WHAT DOES A CAT EAT IN THE WILD?

Like all cats, the cat is a carnivore whose digestive system is adapted to a diet rich in protein. In the wild, it feeds on small prey, mainly rodents and birds. Plants also contribute to the proper functioning of its metabolism.

The diet of the wild cat

The true wild cat or forest cat ( Felis silvestris ) is a hunter animal that inhabits the forests of Central Europe, currently extinct in most of French territory. It lives in deciduous forests, marshes, heaths and low mountains where it nests in tree holes, burrows or between rocks. The wild cat’s diet consists of small rodents (mice, rats, field mice, voles, shrews), rabbits, hares and other small prey such as squirrels and birds.

Occasionally, it can also feed on small reptiles (snakes, lizards), amphibians and amphibians (frogs). It can even consume big insects and of course fish. Its natural predators are the big raptors, the badger, the fox and the marten. Once considered a nuisance, the wild cat is classified today as protected species: it is forbidden to hunt, hold, sell or buy it.

Furry cat, stray cat: what’s the difference?

The term “feral cat” refers to a domestic cat ( Felis catus ) returned to the wild, unlike the true wild cat which is a species in its own right. These two animals all share certain commonalities in terms of lifestyle and behavior: they feed on game, lead a solitary life and we find them in the same habitats.

A domestic cat living outside can become “hungry” if it is a good hunter to feed himself and if he enjoys the proximity of forests or fields where he can find prey. This is what distinguishes him from the wandering cat, the latter living more in town in contact with men. Unlike the wild cat and the feral cat, the survival of the stray cat depends on human activities since it feeds on remains found in the street, in garbage and food eventually distributed by residents.

How to feed a wild cat?

In France, it is very unlikely to meet a real wild cat for the reasons mentioned above. However, it can happen occasionally to cross feral cats in the forest or in the countryside. It is not useful to try to feed them since these animals are returned to their natural state and will generally refuse any contact with the man.

In addition, only live prey are likely to attract them, except in case of scarcity where they can possibly consume something else. We can always try to feed a cat returned to the wild, giving him fresh meat but it may be consumed by other predators and scavengers!

How to feed a stray cat?

A stray cat, living in urban areas near men, can be fed like any domestic cat. Indeed, the domestic cat can absorb more varied food than the wild cat, because its intestines are longer than those of its cousin whose metabolism is almost exclusively adapted to the consumption of fresh meat.

It is therefore quite possible to give industrial food (croquettes, pâté) to stray cats in your neighborhood. We can also offer them leftover meat or offal, preferably slightly boiled, as well as well-cooked cereals (rice…), small quantities of dairy products and cooked green vegetables.

What are the plants consumed by the cat?

In the wild, the cat eats some grasses to purge itself, but it can also happen to eat fallen fruits such as apple, pear and peach. Fruits and vegetables are a source of essential nutrients (fiber and vitamins) for the wild cat. However, it remains carnivorous and its metabolism is not adapted to the consumption of raw vegetables.