Menu
Reviews
Here’s a comprehensive Cat Nutrition Guide to help you make informed decisions about your cat’s diet. This guide includes tables and explanations covering essential nutrients, dietary requirements, and common food types.
| Nutrient | Purpose | Examples of Sources |
| Protein | Muscle development, immune function, and overall energy. | Chicken, turkey, fish, eggs |
| Amino Acids | Essential for metabolic functions; taurine specifically supports eye and heart health. | Meat, fish, eggs, supplements (for taurine) |
| Fats | Provides energy, aids in vitamin absorption, supports skin and coat health. | Fish oil, animal fat, flaxseed |
| Vitamins | Essential for immune function, growth, and cell repair. | Liver, supplements (for B vitamins) |
| Minerals | Supports bone development, nerve function, and fluid balance. | Bone meal, vegetables, supplements |
Explanation: Cats are obligate carnivores, requiring animal-based proteins and essential amino acids like taurine, which plant-based diets lack. Fats provide necessary energy and facilitate absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Ensure a balanced mineral and vitamin profile to prevent deficiencies.
| Life Stage | Dietary Focus | Notes |
| Kitten | High protein and calorie diet for rapid growth. | Frequent meals and a higher protein percentage are ideal. |
| Adult (1-6 years) | Balanced protein, fat, and controlled calorie intake. | Adjust intake to prevent obesity; ensure regular exercise. |
| Senior (7+ years) | Lower calorie, higher fiber, and easy-to-digest foods. | Senior cats may benefit from joint-support supplements. |
Explanation: Cat food should align with the cat’s age. For example, kittens need nutrient-dense meals for growth, while older cats benefit from diets that support joint health and reduce weight gain risks.
| Food Type | Description | Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Dry Food | Kibble; long shelf life and convenient to store. | Cost-effective, dental benefits, calorie-dense. | Lower moisture; may not satisfy hydration needs. |
| Wet/Canned Food | High moisture content; available in various flavors. | Hydration support, highly palatable. | Shorter shelf life once opened, more expensive. |
| Raw Food | Fresh, raw ingredients; may require preparation. | High protein; mimics natural diet. | Risk of bacterial contamination if not handled properly. |
| Freeze-dried | Dehydrated raw food; longer shelf life. | Convenient; retains raw diet benefits. | Expensive; requires rehydration. |
| Prescription Diet | Tailored for specific health conditions (e.g., urinary health). | Addresses medical needs. | Costly; only available through a vet. |
Explanation: Each food type has its pros and cons, so the choice depends on the cat’s individual needs, health status, and the owner’s budget. Wet food is beneficial for hydration, especially if the cat doesn’t drink water frequently.
| Label Term | Meaning | Considerations |
| Complete & Balanced | Meets AAFCO’s nutritional adequacy standards for specific life stages. | Ensure the food is “complete” rather than “supplemental.” |
| Natural | No synthetic additives, preservatives, or artificial colors. | May not provide all nutrients without synthetic vitamins. |
| Organic | Ingredients are grown and processed without synthetic chemicals. | Higher cost, but fewer pesticide residues. |
| Grain-Free | Omits grains; uses legumes or potatoes instead. | Not necessary unless the cat has a grain allergy. |
| Human-Grade | Ingredients meet standards for human consumption, though not strictly regulated for pets. | Higher quality, but not always nutritionally complete. |
Explanation: Deciphering pet food labels is crucial. “Complete & balanced” signifies a nutritionally sound choice, while “grain-free” is often a preference rather than a necessity for most cats.
While there are many diets available, consulting with a vet for any special needs (such as weight management or urinary health) is essential. A diet tailored to individual health needs, with high-quality protein and balanced fats, generally supports longevity and well-being.
Why Balanced Nutrition Matters
A well-rounded diet tailored to a cat’s life stage and health needs is crucial for a long, healthy life. Cats, being obligate carnivores with desert origins, require diets primarily consisting of animal-based nutrients and can tolerate limited water intake.
Kittens have high energy and nutrient needs to support rapid growth, particularly in the first four to six months. The foundational nutrients for kittens include:
Kittens need about 100-130 calories per kilogram of body weight initially. Below is a feeding chart for their early development:
| Week | Weight (g) | Formula (ml) | Frequency |
| Week 1 | 50–150 | 2–6 | Every 2 hours |
| Week 2 | 150–250 | 6–10 | Every 2–3 hours |
| Week 3 | 250–350 | 10–14 | Every 3–4 hours |
| Week 4 | 350–450 | 14–18 | Every 4–5 hours |
| Week 5 | 450–550 | 18–22 | Every 5–6 hours |
From weeks six to eight, introduce a mix of formula and small amounts of wet or dry cat food, and encourage feeding independence by using a syringe if needed.
