What Cats Eat When They're Out in Nature?

Have you ever wondered what our feline friends eat when they're out exploring in the wild?

Cats are skilled hunters. They rely on their sharp senses and agility to catch their prey.

From birds to small mammals, insects to fish, cats have a varied diet in their natural environment.

Let's take a closer look at the menu of a cat on the prowl in the great outdoors.

What Cats Eat When They're Out in Nature?

Cats in the wild hunt and eat small animals like rabbits, birds, mice, and rodents. This provides them with important nutrients such as protein, amino acids, and energy as obligate carnivores.

Wild cats also consume whole meats, including organ meats, which are packed with essential amino acids to keep their bodies working well.

Unlike domestic cats that might eat kibble, feral cats get moisture from their prey, so they don't need as much water around.

Outdoor cats can also scavenge for food in garbage or hunt, showing how they can adapt to their environment to survive.

This ability to adapt is how cats meet their nutritional needs and stay energized using their natural hunting skills.

Feral Cats' Diet

Wild Cats Eat

Wild cats eat animals like rabbits, birds, rodents, and small mammals in the wild. These animals give wild cats the protein, amino acids, and energy they need. Their diet is high in protein and low in carbohydrates because they are carnivores. This is different from domestic cats' diet, which can include commercial cat food with a mix of nutrients. Wild cats get moisture from the meats they eat, while pet cats drink from water bowls.

Wild cats are good at digesting meat, but domestic cats may need extra help with digestive enzymes. Knowing what wild cats eat can help improve the diets of pet cats for their health.

Protein is an important nutrient for feral cats. It provides essential amino acids needed for their bodily functions.

In the wild, cats mainly get protein from prey like birds, rodents, and rabbits.

The body breaks down this protein into amino acids, which are then used for energy production.

For both indoor and outdoor cats, protein is crucial for their health and to support their carnivorous nature.

Unlike humans, who can use carbohydrates for energy, cats, as obligate carnivores, rely on protein.

Domestic cats, whether pets or strays, still need protein-rich diets for their carnivorous digestive systems.

Including enough protein from whole meats in a cat's diet helps with digestion and provides necessary nutrients.

Feral cats mainly eat whole meats like rodents, rabbits, birds, and small prey animals.

These foods provide nutrients such as protein, amino acids, and glucose that give the cats energy and keep them healthy.

Unlike indoor cats that eat commercial food, outdoor cats must hunt for their meals to get what they need.

For outdoor cats, it's important to have a diet high in moisture to stay hydrated, as their bodies are made for a meat-based diet.

Their digestive enzymes are meant for breaking down animal proteins, not carbs like in many cat foods.

Understanding these differences in diet and hunting habits helps us cater to the needs of various cat populations in ecosystems and neighborhoods.

Moisture

Moisture is crucial for a cat's diet. It is essential for their overall health. Unlike humans, cats don't have a strong thirst drive. They historically got most of their water from their food.

Wild cats, like feral or European wildcats, eat whole meats such as rabbits, mice, birds, and rodents. These meats are high in moisture. The moisture not only keeps the cat hydrated but also helps with digestion by moving nutrients through the body.

Indoor cats, like pets, often struggle to get enough moisture from dry kibble diets. This can lead to health issues like urinary tract problems. On the other hand, outdoor cats, like feral or stray cats, have more access to natural foods with higher moisture levels, keeping them well-hydrated.

Therefore, it's important for pet cats to have fresh foods or wet cat food. This ensures they get enough moisture to support their digestion and overall health.

Nutritional Needs of Cats

Carnivore

Wild cats like feral or wild cats eat whole meats such as birds, rabbits, and rodents in their natural habitats. These meats are full of protein, amino acids, and necessary nutrients for their health. Unlike indoor cats fed commercial kibble, wild cats get moisture from their prey, so they don't need as much water. Indoor carnivores eat more carbs than outdoor cats, which can lead to health issues like obesity or diabetes.

This difference is because indoor cats don't hunt and rely on processed food. Wild cats evolved as carnivores, so their bodies are built for meat-based diets, showing the importance of knowing each cat's specific dietary needs for good health.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are not necessary for cats. Cats get their energy from protein and fats, not glucose in carbs. In the wild, cats eat prey like birds, rabbits, mice, and rodents. These provide essential nutrients for cats to thrive. Cats are adapted to using protein and fat for energy efficiently. Their digestive systems are designed for meat digestion. Cats lack enzymes to process carbs well, so a high-protein, low-carb diet is best.

High-carb cat foods, especially dry kibble, can cause obesity, diabetes, and urinary issues.

Real Cat Food

Wild or feral cats hunt for food in nature. They eat small animals like rodents, rabbits, birds, and other prey. Their diet is high in protein and amino acids, important for health and energy levels.

Unlike pet cats that eat processed kibble, wild cats benefit from whole meats that provide nutrients and moisture. Cats that eat lots of carbs may struggle with health compared to wild cats due to how their digestive system processes grains.

Feral cats, as carnivores, need a diet high in protein and low in carbs. This specific diet meets their needs. Real cat food has a big impact on a cat's health. It ensures they get the right nutrients to thrive, whether they are wild or pets.

Indoor Carnivore vs. Outdoor Cats Fresh Food Choices

Wild Cats vs. Domestic Cats

Wild cats eat meat like rabbits, birds, rodents, and mice. This gives them protein, amino acids, and energy they need as carnivores.

Domestic cats eat commercial cat food, like kibble or canned options, made to meet their nutritional needs. These foods contain moisture important for their health since cats don't drink much water and get it mostly from their food.

Wild cats get moisture from the prey they eat. Their digestive systems are efficient at digesting whole meats. Pet cats benefit from added digestive enzymes.

Outdoor cats might hunt smaller prey to add to their diet. Indoor cats only eat the food provided to them.

The diets of wild and domestic cats depend on their habitats and living conditions.

Conclusion

Cats in their natural habitat mainly eat small animals like rodents, birds, insects, and reptiles.

They need a diet rich in protein and fat as they are obligate carnivores.

Cats sometimes eat grass or other vegetation to aid digestion and prevent hairballs.

Their diverse diet in the wild helps them stay healthy and meet all their dietary needs.