Basic care: Feeding

Feeding your cat properly is one of the most important parts of caring for them. A balanced diet supports everything — from energy levels to long-term health.

Here’s what you actually need to know to keep things simple and right from the start.

Cats are obligate carnivores

Cats are not like humans — or even dogs.

They rely on animal-based protein to function properly. Their bodies aren’t designed to process plant-based diets well, which means meat isn’t optional — it’s essential.

This is why choosing the right type of food matters more than most people expect.

What “balanced nutrition” really means

A good diet isn’t complicated, but it does need to cover a few key elements:

**protein – supports muscle mass and overall health; look for real animal sources like chicken, turkey, or fish
**fats – provide energy and help maintain healthy skin and coat; omega-3 and omega-6 are especially important
**taurine – an essential amino acid cats cannot produce on their own; critical for heart and eye health
**vitamins and minerals – nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, and phosphorus support overall wellbeing

Most high-quality commercial cat foods are formulated to include these, but it’s always worth checking the label.

Types of cat food

There are three main options, each with pros and trade-offs.

dry food (kibble) – convenient, easy to store, and can support dental health; however, it contains very little moisture
wet food (canned) – higher moisture content, often more appealing, and helpful for hydration and urinary health
raw feeding – used by some owners, but requires careful planning and comes with potential risks if not done properly

In most cases, a combination works best. Including at least one wet meal per day helps support hydration, especially if your cat eats dry food regularly.

Portion sizes and feeding routine

How much you feed depends on your cat’s weight, age, activity level, and the type of food.

As a general guideline for dry food (if feeding only dry):

1 kg → 15–20 g per day
2 kg → 25–35 g per day
3 kg → 40–50 g per day
4 kg → 55–65 g per day
5 kg → 75–85 g per day

Always check the packaging and adjust based on your cat’s condition.

Feeding frequency also varies:

kittens usually need 3–4 meals per day
adult cats are typically fine with 2 meals
older cats may do better with smaller, more frequent meals

Keeping portions under control is important. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which is a common and preventable issue.

Fresh water matters

Cats need constant access to fresh water — especially if they eat dry food.

Low water intake can lead to urinary issues, which are relatively common in cats.

Some cats prefer moving water, so a water fountain can help encourage them to drink more.

Specialized diets

There are many formulas designed for specific needs — weight control, allergies, senior cats, or urinary health.

If your cat has a specific condition, your vet can recommend the right type of food.

Common feeding mistakes

A few things to avoid:

overfeeding or underfeeding – monitor weight regularly and adjust as needed
feeding table scraps – human food often contains salt, fat, and ingredients that aren’t suitable for cats
sudden diet changes – always introduce new food gradually to avoid digestive issues

Treats are fine in small amounts, but they shouldn’t make up more than about 10% of your cat’s daily intake.

Signs something isn’t right

Pay attention to changes — they often show up early. Watch for:

weight gain or loss
vomiting or diarrhea
changes in appetite
unusual behavior

These can be related to diet, but they can also signal underlying health issues. When in doubt, check with a vet.

Keep it simple and consistent

You don’t need a perfect system — just a consistent one.

A balanced diet, proper portions, and fresh water go a long way. Add regular vet checkups, and you’re covering the basics well.

Good nutrition is one of the easiest ways to support your cat’s long-term health — and it pays off every single day. 🐾