Adult cats need a diet rich in:
Feed adult cats a variety of protein sources (e.g., chicken, duck, fish) to support muscle health, and remember that high-protein foods support their carnivorous needs best. Adjust portion sizes based on weight and activity level:
| Weight (kg) | Lean (kcal/day) | Overweight (kcal/day) |
| 2–3 | 170 | 180 |
| 4–5 | 280 | 240 |
| 6–7 | 360 | 280 |
| 9–10 | 440 | 310 |
Senior cats have slower metabolisms and benefit from diets higher in easily digestible proteins (like chicken or turkey) and antioxidants to slow aging. Choose foods with high digestibility to support reduced digestive efficiency:
| Food Source | Digestibility Rate |
| Chicken, Rabbit, Turkey | 92% |
| Kidneys, Livers, Hearts | 90% |
| Fish | 75% |
For cats with weak digestion or allergies, opt for single-protein wet food recipes that are easy on the stomach, like chicken or tuna in gravy or jelly forms.
Avoid human foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes, as well as milk for adult cats (many are lactose intolerant). Harmful foods can cause anything from digestive upset to serious health risks.
| Foods to Avoid | Effects |
| Onions, Garlic, Chives | Damages red blood cells |
| Grapes, Raisins | Causes kidney failure |
| Chocolate, Coffee | Toxic to cats’ systems |
| Alcohol | Leads to vomiting, coma, and death |
| Raw Bread Dough | Causes bloating and digestive issues |
| Xylitol | Causes liver failure |
Introducing new food should be gradual to avoid digestive upset. Start with 10-20% of the new food mixed with their current food, gradually increasing the proportion over one to two weeks.
If your cat shows symptoms like lethargy, fever, vomiting, or weight changes, consult a vet, as these may indicate nutrient deficiencies or health issues.
In moderation, certain human foods can be safe, like small amounts of cooked carrots or blueberries. These treats should not exceed 2% of their diet.
By following these guidelines, you can provide a nutritious, balanced diet for your cat at every life stage. Consult your vet for tailored advice, and always ensure fresh, clean water is readily available for your feline friend.
Choosing the right food for your cat is crucial for their health and well-being. Cats need a diet rich in proteins and fats to stay active and healthy. Without sufficient protein, they risk losing muscle mass and becoming weaker over time. Fats are essential as they provide necessary fatty acids for energy and help keep their coat shiny and skin healthy. Taurine, an essential amino acid, is also critical for maintaining their vision, heart health, and overall well-being.
Our Two Recommendations:
Cats deserve variety as much as any connoisseur! With Purina Gourmet, you’ll find over 60 delectable recipes featuring fish, poultry, game, and tender meats in an impressive array of textures—mousse, paté, terrine, gravy, and more. Whether you’re pampering a playful 1-year-old or a wise 7-year-old, each pouch and tin offers a unique flavor journey tailored to delight every feline palate.
Wet food isn’t just delicious; it’s hydrating, too—an essential choice for health-conscious cat owners. As recommended by veterinarians, a moist diet can boost hydration, supporting urinary health in your furry friend.
Cats can be picky, but Purina Gourmet’s expansive selection caters to each cat’s tastes. Give them a dining experience that mirrors the choices of a fine restaurant, discovering their favorites along the way!
For my own cats, Purina Gourmet is a regular choice. They absolutely love the variety, and I love watching them explore each flavor and texture! It’s a hit in our home, and I’m confident it will be in yours too.
To give your cat the best chance at a happy, healthy life, look for cat food with a high protein content (38%-46%) to support muscle development and a moderate fat level (15-20%) to maintain optimal energy and weight. This balance of nutrients ensures your cat’s fur stays soft, their heart stays strong, and their overall health thrives.
Don’t compromise on your cat’s nutrition. Choose high-quality cat food today and see the difference in their vitality and happiness!
Best Brands & Product Recommended from our Vets
Wysong Uretic is the canned version of Wysong’s popular Uretic dry cat food. It is specially formulated for cats prone to lower urinary tract issues and includes a blend of nutraceuticals designed to support urinary health:
From my own experience, this food was recommended by my vet when my cat had urinary issues. It has a firm texture, which some cats might find challenging. Adding warm water can help soften the food and make it more palatable.
Nutritional Information (Dry Matter Basis):
