Hobbies And Interests
Foraging
Many cats that live in the wild find food in trash cans or dumpsters. Cats may forage for food in dumpsters outside restaurants, or in trash receptacles outside homes and apartment communities. Cats living in the wild may choose to live near homes or businesses with dumpsters that are easy to access, as this can provide a routine food source.
Hunting
Cats are very good hunters, armed with sharp claws and advanced sight and hearing. Cats living in the wild use these hunting skills to catch prey for food. Cats may eat rats, mice and other small rodents. While cats prefer rodents, they may also kill and eat small birds.
Human Caretakers
Wild cats may find food from humans who set out dishes of food and water for stray or feral cats in their neighborhood. Many feral cats live in colonies, and have human caretakers who provide fresh food, clean water and medical care when needed, according to the ASPCA. In addition to food and veterinary services, caretakers also arrange for feral cats to be neutered and then returned to their colony, to keep the cat population from growing.
Feeding Ban
A large number of cats live in the wild, often in colonies, and are considered a nuisance by many home and business owners. Some locations attempt to reduce the number of wild cats in their area by imposing feeding bans, according to The Humane Society. However, these usually do not work, since cats do not like to leave their chosen territory, and many humans ignore the feeding ban.
Big Cats
Like their smaller relatives, big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs hunt for food. Big cats eat large mammals such as zebras, antelope and buffalo. Wild pigs, hares, and deer are also common prey for big cats. Most cats hunt and live on their own, though the African lion lives and hunts with a group, called a pride. Most big cats hunt at night, though some, such as the cheetah, hunt during the day.