Feeding a stray cat?

Question

There is a stray cat in my neighborhood that has been here for years, even before we lived here. I thought it was the neighbor's cat because they used to hold it and be affectionate towards it but I just found out that its not theirs at all its a stray. When my mom caught it eating old turky from the trash we felt so bad, so I have been feeding it cat food ever since. Ive googled this sort of thing and people seem to say not to feed a stray cat....i dont think the cat is any danger, it is calm all it does is walk around the neighborhood all day, and it hasnt had any kittens as far as ive known so it is probably old and "fixed". I've also read that leaving food out for the cat to eat can attact racoons and mice.... has anyone of you been in that situation? Did feeding a single stray cat in your neighborhood cause you problems?

Thank you all, I really thought I was doing the best thing for it, because an animal shouldn't have to be eating from the trash can every night!! but once i started reading those things online as i mentioned, people in blogs and such made it seem like feeding a stray is the worst thing you can do, which made me doubt what I was doing. The cat is still afraid of us however, but at least it knows it can come to us for food instead of a dumpster! The cat is very independant and I don't think it wants to be domesticated, I am just happy that it can have a nice meal. Thanks again. Keep the answers coming, love to hear of any problems or of no problems.

Answer 1

I have always fed and taken in strays and abandoned cats.
I won't let any living unwanted animal go hungry.
It is a very basic necessity for a poor defenceless creature.
If I knowingly let a critter go hungry and deprive of food, I couldn't sleep at nights.
As far as attracting other animals, it does, but after a stray has gained my trust I try to place in a good home or keep myself. Even the ferals.
Someone has to be responsible and compassionate.

Answer 2

It never gave me a problem. I think the only reason they say not to feed a stray is because when you feed it once, it keeps coming back. But since you don't sound like it's putting you out to feed it, I don't see cause for concern. If you're worried about attracting rodents or what have you, I suppose you could always just pull the food in afterwards. The cat will still know it can come to you for good meals.

Answer 3

I have fed several stray cats over the years, and never had any problems. A cat like that cannot be turned into a house cat, the only thing you can do for it is offer a meal. I wish there were more people like you who cared enough to help out, instead of acting like one little cat is going to take over the neighborhood, I think you're doing a great thing.

Answer 4

i have looked after many stray cats over the years i have one at the moment he has been coming now for 4 months hes here day and night he is a old cat he looks to be about 10 years old but no problems with feeding him outside what so ever

Answer 5

Sorry to say, but I am all for feeding the stray...my neighbors moved out last week leaving 2 adult cats, 6 kittens, and two huge dogs, all left to starve...how sad! I took one of the kittens in and groomed her, fed her, and gave her a place to sleep, she is the most lovable pet I have ever had, and I have not experienced a single problem with her, in fact, she was even already litter box trained! What a deal!

Answer 6

if it gets used to being fed at similar times every day, the fod won't be around long enough to cause a problem - and if it is some other opportunistic moggy will tidy it up anyway. If you can afford the cat food and occasional (suitable) table scraps it sounds like a nice thing to do. If it's been living rough for yeas it probably won't want to come inside. Our neighbourhood moggy doesn't, although even with our neighbour feeding him I wonder if he'll last the winter, he's got very doddery this last summer.

Answer 7

If you feed a stray cat, it will live with you for the rest of its life,
my dad started to feed a stray cat and now 20 years later, she has had 4 kittens and is still living with us!

Answer 8

i have 11cats of my own and i feed about 8 strays in my neighborhood and i have no problems and what you are doing is very very good the world needs more people that care.

those that say not to take care of strays should have to live like a stray for one day and see how some humans are.

Answer 9

Not at all. I like cat so every time i see a stray cat and try to approach me, i try to buy a can of whiskas. Stray cat has no owner to come home to, that's why they are very dependent from the help of other people like you. Cat has life too, they cant find a job to feed their self, if they are hungry they steal so why not giving them food instead.

Answer 10

Ya, I know how it feels seeing stray kittens. Well first of all you might want to buy talc incase of any skin problems (to help you and the cat). Next, cat's faviorite food is purina signature "ocean delight" or something like that (my cat goes crazy over that stuff). Then make sure she gets PLENTY of water, stray cats need a lot of hydration because they are outside practically the whole day. Glad to help ;)