and even proving fatal. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are especially dangerous because they contain higher concentrations of theobromine, making even a tiny piece lethal.
4) Milk and Dairy Products
Milk and dairy products should not be fed to stray cats since most cats are lactose intolerant. These products can cause digestive problems like diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach discomfort in cats. While it is a common myth that cats love milk, their bodies lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products.
When cats drink milk, especially cow’s milk, it can result in loose stools, gas, dehydration etc, which can be dangerous for stray cats who are already struggling to find good nutrition.
5) Raw Fish & Meat
Raw Fish & Meat should not be fed to stray cats as they contain harmful bacteria and parasites, which can cause severe health issues. While cats are natural carnivores, eating uncooked meat or fish can lead to poisoning, diarrhoea, vomiting and lethargy. On the other hand, boiled or lightly cooked meat and fish removes bacteria and parasites, while keeping high-protein benefits.
6) Sugary Sweets
You should not feed sugary sweets to stray cats as they offer no nutritional benefits and can result in problems like obesity, diabetes and dental issues. This is mainly because a cat’s body is designed to digest meat and not sugar or carbohydrates. Also unlike humans, cats lack taste receptors for sweetness, so sugary foods do not even appeal to them naturally.
To Summarise,
You have just seen some of the best and worst foods you can feed a stray cat in India. By having the right knowledge of cat foods, you can select the right meal for a cat, and support their overall health. If you are raising a stray cat, make sure that it is well-vaccinated and has undergone deworming as well.
If you have any doubts regarding cat foods, please feel free to contact us at PetsWorld.
