Cat · Guide

What should I feed my cat?

Choose a complete and balanced formula, high in animal protein, appropriate to your cat's life stage. Cats are obligate carnivores — they require nutrients such as taurine that are only reliably available from animal sources. Vegetarian diets are not safe for cats.

Why cats are different from dogs

Dogs are omnivores with flexibility. Cats are not: they need pre-formed taurine, arachidonic acid and vitamin A from animal tissue, and cannot efficiently synthesise them. This is a hard physiological constraint, not a preference.

It's also why dog food isn't a substitute in a pinch — it isn't formulated for feline requirements.

Wet, dry, or both

Both can be complete and balanced. Wet food contributes meaningfully to water intake, which matters because cats have a low thirst drive and urinary problems are common. Many owners do well feeding both.

Whatever you choose, measure it. Free feeding makes appetite changes — often the first sign of illness in cats — very hard to notice.

Fussy eaters and sudden changes

Cats form food preferences early and change reluctantly. Transition over a week or more. A cat that suddenly stops eating is an urgent concern rather than a fussiness issue — going without food for even a couple of days risks liver complications.

Check your own pet — freeSnap a few photos, get a wellness score in minutes

A wellness check, not a diagnosis — and never a replacement for your vet. If something seems wrong with your animal, see a veterinarian.

Common questions

Can cats be vegetarian?

No. Cats are obligate carnivores and require nutrients only reliably found in animal tissue.

Is wet or dry food better for cats?

Both can be complete and balanced. Wet food helps water intake, which supports urinary health.

What if my cat stops eating?

Treat it as urgent. Cats that go without food for even a short period risk serious liver complications.