Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Feed Feral Cats While on Vacation: Risks & Tips

feral cats

Cats are independent creatures, and that’s never truer than when it comes to a feral cat. Feral cats were born outside, made their own way, and have never had much—if any—contact with humans.

These cats usually live in colonies, hunt for food, and are difficult to adopt because of their wildness. While we don’t think twice about leaving a domestic cat at home with food, water, and someone to check on them when we go on vacation, taking the cat to a kennel, or even taking the cat with us, feral cats don’t have that luxury or option.

Some feral cat colonies depend on the goodness of pet lovers for food and shelter. So, what can you do about a feral cat colony that you’re taking care of if you’re going on vacation? In this article, we’ll give you a few tips and tricks for ensuring the feral cats are fed so you can have a good time on your vacation without worrying about the cat colony at home.

IMPORTANT

Please be mindful that feeding feral animals is strongly discouraged in some jurisdictions. For example, the AVMA doesn’t recommend feeding feral cats for public health reasons. Feeding feral cats without the intention to adopt or rescue them is considered counterproductive, as the animals will continue to reproduce in the area while still facing the many struggles of being feral. Please consider the ethical implications of your actions before deciding to feed feral animals.

divider 3 paws

The 6 Tips to Keep Feral Cats Fed While on Vacation

1. Ask a Local

If you have friendly neighbors, you can ask them to check on and feed the feral cats. This is the easiest way to make sure the cats are fed and doesn’t require any extra work on your part. However, you want to make sure that the neighbor you ask is trustworthy and likes cats.

Here are a few suggestions you can follow before leaving for your trip.
  • Make a list of clear instructions to give to your neighbor for feeding the cats.
  • Let the neighbor know when they should start feeding the cats and when you’ll return.
  • Leave food and water with the neighbor. Leave extra in case you are gone longer than you think you’ll be.
  • Make sure to thank your neighbor in advance for their help.

2. Hire a Pet Sitter

While this is a more expensive option, hiring a pet sitter can give you peace of mind, knowing that the cats are being fed and have water while you’re on vacation.

A pet sitter can come to your house once or twice daily to check on the feral cats and ensure they are fed. Most pet sitters provide essential services such as feeding and changing litter boxes. However, most pet sitters only work with domestic animals. You may have to contact several businesses before you find a sitter willing to look after feral cats.

cat owner rubbing her pet cat's belly outside
Image Credit: DebraCarr, Shutterstock

3. Set Up an Automatic Feeder for the Colony

Another option is to purchase an automatic feeder for the feral cat colony. These devices can be programmed to dispense food at certain times so that the colony is always supplied with the food it needs.

There are a few types of automatic feeders on the market today, so do your research to determine which design works best for your situation. Factors to consider when searching for an automatic cat feeder include the following:

  • How much food can the feeder hold?
  • How often is the food dispensed?
  • Does it have batteries or an AC adapter?
  • Is the feeder for wet or dry food?

4. Leave Out Extra Food and Dispensers

It’s also a good idea to leave out extra dispensers and extra food just in case something happens and you don’t return from your vacation on time. Ensure the automatic feeder is placed out of reach of children and other animals that might play with or eat the food meant for the feral cat colony.

Siamese cat eating dry food from a bowl
Image Credit: catinrocket, Shutterstock

5. Leave Out Fresh Water

It’s essential to leave fresh water for the cat population. You can invest in a cat fountain so the cats have constant fresh water while you’re gone. This keeps the cats hydrated and ensures they don’t drink from standing water sources, which contain bacteria and parasites that will make them sick.

Put the water bowl or fountain in a safe spot where other animals can’t reach it.


6. Contact Your Local Animal Shelter

If all else fails, you can contact a local animal shelter and ask if someone can keep an eye on the cat colony while you’re on vacation. You’ll need to inform the shelter about the cats and their living situation. Let them know if the cats have been spayed or neutered and if they have any medical conditions that the staff should be aware of.

Most animal shelters are willing to help look after feral cat colonies while you’re on vacation. However, you need to be prepared to pay a fee or donate to the shelter to use their services.

kitten drinking water
Image Credit: AleksandarMilutinovic, Shutterstock

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

If you’re caring for the feral cats in your neighborhood, they’ve probably become dependent on you to provide them with fresh water and food. When you leave for vacation, it is essential to ensure the feral cats are fed.

