The Ultimate Cat Feeding Guide: Dos, Don’ts, and Smart Decisions

✅ The Dos of Feeding

1) Prioritize Animal Protein

Cats are obligate carnivores. Look for foods where the first ingredient is a named meat (e.g., chicken, turkey, salmon). Target ~30–40% protein in dry and 8–10% in wet foods.

Shop high-protein cat foods

2) Match Food to Life Stage

• Kittens: energy-dense food with DHA for brain development.
• Adults: balanced maintenance to prevent weight gain.
• Seniors: easy-to-chew textures, omega-3s for joints.

3) Provide Fresh Water Daily

Many cats under-drink. Encourage hydration with wet food and a fountain.

Browse cat water fountains

4) Control Portions

Free-feeding drives obesity. Measure meals (2–3x daily), and use puzzle feeders for fast eaters.

See puzzle feeders

5) Rotate Proteins Slowly

Rotate chicken/turkey/fish for variety; transition new foods over 7–10 days.

❌ The Don’ts of Feeding

1) Don’t Share Toxic Human Foods

• Onions, garlic, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, grapes/raisins, raw dough

2) Don’t Overdo Treats

Keep treats ≤10% of daily calories. Freeze-dried single-ingredient meats are a smart choice.

Healthy treat ideas

3) Don’t Switch Diets Abruptly

Use a staged transition: 75/25 → 50/50 → 25/75 → 100% new over ~10 days.

4) Don’t Assume Grain-Free Means Better

Quality of protein matters more than marketing terms. Some grain-free foods rely on starchy fillers.

5) Don’t Ignore Medical Needs

For kidney disease, diabetes, allergies, or weight management, follow your vet’s diet plan.

⚖️ Key Decisions You’ll Make

Wet vs Dry (or Both?)

Balanced approach: mix wet and dry to combine benefits.

Scheduled Meals vs Free-Feeding

Scheduled meals support weight control and routines. Free-feeding risks overeating.

Automatic feeders

Raw or Homemade?

Raw/homemade requires precise formulation and safe handling. Consult a vet nutritionist before attempting.

Budget vs Premium

Premium foods often use better proteins and fewer fillers—an investment that may reduce vet bills long-term.

💧 Hydration Wins: Fountains & Wet Food

Target moisture through canned foods and fountains. Clean bowls/fountain weekly to prevent biofilm.

• Offer multiple water stations in different rooms.
• Use wide, whisker-friendly bowls.
• Try chilled water or ice cubes in hot months.

Whisker-friendly bowls

🥣 Portions & Sample Feeding Schedules

Sample Schedules

• Kitten (8–12 wks): 4 small meals/day (wet + kitten kibble).
• Juvenile (3–12 mo): 3 meals/day; gradually reduce to 2 by ~12 months.
• Adult (1–7 yrs): 2 meals/day; add wet at dinner for hydration.
• Senior (7+): 2–3 smaller meals/day; softer textures.

Slow feeders help scarf-and-barf cats eat calmly. Consider puzzle bowls or treat mazes.

🧪 Special Topics

Supplements

Balanced commercial diets generally don’t need extras. Possible additions (ask your vet): omega-3 fish oil (joints/coat), probiotics (tummy), hairball gels for long-hairs.

Dental Care

Dry food doesn’t “brush” teeth. Use cat-safe toothpaste, dental treats, and routine vet cleanings.

Cat dental kits

Multi-Cat Homes

• Feed separately if one cat steals food.
• Use microchip or collar-tag feeders for different diets.
• Place bowls apart to reduce resource guarding.

Microchip feeders

🧭 Quick Reference