Any cat’s dietary needs change over time, as their ability to digest fat and protein decreases with age. Nutritional assessments for companion cats typically focus on their body weight, body condition score, and the types and quantities of food they’re offered. However, these assessments are rarely carried out for community cats — and even less so for older community cats.

To address this gap, researchers conducted a nutritional assessment and investigated feeding improvement strategies for a group of 13 community cats living at the Faculty of Philosophy and Human Sciences at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Eleven of these cats were categorized as elderly. There was a roughly even spread of males and females, and all but one of the cats were semi- or fully feral. The group represented about 15% of the total population of cats on campus.

Background

Stray and abandoned cats have been living at the faculty since it was inaugurated in 1990. Originally, the academic community cared for them, providing food and water, spay and neuter surgeries, and vaccinations, and promoting adoptions. But in the years that followed, many of the animals were killed by gas chamber or poisoning in an effort to reduce their numbers.

In 2019, the university introduced a policy to manage campus cats and dogs ethically. However, the lack of resources to implement the policy meant that the responsibility fell to volunteer caretakers. At the time of the study, the cats’ former caretaker had retired and no one was feeding them over the weekend or on holidays. This was a concern as the elderly individuals in particular rarely left faculty premises.

Thus, given these circumstances, there was considerable scope for the researchers to determine a plan of action for improvement.

The Study

From October 2022 to July 2024, the researchers collected a variety of demographic data on the cats using camera traps, direct observations, interviews with caregivers, and weights from a digital scale the animals were trained to use. As all but three of the cats had black and short-haired fur, frequent monitoring at the beginning to get to know their personalities and other distinguishing characteristics helped to individuate them.

Modifying the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s concept of food security, the researchers assessed the nutritional conditions of the cats. This included factors related to food quantity and quality, body condition score, and hunger levels.

The researchers also installed five feeding stations made out of transparent plastic storage boxes. These were located in low-visibility places that protected the food from stray dogs, the weather, and insects and allowed the researchers to visually assess the health and behavioral patterns of the cats. Because of their limited socialization, more direct assessment such as a full veterinary check-up wasn’t possible.

The diet the researchers provided was dry kitten food, a useful alternative for aging cats, and one daily wet food meal to support their hydration. This was based on the dietary management of companion cats in the same age group, as well as financial constraints and the number of animals involved in the study.

Finally, to help support the study, the researchers created a “Solidarity Food Bank” for monetary donations, which were used to purchase food for the cats.

Outcomes

The study population decreased from 13 to 10 cats over the course of the investigation. A new cat joined the group, while one was attacked and killed by a dog, two were euthanized due to cancer, and one was adopted.

There were a number of positive outcomes. The body condition of the cats improved substantially, with all of them reaching ideal weights and achieving visibly better coat health. Food security also improved because of the simple, secure feeding stations and support from the food bank, which totaled over US$3,500 in donations. As anyone could contribute to the food bank, the researchers believe that this expanded awareness about the issue of community animals beyond just the university campus.

Bonds between the cats and their caregivers were strengthened too. In June 2023, the faculty designated a small group of students and staff to continue managing the cats. Even without allowing any touch, 80% of the animals showed up regularly when hearing their caretakers’ voices and remained close, not just at feeding times.

Although just a small case study, this research shows that setting up feeding and observing stations can benefit community cat welfare, especially given the many challenges they face in environments like university campuses. Potentially, such straightforward approaches might even help improve the lives of other stray and abandoned animals, and at very little cost to us — a small effort with a big impact.