Whether you hire a pet sitter, contact the local animal shelter, or set up an automatic feeding station, you will feel better and have a much better time knowing that the felines you care for are fed and healthy while you are gone. Feral cats are quite independent, but even wild felines require human assistance sometimes.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Piqsels

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Do Feral Cats Know How to Purr? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Hearing your cat purr is usually a sign you’re doing something right. Whether they have a full belly and are thanking you, or...

Stray cats eating on the street

How to Get Rid of Raccoons But Not Feral Cats: 5 Humane Tips & Tricks

Raccoons can be a real nuisance, especially when you are trying to care for the feral cats in your neighborhood by leaving out...

racoon foraging for food in the backyard

Global Cat Day 2025: How to Join the Celebrations

Cat lovers can’t resist a holiday honoring their feline companions, and Global Cat Day which is happening every year on the 16th of...

man feeding stray cat

What Does Feral Cat Poop Look Like? Fecal Identification Guide

Feral cats are those that have had minimal to no human contact and thrive in the wild. As a result, their poop may...

feral cat surrounded with fallen leaves

More related

Kitten inside a present box for a prty

National Kitten Day: When Is It & How to Celebrate (2025 Update)

With their big eyes, wispy tails, and squeaky meows, kittens might be tiny, but they’re massively adorable. Sadly, though, not all kittens have...

I like my territory and don't want you to get another cat.

Cat Hoarding: How It Starts

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga. Several of my friends and...

Feral cats eating on stone path

Is It Illegal to Relocate Feral Cats? Dangers, Legalities & FAQs

Although feral cats may be a nuisance, relocating them can be an illegal act in many cases. In this article, we’ll discuss the...

cat and kitten eating in one plate

How to Keep Cats From Eating Each Other’s Food: 4 Vet-Approved Methods

It can be tricky to prevent one cat from eating another cat’s food, especially if the thief is gaining too much weight and...

Keep reading

Do Cats Breathe Faster When They Purr? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Felines have an impressive arsenal of vocalizations, and purring is one of the most adored. A cat’s purr is a comforting sound to many people and is instantly recognizable as a sound of contentment. When cats purr, it’s usually a...

british shorthair cat yawning and purring

What is the Cost of a Cat X-Ray in 2025? Complete Price Guide

One of the top concerns most people have concerning their pets is the cost of pet care, especially unexpected expenses. If your cat was involved in an accident or has been sick and needs diagnostics, your veterinarian may recommend an...

vet doctor examining cat in x-ray room

What’s the Cost of Cat Insulin in 2025? Price Guide & FAQ

Our feline friends can develop diabetes, and like us, they might require insulin. If your cat has been diagnosed with this disease, you’re likely wondering how much you’ll be paying for cat insulin. The good news is that the price...

Cat's owner measuring the blood sugar values of his feline using glucometer

Can Cats Eat Canned Chicken? Vet-Reviewed Info to Know

Everyone knows that cats are obligate carnivores. In other words, they evolved to eat meat entirely. They don’t typically eat anything else, though they can stomach some other foods. For this reason, giving them canned chicken may seem like a...

Can Cats Eat Canned Chicken

Holiday Foods That Are Safe for Cats: Vet-Reviewed Safety & Nutrition Facts

Disclaimer: Check with a veterinarian before adding any new foods to your cat’s diet, particularly if your pet has any underlying health conditions or is on a special diet. While the advice in this article has been fact checked and...

tabby cat eating on metal bowl

Do Devon Rex Cats Shed a Lot? Tips to Reduce Cat Hair & FAQ

The Devon Rex cat, with its pixie-like appearance and charming personality, is an increasingly popular breed of feline. While these cats are known for their curly hair, endearing nature, and playful antics, one of the most common questions prospective owners...

woman brushing calico tortoiseshell Devon Rex

Why Do Cats Like Milk? 2 Vet-Approved Reasons & FAQ

A cat lapping at a bowl of milk is something that we all think of when it comes to felines. This perception comes from farm cats from bygone eras lapping at the fatty topping of unprocessed cow’s milk and popular...

two cats drinking milk from the same bowl

Orijen Cat Food Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary As you probably guessed, “Orijen” is a play on “origin”—meaning, the food harkens back to the origins of a cat’s diet. As a result, the manufacturer strives to create biologically-appropriate offerings for your cat. That means plenty of...

Orijen Cat Food Review