What should I feed my cat?
With so much information online about what cats should and shouldn’t eat, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But feeding your feline friend a balanced diet is one of the best ways to support their health, happiness, and longevity.
There are plenty of myths out there – whether kittens can eat adult cat food, if a fish-heavy diet is really the best choice. This guide sets the record straight and helps you make the best choices for your cat’s overall wellbeing. Let’s get started!
Understanding your cat’s nutritional needs
Cats are obligate or true carnivores, which means that they need specific nutrients that are only available in animal products to stay healthy and active. Animal protein is essential in a cat’s diet and produces huge quantities of several amino acids ('essential' amino acids), so this must be consumed on a regular basis and form a large part of their diet.
What do cats eat, and why? Our furry friends need the following essential nutrients in their day-to-day diet:
- Protein: This includes animal-based sources such as chicken, fish and meat which are perfect for all cats.
- Fats: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids should form an essential part of a cat’s daily diet.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Cats also require higher levels of the several vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, D, E, and B), some of which are also only found in animal products. Taurine, another essential amino acid, is important for the heart muscle and the retina of the eyes. Fun fact – cats can’t produce this themselves, this is why they need it so much in their diet!
While many cats enjoy fish, it shouldn’t be included as a foundation of their diet. The high levels of fatty acids in fish can lead to a vitamin E deficiency, causing painful health issues for cats.
What should cats eat?
The ideal cat diet
When it comes to high-quality commercial cat food, both wet and dry options have their benefits for our furry friends. Wet food provides essential hydration and is often more palatable for cats, while dry food is convenient and helps with dental health. A mix of both can offer a balanced diet – balance is key!
While raw food can provide fresh, unprocessed nutrients, it also carries risks like bacterial contamination and unbalanced nutrition if not carefully planned. On the other hand, cooked diets eliminate these risks but might lack certain essential nutrients unless properly supplemented.
How often should cats eat?
The amount of food your cat needs will depend on their weight, size and age, so it won’t usually be a one size fits all approach! Obesity is quite common in cats and can contribute to a shorter life span, so always make sure you’re feeding your pet the right amount of food.
As a general rule of thumb, kittens require more food per kilogram of body weight to support their growth than adult cats. Until our furry mates hit their 6-month mark, kittens should typically be fed three meals each day.
Once your cat becomes an adult (1 year of age), they should be fed one to two times each day. This is a perfect amount for them each day.
What can cats eat? Safe and healthy human foods
Safe human foods for cats
Let’s get started! Here are some safe human foods to feed your cat:
- Chicken: Lean and easily digestible for cats that provides essential amino acids. Great for muscle development and overall health, but make sure it’s either steamed or boiled for your feline friend.
- Turkey: Turkey is a high-quality protein that’s low in fat and ideal for weight management. Another perfect choice!
- Beef: Rich in iron and other nutrients, beef is a good protein option but can be higher in fat, so it should be fed in moderation.
- Fish: Salmon and tuna are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support coat and skin health. Offer fish in moderation due to potential mercury buildup and an unbalanced nutrient profile if overfed. There’s a reason cats love their fish after all!
- Eggs: Full of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. However, they should be cooked to avoid the risk of salmonella.
- Fruit: Some fruits, like apples, blueberries and strawberries are safe for cats and provide antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. However, fruits should be given in moderation since they don’t need much of this in their diet.
- Vegetables: Certain veggies like carrots, peas, and spinach are safe and are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These can aid digestion, but ideally should be cooked or pureed to make them easier for cats to digest.
Special dietary needs: Feeding cats with health conditions and life stages
What to feed a kitten for healthy growth
The basis of your kitten’s diet should be high-quality, balanced, premium commercial kitten food – however, you can offer cooked or raw meats to give them some variety. Avoid feeding raw meat until your kitten is at least 20 weeks of age, as their immune system isn’t strong enough for these potential pathogens.
Introducing some moist foods in your kitten’s diet is also a great idea. Wet canned food or cooked meat are excellent options to start with, and are really gentle on your kitten's stomach.
What to feed a senior cat for longevity
Senior cats may be more susceptible to health issues, and an improper diet can make these conditions worsen. Senior cats can benefit from a wet diet that’s canned, fresh, or cooked, such as chicken or turkey-based meals, to help increase the amount of fluid they consume. It’s important to have a balance of everything!
Servings depend on your cat’s size and age, but always take care when finding the balance between overfeeding and underfeeding. Senior cats typically prefer smaller meals throughout the day, so try offering food three to four times daily as a little snack.
What to feed a cat with diarrhoea?
When your cat has diarrhoea, feed easily digestible foods like boiled chicken (ensuring no cooked bones are included) with white rice, and consider offering wet food to help with hydration.
Ensure your cat stays hydrated with fresh water or diluted broth. If diarrhoea lasts more than 24-48 hours or worsens, speak to your vet who can help out.
Managing a cat’s weight: Best diet for overweight cats
If your cat is overweight or if you're looking to help them maintain a healthy weight, here are some tips to try at home:
- High-protein, low-carbs: Focus on foods rich in high-quality animal protein and low in carbohydrates to help maintain lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss. This way, your furry friend will stay fuller for longer!
- Portion control: Measure food servings to avoid overfeeding. Follow your vet’s recommendations for daily calorie intake – and stick to it!
- Frequent small meals: Offering smaller, more frequent meals such as snacks can prevent overeating and help control hunger.
Providing the right diet is key to keeping your fur-bestie happy and healthy, but it can be tricky at times! Ensure your cat is getting the right nutrition.