How Much Should an Outdoor Cat Be Fed?

History

• Egyptians began domesticating cats as early as 3500 B.C., and cats were revered as Gods. Interestingly enough, cats went from being revered to being hunted and persecuted in the middle ages as the familiars for witches, and the embodiment of demonic energy. By the 1600s, cats were once again kept as pets for their ability to contain the rodent and vermin population. By the late 1800's, cats had become hugely popular as pets, second only to the dog in domestic popularity.

Benefits

• Cats are born predators, and unlike the cartoons and the movies, their prey is not limited to mice. Almost anything smaller than a cat is fair game, even if the cat does not choose to eat its prey. Snakes, bugs, rats, mice and insects all are acceptable to eat or kill for the cat. With a wily cat in your yard, you are far less likely to have pests and vermin. If they are allowed access to your home or outbuildings, cats will keep those areas clean as well. Other benefits of owning a cat is the natural stress relief they provide. Cats purr when content, and this soothing sound has been shown to lower blood pressure and relax humans. Stroking a cat's soft fur has also been show to be beneficial to human health.

Considerations

• Things to consider when feeding the outdoor cat are: the size of the cat, its hunting prowess, and its overall health. In general, the larger the cat, the more food it needs. Most cat food comes with feeding directions on the label. But a general guide is to feed 1/2 cup per pound of cat. So, a six pound cat would receive 3 cups of food per day, usually divided into two feedings, morning and evening. If your outdoor cat is an avid hunter that never finishes the food you put out for him, cut back on the amount until he is cleaning his bowl. Keep an eye on your cat, and if it shows signs of weight loss or poor health increase the amount of its food.

Misconceptions

• A common misconception about cats is that they will overeat and it is necessary to only feed them twice a day. In actuality, keeping a full bowl of food in front of your cat at all times is the best way to keep them healthy, happy and staying close to home. If a cat is hungry, or feels that he needs to wander for his supper, you are far less likely to keep him around for long. Outdoor cats have a much shorter lifespan than indoor cats, and having your cat wander will only increase his chances of an early demise.

Prevention/Solution

• One reason people often only feed an outdoor cat once or twice a day is that they do not want to attract stray cats or other pest animals to eat their cat's food. To prevent this, feed your cat in a high traffic area that is in close proximity to your home. Stray cats will not come close to unknown humans, and wild animals will avoid the area as well. Another option is to create a pet door in your garage or shed area, where your pet can come and go as it pleases, and strange animals will feel uncomfortable approaching. Taking the food inside at dusk is another way to avoid pest animals.

Significance

• The significance of properly feeding your outdoor cat is to maintain your pet's good health and to keep a sense of territory for your cat. By maintaining a constant food source in a habitual location, you are reaffirming the domestic ties to your outdoor cat, which would otherwise wander away if a steady source of food and affection is not provided.