Dr. Rachel Green
Veterinary behaviorist specializing in multi-cat households and feline social dynamics.
Cats Are Obligate Carnivores
Unlike dogs, cats are obligate carnivores — they must eat meat to survive. Their bodies cannot synthesize certain essential nutrients (like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A) from plant sources. This fundamental biology should guide every food choice you make for your cat.
This is a key difference from dogs, who are omnivores. If you have both pets, be sure to read our Dog Nutrition guide — their dietary needs are quite different.
Wet Food vs. Dry Food
Wet food advantages:
- High moisture content (70–80%) — crucial for urinary health
- Higher protein, lower carbohydrates
- Better for cats prone to urinary issues or kidney disease
- Closer to a cat's natural prey diet
Dry food advantages:
- More convenient and economical
- Can be left out without spoiling
- Some dental benefit from chewing
Reading Cat Food Labels
- Look for: Named animal protein as the first ingredient (chicken, salmon, turkey)
- Avoid: "Meat by-products" as the primary protein, excessive grains or fillers
- Watch for: Artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)
Life Stage Nutrition
Kittens (under 1 year): Need kitten-specific food with higher protein and calories. Feed 3–4 times daily.
Adult cats (1–7 years): Feed twice daily — avoid free-feeding dry food (leads to obesity).
Senior cats (7+ years): Higher protein to maintain muscle mass. Wet food especially important for kidney health. See our Senior Cat Care guide for more.
Portion Control and Weight Management
Obesity is the most common nutritional problem in cats:
- Follow feeding guidelines on food packaging as a starting point
- You should be able to feel (but not see) your cat's ribs
- Use a measuring cup — don't eyeball portions
- Treats should be less than 10% of daily calories
Good nutrition is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your cat. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations.
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