Complete Cat Feeding Guide

Complete Cat Feeding Guide

Key Fact: Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat animal-based foods to survive. They cannot produce essential nutrients such as taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, or active vitamin A in sufficient amounts on their own.

- Never feed a vegan or vegetarian diet, as this can lead to blindness, heart disease, severe nutritional deficiencies, and potentially fatal illness.

- Feed a diet rich in high-quality animal protein (around 30% or more on a dry matter basis, with active breeds such as Bengals often benefiting from around 40%).

- Cats digest carbohydrates less efficiently than proteins and fats, so excessive carbohydrates may contribute to obesity and diabetes.

Choosing the Right Food

Always choose a complete commercial cat food, as it contains all the nutrients your cat requires. Reputable manufacturers formulate diets to meet recognised nutritional standards.

Complementary foods and treats should only be fed occasionally and should never replace a complete diet.

Wet vs Dry Food

Type| Benefits| Drawbacks| Tips

Wet Food| High moisture content (75–85%) supports urinary and kidney health and is highly palatable.| Must be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours.| Serve at room temperature and warm slightly if your cat is a picky eater.

Dry Food| Convenient, economical and easy to store.| Lower moisture content and often higher in calories and carbohydrates.| Measure portions carefully and consider using puzzle feeders.

Mixed Feeding| Combines hydration from wet food with the convenience of dry food.| No major disadvantages when balanced correctly.| Follow the manufacturer's feeding recommendations when combining foods.

Life Stage Feeding

Kittens

- Feed a complete kitten diet.

- High in protein and energy to support rapid growth.

- Offer 3–4 small meals each day.

Adult Cats (1–7 years)

- Feed a balanced maintenance diet.

- Provide at least two meals daily.

Senior Cats (8 years and over)

- Feed highly digestible, high-quality protein.

- Adjust calorie intake according to activity level and body condition.

Healthy Feeding Routine

Best Practice

- Feed multiple small meals each day to mimic natural hunting behaviour.

- Measure food accurately using kitchen scales or a measuring cup.

- Adjust portions according to your cat's weight, activity level and body condition.

- Use shallow ceramic, glass or stainless-steel bowls to reduce whisker stress.

- Wash food bowls daily.

- Keep food bowls away from litter trays and place water bowls separately.

- Introduce new foods gradually over 7–10 days.

- Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake.

Approximate Daily Calorie Guide

Weight| Neutered| Entire (Intact)

2.3 kg (5 lb)| 125 kcal| 175 kcal

4.5 kg (10 lb)| 250 kcal| 350 kcal

6.8 kg (15 lb)| 375 kcal| 525 kcal

Pregnant and lactating queens may require 25–100% more calories depending on the stage of pregnancy and nursing.

For weight loss, aim for no more than 1–1.5% of body weight per week to reduce the risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).

Foods to Avoid

Highly Toxic Foods

Never feed:

- Onion

- Garlic

- Chives

- Leeks

- Grapes

- Raisins

- Chocolate

- Caffeine

- Xylitol (found in sugar-free products)

- Alcohol

- Raw yeast dough

- Raw or cooked bones

- Raw fish as a regular food source

These foods can cause serious illness including anaemia, kidney failure, liver damage, neurological problems, intestinal injuries and vitamin deficiencies.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

- Cow's milk (most adult cats are lactose intolerant)

- Raw meat

- Raw eggs

- High-fat table scraps

- Seasoned human foods

- Avocado

Safe Treats

Offer only plain, cooked and boneless foods.

Protein

- Chicken

- Turkey

- Beef

- Lamb

- Cooked eggs

- Salmon

- Sardines

Vegetables

- Pumpkin

- Carrot

- Peas

- Green beans

- Sweet potato

Fruit

- Blueberries

- Melon

- Apple (without seeds)

Treats should remain an occasional supplement rather than a significant part of the diet.

Bengal Feeding Example (Royal Canin)

Bengal Adult Dry Food

- Approximately 40% protein

- Approximately 18% fat

- Specially shaped kibble for Bengal jaws

- Supports muscle maintenance, digestion and coat health

Instinctive Wet Food

Available in gravy, jelly or loaf textures.

Benefits include:

- Increased moisture intake

- Supports urinary tract health

- Highly palatable

Many owners successfully combine wet and dry food to provide both hydration and convenience while following the manufacturer's feeding guidelines.

When to Contact Your Veterinary Surgeon

Seek veterinary advice if your cat:

- Suddenly stops eating

- Eats significantly more than usual

- Drinks much more or much less than normal

- Loses or gains weight unexpectedly

- Has persistent vomiting or diarrhoea

- Has feeding problems during pregnancy or lactation

- Has any medical condition requiring a special diet

Early veterinary assessment can prevent many serious health problems and ensure your cat receives appropriate nutritional support throughout life.