Outdoor cats are active animals who require a different diet than indoor cats. They expend more energy, and require additional vitamins and minerals to support their immune systems.
When selecting outdoor cat food, opt for a high-protein, grain-free blend. Furthermore, make sure the food contains essential vitamins and minerals like taurine.
Contents
1. Feeding Schedule
Selecting the ideal feeding schedule for your outdoor cat is a critical decision that can affect their digestion, energy levels, and general wellbeing.
Ideally, healthy cats should be fed one to two times a day depending on their age, any underlying medical issues and your schedule. This will give them an sense of routine and give you ample opportunities for bonding with your furry friend.
Adult cats typically need around 5.5 ounces of wet food and 2 ounces of dry food daily, with wet food offered twice a day: once in the morning and again at night.
Outdoor cat food should be fed on a consistent schedule. If you are uncertain how much to feed your furry friend, consult with a veterinarian. They can assess your cat’s age, weight, and caloric requirements and help determine an effective feeding schedule that benefits both of you.
2. Enclosure
A secure outdoor cat enclosure is the ideal way to give your furry friend some outdoor freedom, without fear of harm from the outside world. Not only that, but it will also promote their health and well-being by giving them a chance to move around and get exercise.
When selecting an outdoor cat enclosure, there are plenty of options to suit both your needs and budget. From basic box-like structures that attach to your home’s side to larger enclosures with plenty of room for your furry pal to explore, there’s sure to be a solution that meets both.
Aside from providing your cat with a safe outdoor area to explore, it will also protect them against parasites such as ticks, fleas and heartworms. These can lead to serious health complications if not adequately protected; thus saving money on vet bills while giving your pet a healthier lifestyle.
3. Water
Cats in the wild obtain water from their prey, which contains a high percentage of moisture. As such, wet cat food tends to contain more moisture than dry foods.
No matter the type of dry food you select for your outdoor cat, always ensure they get plenty of water daily throughout the year. This will keep them hydrated while on their hunt.
While some cats will happily drink water from running tap sources, most prefer a bowl. Refilling their water bowls on a regular schedule will quickly train your feline that water will come at the same time each day.
4. Monitoring
Cats are carnivores that require high amounts of protein to stay energetic and healthy. When shopping for cat food, try finding options with meat sources like chicken, turkey, or duck as well as low filler content like rice or corn.
Additionally, you should search for a feeding station that allows you to monitor your cats’ progress in real-time. This will give an accurate indication of how much food your pets are consuming and whether they require more or fewer feedings.
A smart feeder is the best way to guarantee your cat gets their daily nutritional requirements. Choose one that gives you control over meal times, portions and dry food quantity; it should dispense meals at precisely the right time to prevent overheating and keep your cat satisfied. Ideally, it should have a storage capacity of 6-9L with 4-10 meals released per day. Furthermore, some models may even feature Wi-Fi connectivity so you can remotely operate the feeding station from your phone.
