Can Birds Eat Cat Food?

Do you have some cat food that your kitty has turned up her nose to? (Oh, we’ve been there!) If you’re wondering if it would be safe to feed cat food to the wild birds outside your window, the answer is yes–but with some precautions!

background image of dry cat food with silhouette of bird and cat in foreground

Cat Food vs. Bird Food

It’s surprising to many that in moderation cat food is actually safe and nutritionally beneficial for wild birds due to its meaty composition. Protein-packed foods like wet or dry cat food are especially appealing to insect-eating species such as robins or wrens.

However, monitoring portion size is crucial – too much can cause health issues relating to nutrient imbalance in these fragile creatures.

Cat food is formulated for the dietary needs of cats, who are obligate carnivores. Cat food is meat-based, while bird food varies and may include plant-based proteins and fats from seeds and nuts.

If you are feeding a feral cat colony and you notice that birds are eating the cat food, it’s not going to hurt the birds to have a bit of food–but it’s best if you can position the cat food so that it is eaten by the cats.

Which Wild Birds Might Eat Cat Food?

OK, we’ve determined that birds CAN eat cat food in moderation–but DO birds eat cat food? Well, the answer is maybe.

Insectivorous birds like robins, starlings, and wrens, which naturally eat insects (making them a meat eater), might be more inclined to try cat food.

Also birds in urban settings, accustomed to scavenging, may also sample cat food if it’s accessible.

Here’s a look at some species that are likely to sample cat food:

Crows and Ravens: These intelligent birds are opportunistic feeders and are known to eat almost anything, including cat food.
Jays: Species like Blue Jays and Steller’s Jays, which have varied diets, may also be attracted to cat food.
Robins: American Robins, which eat a lot of insects and worms, might sample cat food, especially in the breeding season when they require more protein.
Starlings: European Starlings are not particularly fussy about their food sources and may be attracted to cat food.
Wrens: Small insectivorous birds like wrens, which require high-protein diets, might also be drawn to cat food.
Magpies: As omnivores, magpies may investigate and eat cat food if they find it in a feeder.
Mockingbirds: Northern Mockingbirds, known for their varied diet, might try cat food as well.

How to Feed Cat Food to Birds

In Moderation: As we mentioned, only offer cat food sparingly, ensuring it’s just a small part of the birds’ overall diet.
Wet or Dry Food: Both wet and dry cat foods can be offered. Wet food may be more appealing, but dry food can be less messy in outdoor settings.
Crumbled or Soaked: Crumble dry cat food into smaller pieces or soak it to soften, making it easier for birds to eat.

Problems When Feeding Cat Food to Birds

OK, let’s be honest–cat food is going to attract a lot of attention at your bird feeder and much of it won’t be from the birds! Instead, you may be putting your bird feeder buddies in danger by attracting other animals to the feeder.

Depending on where you live, here’s a look at some of the animals that may be attracted to that cat food at your feeder:

Outdoor Cats and Feral Cats: Ironically, leaving cat food outside can attract more feral cats as well as owned outdoor cats from the neighborhood. Their presence can lead to decreased bird populations in the area.
Squirrels: Squirrels will definitely be attracted to cat food and may discourage birds from coming to the feeder.
Rodents (Rats and Mice): Rodents are often attracted to cat food. Their presence can lead to increased competition for food, spread of diseases, and, in some cases, predation on bird eggs and younglings.
Raccoons: These opportunistic feeders can be attracted to cat food. Raccoons are known to raid bird nests and can be aggressive towards birds. They also carry diseases that can be harmful to both birds and humans.
Coyotes and Foxes: In some regions (raising our hands here in central Texas!), coyotes and foxes will be drawn to cat food.
Bears: In areas where bears are present, any kind of food left outdoors, including cat food, can attract them. Bears can disrupt bird habitats and pose a danger to both wildlife and humans.
Opossums: These nocturnal animals might also be drawn to cat food. While opossums are less likely to be a direct threat to birds, they can compete for the same food sources.
Skunks: Similarly to opossums, skunks may be attracted to cat food and can compete with birds for food. Skunks also carry diseases and can be a nuisance in residential areas.

If you feed cat food on occasion at your bird feeder, put out just a little so that the food won’t last long enough to attract predators (especially those who come calling at night!)