Food for ferals

purrpaws

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I got Polly from my vet through a community spay and neuter program. They let me adopt her for free because she was special needs. Polly's mother was fed by an older lady that feeds feral cats. The kittens were trapped, fixed and adopted out. My vet said the older lady doesn't have much money, so they always try to help her out with food when they can. I'd like to donate some food to help her and the kitties out.

What food is recommended for ferals? I'd like to donate something good quality.
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by PurrPaws

I got Polly from my vet through a community spay and neuter program. They let me adopt her for free because she was special needs. Polly's mother was fed by an older lady that feeds feral cats. The kittens were trapped, fixed and adopted out. My vet said the older lady doesn't have much money, so they always try to help her out with food when they can. I'd like to donate some food to help her and the kitties out.

What food is recommended for ferals? I'd like to donate something good quality.
Wow....that is very generous of you. The feral caretakers that I know feed whatever is on sale that is the best quality that they can afford. Anything with meat as the first ingredient would be good as I'm sure these cats need their protein (look for Chicken, Lamb, Beef etc....but not "by products" or "meal").


Katie
 

beckiboo

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That is very kind of you! What a great idea, to donate to Polly's mother's care! I suggest you include a card thanking her for caring for the kitties with a pic of Molly. It is always good to know your "babies" ended up in a happy home with good people.
 

sharky

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the highest qualtiy with least money I can think of is chicken soup ... it is like 15-20 $ for 20lb bag.. You are so sweet..
 

laureen227

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Originally Posted by TNR1

Wow....that is very generous of you. The feral caretakers that I know feed whatever is on sale that is the best quality that they can afford. Anything with meat as the first ingredient would be good as I'm sure these cats need their protein (look for Chicken, Lamb, Beef etc....but not "by products" or "meal").


Katie
actually, i think 'meal' is ok. but not 'by-products' or 'digest'.
 

opilot

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I think I actually read on this board that Costco has a
brand of dry cat food that is actually a premium brand,
just under Costco's name, so its much cheaper?? Anyone
remember what it was/is? So you could try that... and Costco
lets you buy in bulk, so it can be cheaper!
 

cdubbie

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Great question! And bless you for helping your new baby out.

What timing - just three days ago I received info on where to drop off donated food for ferals. An organization goes 'round to feeding points and needs food donations. They told me 'nothing fancy', dry and canned needed. I didnt have a clue which is best. My cat eats pretty well...and so many foods to choose from.

Will be watching this thread so I can get the good stuff!
 

opilot

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Brands I use for my feral Maj. Grey:

A brand I get at Safeway -Safeway's Beneficial brand of dry food also their
Senior Cat wet stuff...

Oh, and I remember that the Costco Brand of cat food
(dry) is called Kirklands...(maybe its the generic form
of Science Hills Diet?? dunno, but remember reading some
thing about it)

In winter I buy kitten chow and mix 1/2 and 1/2 with
the regular stuff.. to give more calories. For kitten
chow I buy "premium" Iams. (Expensive, but
only have to do it for about 3 months or so).

Hope that helps you some...
 

momofmany

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I was getting free food from a local animal shelter for my ferals for a while - they get a lot of food donated and pass it along to folks that either can't afford food or are feral caretakers. You may also want to check with some local folks to see if they have some that they can spare for this woman.

You are so cool for taking care of your kitten's mom!
 
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purrpaws

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I was thinking maybe Nutro or something along those lines. I just bought a bag of Nutro for Prego and it was on sale at Petsmart for $21.99 for the 20lb bag. That's just a little over $1/lb. Even when it's not on sale, it's inexpensive (for premium food) and seems to be good quality.

Another related question, what formulation is best for outdoor cats? Just the regular adult? Kitten since they're outdoors and probably burning more calories? I imagine dry is probably easier to feed.

I have never met this woman, but she sounds like a really nice lady. If it weren't for her, I might not even have Polly.

I didn't even think of including a picture. What a cute idea!
 

opilot

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I'm sure others will help with that question on feeding - but I give
dry with some wet on the side for moisture. If he eats before
it freezes great! otherwise he gets dry chow. He's been eating
kitten 1/2 with regular adult - to increase calories for winter. In
spring I will swtich back to regular food. I started fattening him
up in Sept. for the winter season - giving him more kitten chow
meals... figured it would help...and he did fatten up quite a bit
with 2 to 3 regular meals.
 

cdubbie

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oh that's smart about the kitten food and more calories.
Is kitten food safe for adults? (I know, dumb question)
 

opilot

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No, no dumb questions, ever, LOL! As far as I know it
is safe and okay. The only cats I would not feed
to would be ones with issues - be cats that don't get outside much
and are sedentary, older cats with kidney problems or special diets,
and cats that don't need extra calories.
 
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