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.

What Do Feral Cats Eat in The Wild? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

cat hunting a rat

Feral cats aren’t domesticated, prefer living outdoors, and often avoid human contact. They are normally considered mesopredators in their ecosystems and are most active after dusk. In addition, since they reproduce rapidly and are skilled hunters, conservationists find them devastating to wildlife.

It seems like the feral cat community has a stable supply of food in the wild to encourage its rapid population growth. They will go through garbage and eat rodents amongst other things. Read on below to find out more about what feral cats eat in the wild.

divider 3 paws

The 6 Foods That Feral Cats Eat in The Wild

1. Small Rodents

Feral cats, and all cats, are obligate carnivores. Their body metabolism and gastrointestinal tracts are all designed to digest meat efficiently. Of course, they can survive without it, but they won’t be healthy. Our feral friends love hunting rats, mice, squirrels, and other rodents.

It can be beneficial to humans since the cats can help us manage the rodent population in regions that typically offer optimal conditions for their growth. Rodents are a threat to people and pets; they spread diseases and damage crops.

black and white young cat looking at a mouse outdoor
Image Credit: 165106, Pixabay

2. Birds

It’s no secret that feral cats are opportunistic hunters, and birds are one of their favorite targets. According to the National Audubon Society, we have approximately 60 million feral felines in the U.S.1 According to researchers, they are the chief cause of the extinction of more than 33 bird species worldwide.


3. Reptiles & Insects

Besides birds and rodents, feral cats also hunt insects and small reptiles. This includes worms, crickets, and even cockroaches. If they come across a snake or lizard, they’ll pounce on them, bite the head off, and carry them back to their feeding grounds.

Kitten with a dead cockroach beside
Image Credit: GooseB, Pixabay

4. Water

All animals need water to survive, including feral cats. In the wild, they drink water from the river, pond, lake, pothole, manhole, etc. Some of the water sources aren’t clean, and that’s one reason diseases are prevalent in feral colonies. The diseases are often caused by fungi, parasites, bacteria, and viruses.


5. Vegetables & Fruits

Feral cats don’t need fruits or vegetables. Even though they have nutritional value, meat is almost always a preferred option. However, they’ll snack on grasses and plants occasionally.

Detox juice fruit_iriska_ira_shutterstock
Image Credit: Iriska Ira, Shutterstock

6. Garbage

We’ve all been woken up in the middle of the night by the noises made by raccoons and feral cats rummaging through our dumpsters or trash cans. They usually survive on our leftovers, especially during winter when the temperatures are too low, and prey is scarce.

divider 3 paws

FAQ

Why Are Feral Cats Not Considered Apex Predators?

An apex predator should be at the top of the food chain. In other words, apex predators don’t have any known enemies in their ecosystems. But in the case of feral cats, they can be hunted, killed, and eaten by owls, hawks, coyotes, and foxes.

Can You Domesticate a Feral Cat?

Domesticating a wild or feral cat is a tall order. Some would even say it’s impossible, given they are not used to human contact. If you desperately want to tame one, a kitten is much easier to train. Teaching it how to be friendly towards other pets or people is not going to be easy, but your chances of succeeding are higher than raising an adult.

Are Feral Cats Nocturnal?

For the most part, the free-roaming cats have nocturnal tendencies. Although cats are crepuscular, most feral felines prefer coming out at night when everybody’s gone to bed to sleep. They primarily rest during the day to avoid interacting with humans. If you see a feral cat out in the middle of the day, it’s either running away from a predator or too hungry to wait for dusk.

feral cats resting outdoor
Image Credit: Dmitris Vetsikas, Pixabay

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

It’s okay to leave some food out for your feral guests, but remember that they will keep coming back. And when they do, their colony will be larger than the previous one. While it’s natural to want to help the cats by feeding them, in most cases, they are pretty adept at finding food on their own.


Featured Image Credit: Stefan Sutka, Shutterstock

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

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

Can Cats Eat Scorpions? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Cats naturally enjoy hunting, and small creatures are their favorite targets. Most insects do not pose threats to cats, but scorpions (and other...

Can Cats Eat Scorpions

Why Do Cats Have Black Lips? How This Trait Evolved

Cats are fascinating animals, not only because of their silly antics but also how close they are to their wild counterparts. Domestication has...

Tabby-cat-meows-with-its-mouth-open

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

More related

Indoor vs Outdoor Cats: Which Is Better? Dr Karyn’s Opinion

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and...

domestic red cat caught the bird and holds it in its mouth

What Is the Impact of Cats on Local Wildlife? Statistics & Protection Tips

Did you know that cats have contributed to the extinction of over 60 species of wild birds, mammals, and reptiles?1 Unfortunately, it’s true,...

cute cat rearing up licking finger of the woman kneeling on the floor

How to Train a Cat to Stay Indoors: 7 Vet-Approved Tips

Of the over 160 million cats in the United States, roughly 30—80 million are unowned and roaming free1. Many cats with owners also...

cat looking at a hamster in a transparent cage

Will My Cat Eat My Hamster? Our Vet Explains

All pet lovers dream of living in a home filled with friendly animals that all happily coexist with nary a snarl, hiss, or...

Keep reading

Does Cinnamon Keep Cats Away? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Are you looking for a cat-friendly way to keep your four-footed companion off your new couch or away from your prized African violets? You may have read a few articles online suggesting that cinnamon works as an effective cat deterrent,...

close up cinnamon sticks

How to Sedate a Cat for Car Travel: 3 Effective Methods & Application Tips

Preparing for a long-distance car trip with your cat can feel like planning a road trip with a reluctant passenger. Many cats dislike travel, and keeping them calm and comfortable for hours on the road might seem daunting. While sedation...

Cute grey cat inside pet carrier in car

Can Cats Eat Minnows? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you’re a cat owner, you may have wondered whether your feline friend can snack on minnows. It’s a valid question. After all, fish are a natural part of their diet, in the wild, right? The answer is yes, so...

Can Cats Eat Minnows

Do Cats Like Privacy When They Poop? Feline Preferences Explained

Cats may not value your privacy, especially when you’re just trying to sneak off to the bathroom. Maybe you don’t mind the four paws following you to the bathroom and having another living being watching you do your business while...

cat pooping in the litter

10 Best Flea Powder for Cats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Fleas are one of the most common pests that affect cats, and they can rapidly create an infestation in homes. If you’ve found fleas on your cats or inside your house, it’s important to react quickly and equip yourself with...

maine coon cat lying on the floor

Why Does My Cat Keep Going to Their Litterbox (But Nothing Happens)? Vet Approved Advice

Over 37% of households in the United States have invited a cat into their homes; that is over 45 million households! About 63% keep their pets indoors exclusively. That’s a good thing, too, since it gives owners a heads-up if...

orange cat beside litter box

Cat Yeast Infection vs. Ear Mites: Vet Reviewed Differences (With Pictures)

If your cat is constantly shaking their head and scratching their ears, a few scenarios may come to mind: Are they allergic to something? Are they sick? Have they been infested by parasites? Constant irritation is also a fairly common...

Cat Yeast Infection vs. Ear Mites

Do Munchkin Cats Get Along With Dogs? – The Interesting Answer!

Affectionately known as the Dachshund of the feline world, the diminutive Munchkin Cat is pure, fur-covered cuteness! Their loveable looks are mirrored by equally loveable personalities and they are known for being amiable felines that fit in comfortably with most...

Dogs and Munchkins Get Along