I found a starving cat, I want to feed it but I dont want to kill it by feeding it too much too fast, Help!?

Question

Its 3 am, the poor things hair is so matted I can't tell if its male or female, but its so sweet. I want to help it, but I dont want to hurt it. He'll be going to the vet on pay day, and the groomer too, anybody know what a safe amount would be for this poor thing?

Answer 1

You're unlikely to hurt (as such) it by over-feeding it, but you may cause a little bit of vomiting and/or diarrhoea. As one poster above said, DO NOT give it milk- this won't achieve anything other than give the poor thing diarrhoea.

Give it small but regular feeds, of a high calorie food (such as that formulated for kittens or lactating queens). It's probably best to feed tinned food, or add a little warm water to dry food. Have a look at the recommended amount to feed (on the can), and break that up into maybe 4 or 5 feeds and gradually decrease the number of feeds whilst increasing the amount you're giving at each feed. Offer the cat as much water as it wants, and keep it somewhere indoors where it is warm & quiet. If you've got other cats, keep the stray isolated as it is probably carrying disease that could be transmitted to your other cats.

When you get to the vets, it's probably a good idea to have it tested for FIV & FeLV (feline leukaemia) if you can, as well as getting some worming tablets. It may or may not be a good idea to vaccinate right now, depending on how poorly the cat is, but the vet will be able to make a decision on that.

All the best, and good on you for taking in a stray :) Feel free to email if I can be of any more help.

Answer 2

I would give him a spoonful several times a day, not a big meal all at once. (Keep water down, however). If he is emaciated, he could have liver or internal problems from not eating for too long of a time. I had a similar cat I took in and it stayed 3 days at vet, got strong and secondary infection under control, but once it came home, it went a few days doing well then went quickly downhill, because his damaged organs couldn't handle the protein and the food. Hope you can get the poor guy to vet soon!!!! Wishing you so much luck with the kitty.

Answer 3

You highly underestimate these felines. I understand your want to care for them, especially the baby. But, keep in mind these are cats likely born and raised in a feral colony. I'm sure the momma cat has braved a winter or two before. Just because they don't get your food doesn't mean they aren't eating. I'm willing to bet 3 other people in your complex throw scraps out. Also - cats hunt. Winter doesn't mean hunting ends. There are still millions of mice and rats, especially around apartments. Birds, too. They're probably eating anything in the dumpsters, and they probably walk around for a couple of miles to visit houses too. Feral cats are extremely smart when it comes to food. I've watched over a colony of 17 feral cats before, only feeding them scraps when we had some and they went through 2 winters without losing much weight at all. However, if you still feel compelled to feed them, I would suggest you find a secluded spot in the complex. An allyway, behind a dumpster, behind a bush... somewhere a little out of sight and drop the food off there. Last year I put all of my thanksgiving leftovers out by the apartment dumpster to feed all the cats. Or, you can call animal control and have them taken to your local shelter.

Answer 4

Just feed it small meals throughout the day,like you would a kitten.It's probably a good idea to feed it a kitten food as well,if it's that thin.I would feed it wet food a few times a day,and leave dry out all the time,after a few days.But,I wouldn't give it milk right away,as milk can cause diarrhea in some cats. I'd wait until the vet sees it.Plain yogurt is good,though,if the cat likes it,and a little bit of heavy cream is OK,too,because it's just the fat from the milk.Cooked ground beef and chicken (boneless) are very good and easy for it to digest as well.

Answer 5

You won't kill it by feeding it too much. Cats are very in tune with their tummies and quit eating when their full. Worst case scenario, it'll throw up b/c it ate too fast. A small bowl should be good, and some water. If it finishes and acts like it wants more, add a little more. The poor thing is probably starving! And 5 gold stars for you for taking it in. The world needs more people like you!

Answer 6

You are such a good person for doing this!! I would do the same thing.

Feed it a little at a time. It might end up vomiting still but introduce it sort of slowly. A bit of canned food would really help the cat feel better :)

Lots of fresh water at all times. Hopefully you're keeping it indoors. Who knows what might happen to it if not.

Maybe you can borrow money from a friend/relative to take the cat sooner? Not sure when your payday is.

Good luck!!!!!!

Answer 7

Give the cat water to drink. Don't give it milk because all cats are different and to some cats milk is bad for their body. Feed it a cup of food for now. Later on feed it another cup but wait about 2 hours or so for the cat not to get used ot eating all the time and for it not to eat alot at once.

Answer 8

i would give it about a handful of WET food or milk. dont make it eat dry food. only a little bit. if youre really unshure, ask the vet on the phone before you take it in, or, if you think it will be okay, jjust wait until you get to the vet. i praise you for doing such a noble thing. i hope the cat lives and finds a loving home.

Answer 9

I would firstly take the cat to the nearest vet so that they can give it a health exam, they most probably won't charge you. They can probably give you the best info on raising it aswell. For the time being just feed it small meals.

Answer 10

Give this kitty some canned food and fresh water. DO NOT GIVE IT COWS MILK! Cats cannot process and digest cows milk properly. I f you have dry food, give it some of that also. Cats are not like puppies who don't know when to stop eating. He will stop when he is full. He is lucky that you found him. Good luck. I f you feel you want to give him "milk", try giving him watered down evaporated milk. They can digest it alot easier without any side effects.