Stray Cat Questions

[Juicy]

Ever since the whole incident with the litter of kittens in my backyards, I have yet to have a cat return, since the people with the cats moved. I have yet to see a cat around here, the only one left that was owned by some neighbor's was hit by a car.

So one day I wake up to a crying cat in the same place the litter of kittens were.

I have been feeding this 'ghost' cat...I never ever see it, I just heard it cry that one morning. But the bowls are always empty by the next day, and its not my dogs.

So far I've been feeding it dog kibble, and one day I fed it chicken. Is it safe to keep feeding it dog kibble?

I give it a bowl of water, but also a bowl of milk too. I heard you're not suppose to give cats milk, but this cat loves it some milk....should I stop feeding it milk? Its 2% reduced fat milk, not sure if that matters or not?

 

[Labyrinth]

I wouldn't give milk at all. I think cats are lactose intolerant? Not positive though, but I've always heard the same thing about not giving them milk because it'll make them sick. I think there is a milk substitute made for cats you can probably pick up at petsmart or something.

When I used to feed a stray I just bought some inexpensive cat food for her. I didn't have dogs at the time, so dog food wasn't really an option anyways.

 

[bubbatd]

Feed and they will come !!

 

[Maxy24]

I'd say no to the milk, leave water out instead. Most cats are lactose intolerant, it gives them the runs Dog food is not appropriate for cats because it does not have enough protein or taurine. That said, if the cat is old enough to hunt she may be supplementing with real meat. You gonna try to catch her? You could borrow a live trap, if she's feral you could bring her to TNR place and let her go again.

 

[Juicy]

I'd say no to the milk, leave water out instead. Most cats are lactose intolerant, it gives them the runs Dog food is not appropriate for cats because it does not have enough protein or taurine. That said, if the cat is old enough to hunt she may be supplementing with real meat. You gonna try to catch her? You could borrow a live trap, if she's feral you could bring her to TNR place and let her go again.

I'm going to see if I can get a trap and take her to the HS and get him/her fixed [they do low-cost for cats] and then set her free if s/he is feral.

 

[MericoX]

Raccoons will eat cat food and milk too

 

[FoxyWench]

i was going to say, you sure its not racoons that are eating the food...racoons LOVE dog food, especially the good stuff lol.

 

[Juicy]

i was going to say, you sure its not racoons that are eating the food...racoons LOVE dog food, especially the good stuff lol.

Never seen any around here, but I wouldn't mind, I lurve racoons. I think they're sooo cute. I've seen them in other places and if I have food with me I would feed them. But I know I'm not crazy and I did hear a cats meow...not sure that racoons do that? lol

 

[bubbatd]

Possums do too !

 

[Juicy]

Possums do too !

I've seen one around here, but roadkill and yes it was really dead!

 

[bubbatd]

We had many on our old patio checking out our dog bowls .

 

[Kathy29]

I wouldn't continue feeding dog food for long as cats have different nutrient requirements from dogs, one important factor being more taurine. If this kitty becomes dependent on your dog food source, he/she may not be eating anything else and over time, the lack of taurine and protein can actually be harmful for the health.

I say get some cat food.