Feeding & Nutrition ★

Dry cat food is a shelf-stable form of cat food with low moisture content, commonly offered as measured meals or used in puzzle feeding. Check that the food is complete for the cat's life stage, follow feeding guidance and provide fresh water. Dry food can be convenient, but portion control matters because it is energy-dense.

Cat feeding and nutrition involve choosing a complete diet appropriate to life stage and health, providing water and controlling portions. Commercial diets labelled complete can provide the nutrients cats require. Special diets should be used on veterinary advice when appropriate, and treats should be limited so they do not displace balanced nutrition.

Kitten food is formulated for the nutritional needs of growing cats during their first year. Choose a complete kitten diet appropriate to the kitten's age and follow the manufacturer's feeding guide. PDSA advises small, regular meals and gradual diet changes.

Raw feeding involves feeding uncooked animal-derived ingredients or commercially prepared raw diets. Cats Protection advises speaking to a vet before feeding raw and notes that commercially prepared complete raw food is preferable to trying to formulate a diet at home. Hygiene and nutritional balance are key concerns.

Senior cat food is designed for older cats, but there is no single diet that suits every ageing cat. Older cats may develop dental, kidney, mobility, weight or appetite issues that alter nutritional needs. Cats Protection recommends monitoring eating and drinking and discussing significant changes with a vet.

Specialist cat foods are diets designed for particular nutritional or medical circumstances; hypoallergenic diets are used in some food-allergy investigations or management plans. A specialist diet should not be selected solely from marketing language when a medical condition is suspected. Veterinary advice is particularly important for elimination diets, kidney disease, urinary problems, obesity or other diagnosed conditions.

Treats are occasional foods or rewards, while dental care covers home oral hygiene and professional veterinary care. Treats should not displace a balanced diet. Dental disease is common in cats; PDSA and Cats Protection recommend gradual introduction of cat-safe tooth brushing and veterinary assessment of mouth problems.

Wet cat food has a high moisture content and is sold in cans, trays, pouches and other formats. It can be useful for increasing dietary moisture and may be attractive to cats. Once opened, follow the manufacturer's storage and use instructions and avoid leaving food out longer than recommended.