How to Feed Your Cat Well
Understand what your cat genuinely needs to thrive at every stage of life.
Good nutrition is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your cat, yet feeding is an area where well-meaning owners frequently go wrong. Cats are not small dogs, nor are they adaptable omnivores like us. They are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are specifically built to derive nutrients from meat, and understanding this shapes everything about how we should feed them.
What cats actually need
As obligate carnivores, cats require a high-protein diet and specific nutrients found almost exclusively in animal tissue. Chief among these is taurine, an amino acid essential for heart and eye health, which cats cannot produce in sufficient quantities themselves. A deficiency can cause serious illness, which is precisely why cats should never be fed a vegetarian or dog-food diet.
A sound feeding approach generally includes:
- A complete, life-stage-appropriate cat food as the basis of the diet
- Plenty of fresh water available at all times
- A balance of wet food, which aids hydration, alongside any dry food
- Portions measured to maintain a healthy weight
Always choose food labelled as complete rather than complementary, as complete foods contain everything a cat needs in the correct balance.
Wet, dry and how much
Both wet and dry foods have their merits. Wet food has a high moisture content, which helps keep cats hydrated and supports urinary health, something that matters because cats evolved in arid environments and have a naturally low thirst drive. Dry food is convenient and can support dental health, and many owners feed a combination of the two.
Portion control is where many cats come unstuck, as pet obesity is increasingly common and causes real harm, contributing to diabetes, joint disease and a shortened life. Follow the guidance on the packaging as a starting point, adjust according to your individual cat's weight and activity, and weigh food rather than guessing. Your vet can advise on your cat's ideal body condition.
Feeding behaviour and common pitfalls
How you feed matters as well as what you feed. In the wild, cats eat many small meals a day, catching prey one mouthful at a time, so several small portions or the use of puzzle feeders suits their nature far better than one or two large bowls. This also provides valuable mental stimulation and slows down fast eaters.
A few final cautions are worth remembering. Many human foods are toxic to cats, including onions, garlic, chocolate and grapes, and cow's milk commonly causes stomach upset as most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Introduce any change of diet gradually over a week or so to avoid digestive trouble. If your cat suddenly refuses food, or loses or gains weight unexpectedly, treat it as a reason to consult your vet, as appetite changes are often the first sign of an underlying problem.