The Best Food for Outdoor Cats

Whether your cat is indoor, outdoor or a little of each, his dietary needs will be essentially the same. As long as you are feeding him a high quality, high protein food, you will be providing him with good nutrition.

  1. Types of Cat Food

    • Cat food is available as dry (kibble), semi-moist and canned. You should feed your cat canned food for at least some of his diet, for the high water content (see Resources 1).

    Nutritional Needs

    • Cats are carnivores, and need a meat-based diet. Ideally, they should have a diet that is about 40% protein, 50% fat and 3% carbohydrates (see References 2).

    Special Formulas

    • Feed the correct food for your cat's life stage: kitten food, adult food, or senior food (for cats 7 and up) (see References 3). Your veterinarian might also recommend a special diet for medical reasons. Otherwise, it is not necessary to look for such things as "outdoor cat formulas" vs. "indoor cat formulas."

    Frequency

    • Feed measured amounts of food once or twice a day (check the directions on your cat food for the correct amount based upon your cat's weight and age). You can leave food out all of the time for "free choice" feeding, however that can lead to obesity (see References 1).

    Water

    • Water is important for all cats, so always provide plenty of clean water for your pet (see References 1). If you live in an area with cold winters, put the water in a spot where it will not freeze.