Feeding your cat a healthy, well-balanced diet is key to supporting a long, happy life. Yet with endless choices in the pet food market—raw, kibble, wet, grain-free, hypoallergenic—it can be confusing to know what’s best for your feline companion.
This guide for pet owners covers everything you need to know about cat nutrition, including feeding schedules, portion sizes, food types, and what to consider when choosing a diet for your cat.
1. General Cat Nutrition Requirements
Unlike dogs, cats are obligate carnivores—meaning they need nutrients found only in animal tissue. A well-balanced diet must meet their strict nutritional needs, or serious health issues can occur.
Key nutritional requirements include:
- Protein: High levels of animal protein (e.g., chicken, beef, turkey, fish) are essential for muscle development and energy.
- Taurine: An amino acid critical for heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats can’t produce it themselves—it must come from their diet.
- Arginine: Vital for detoxification. Even one day without it can be harmful.
- Fatty Acids: Omega-3 and Omega-6 support healthy skin, coat, and immune function.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Essential for metabolic and organ function. Cats, for example, require vitamin A from animal sources—not plant-based alternatives.
- Water: Cats naturally drink little water, so moisture-rich diets are often better.
Look for “complete” cat foods that meet FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) standards, which ensure nutritional adequacy across the UK and Europe.
2. How Often Should You Feed a Cat?
Cats are natural grazers. In the wild, they hunt and eat small meals frequently throughout the day.
General feeding schedule:
- Kittens (<6 months): 3 to 4 meals per day
- Adults (6 months to 7 years): 2 meals per day
- Senior cats (7+ years): 2 to 3 smaller meals per day
Some cats prefer to free feed (eating at will), especially with dry food, but this can lead to obesity. Scheduled feeding is often a better choice for managing weight and monitoring appetite.
3. How Much Should You Feed a Cat?
The amount of food a cat needs depends on its age, size, activity level, and the type of food you’re feeding.
Typical daily ranges for an average adult cat (4–5kg):
- Wet food: 200–300 grams
- Dry food: 50–70 grams
- Mixed feeding: 100–150g wet + 25–40g dry
Always check packaging for feeding guidelines and adjust based on your cat’s needs. Indoor cats usually require fewer calories than outdoor cats. Use a body condition score to help gauge if your cat is at a healthy weight. You should be able to feel their ribs but not see them, and they should have a visible waistline.
Resource: Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) Cat Size-O-Meter
4. What type of food Is best for a cat?
The “best” food depends on your cat’s life stage, preferences, and any health conditions. Below is a breakdown of the most common options:
a. Raw food diet (BARF)
Raw food diets include uncooked meat, organs, bones, and sometimes vegetables or supplements.
Pros:
- Mimics a natural feline diet.
- Some owners report improvements in coat quality and digestion.
Cons:
- Risk of bacterial contamination (e.g., Salmonella).
- Nutritionally unbalanced if not carefully prepared.
- Needs safe storage and handling.
Resource: British Veterinary Association Raw Feeding Policy.
Avoid feeding raw bones or fish without vet guidance.
b. Kibble (dry food)
Dry food is popular, economical, and shelf-stable.
Pros:
- Convenient and less expensive.
- Can help reduce tartar buildup on teeth.
Cons:
- Low moisture content can lead to urinary issues.
- Quality varies greatly—some use low-grade meat or fillers.
- Look for high-protein, grain-free options with meat as the first ingredient.
c. Canned or wet food
Wet food contains 70–80% moisture, making it great for hydration.
Pros:
- Highly palatable—ideal for fussy eaters.
- Supports urinary and kidney health.
Cons:
- More expensive than kibble.
- Needs refrigeration after opening.
- Most vets recommend feeding at least one wet meal per day.
d. Other types of food
- Freeze-dried or dehydrated raw: Retains nutrients, safer than fresh raw, but expensive.
- Home-cooked: Only viable under veterinary guidance to ensure balanced nutrition.
- Prescription diets: Designed for medical conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or food allergies.
- Vegan or vegetarian cat food: Controversial and only to be used under strict veterinary supervision. Cats require animal-based nutrients like taurine.
5. What else should I consider when choosing cat food?
Choosing cat food isn’t just about the label. Here are additional factors to keep in mind:
a. Life stage
- Kittens: High-calorie, high-protein diets for growth.
- Adults: Balanced maintenance diets.
- Seniors: Lower-calorie foods with support for joint and kidney health.
b. Health conditions
Allergies and intolerances may require hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient foods.
Obesity can be managed with calorie-controlled or weight management formulas.
Chronic illnesses (e.g., kidney or thyroid disease) may need prescription diets.
c. Ingredient Quality
Choose foods that list specific meat sources (e.g., “chicken”, not “meat meal” or “animal derivatives”).
Avoid:
- Unspecified by-products
- Added sugars
- Artificial colours or preservatives
d. Feeding Method
- Free feeding: Convenient but can cause weight gain.
- Scheduled meals: Easier to control portions and track appetite.
- Food puzzles or interactive feeders: Great for mental stimulation.
e. Budget and Sustainability
Premium diets often have better ingredients and fewer fillers. Also, consider eco-conscious brands that source ingredients responsibly and are manufactured locally.
6. Where Can I Get More Information?
Here are some trusted sources for more information on cat nutrition. While these are UK-based, similar sites exist in other countries:
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PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association)
Industry body providing feeding guides and standards.
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British Veterinary Association (BVA)
Professional organisation offering guidance on feline health and diets.
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International Cat Care (ICC)
A globally respected UK-based charity with extensive resources on cat health.
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Royal Canin UK
Breed- and life stage-specific nutritional advice backed by science.
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Cats Protection
The UK’s leading cat welfare charity with helpful feeding and care tips.
Final Thoughts
Cats have unique dietary needs that can’t be met by dog food or human leftovers. Whether you feed raw, kibble, wet, or a combination, the key is to choose a complete, balanced food that suits your cat’s age, health, and lifestyle. Regular vet check-ups, close attention to your cat’s weight and habits, and ongoingeducation will help you provide the best nutrition possible. After all, a healthy diet is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your feline friend.