What Should I Feed My Cat? Complete Feeding Chart
Understanding what to feed my cat is essential for keeping them healthy, happy, and thriving. By choosing the right food, I can help prevent health issues and keep my cat energetic and satisfied. Here, I’ll share key tips on the best diet to ensure my cat’s overall well-being.
What Should I Feed My Cat? Healthy Cat food options
You should choose the right type of food for your cat depending on their health needs, age, and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of common cat food options to consider:
What Type of Food Should You Feed My Cat?
Wet Cat Food
Wet cat food is a type of food with a high moisture content. It usually contains about 70-80% water. This food comes in cans or pouches and has a soft texture. The extra water helps keep cats hydrated, especially if they do not drink much. Wet food is available in flavors like chicken, beef, and fish. Many cats enjoy it because it tastes and smells appealing. It also has more protein and fat, which makes it closer to a cat’s natural diet.
Pros
- High moisture content helps keep cats hydrated.
- It is easier to chew for your older cats or those with dental issues.
- Usually more protein-rich than dry food.
- Provides balanced nutrition with proteins and fats.
- Closer to a cat’s natural diet.
- Strong aroma encourages picky eaters.
- Your senior cats will easily digest it.
Cons
- It can be more expensive than dry food.
- It needs refrigeration once opened to stay fresh.
- Shorter shelf life after opening.
- It can stick to your cat’s teeth if not cleaned.
Dry Cat Food
Dry cat food or kibble, has low moisture, usually around 10%. It comes in small, crunchy pieces. Unlike wet food, dry food does not need to be refrigerated and can stay out longer. This makes it convenient for cat owners. Dry food is often cheaper and may help reduce plaque on a cat’s teeth. Since it has little water, make sure your cat drinks plenty of water if they eat dry food. Look for dry food with meat as the main ingredient and avoid fillers like corn or wheat.
Pros
- SUPER convenient (just scoop and serve!)
- Won’t stink up your fridge
- Easy to measure portions
- Stays fresh forever (okay, not forever, but like… a long time)
- Budget-friendly (your wallet will purr)
- Perfect for food puzzles and hunting games
- Helps clean teeth while they munch
- Can leave it out all day (for those midnight snackers)
- Great for automatic feeders
- Zero mess, zero fuss!
Cons
- Less moisture (your cat might get thirsty)
- It can be addictive (like kitty potato chips!)
- Some brands are just empty calories (read those labels!)
- Might be too crunchy for senior cats
- Not as close to their natural diet
- Some cats get bored (picky little princes!)
- Can go stale if left out too long
- Higher in carbs than wet food
- May contribute to obesity if overfed
- Some cats just gulp without chewing
Raw Cat Food
Raw cat food is uncooked meat, bones, and sometimes organs. It tries to copy what cats would eat in nature. Common ingredients include raw chicken, beef, and fish. Many cat owners believe it’s healthier since it is high in protein and fat, like a cat’s natural diet. Feeding raw food needs extra care to avoid bacteria. It’s also important to make sure your cat gets all the right nutrients. I will suggest you consult your vet before introducing raw food.
Pros
- Mimics a cat’s natural diet, rich in protein and nutrients.
- Often free from artificial additives or fillers.
- It can improve your cat’s coat health, making it shinier and softer.
- Some owners report better digestion and smaller stools.
Cons
- Risk of bacteria like Salmonella, posing health risks to your cats and you.
- It requires careful handling and preparation.
- It can be more expensive and time-consuming than other diets.
- Not all cats adapt well to a raw diet. It may require a transition period.
- It can’t be left out all day.
- It takes time to transition.
- Your vets might not support it.
Homemade Cat Food
Homemade cat food is made at home with fresh ingredients. Owners can choose quality ingredients without added preservatives. Homemade cat food usually has cooked meats like chicken or beef, fish, small amounts of vegetables, and sometimes grains like rice. This diet can be healthy. Cats need certain nutrients like taurine, protein, and healthy fats.
Pros
Cons
Read More: Can Cats Eat Popcorn? Safe or Harmful Snack for Your Feline?
Combination
Hey Cat Parents! Let’s talk about mixing cat foods the right way. I’ve spent years feeding my cats. I want to share what works. Your cat needs both wet and dry food to stay healthy. Think of it like having both salads and snacks in your diet! Give your cat wet food in the morning. Most cats love starting their day with a tasty wet meal. Add some dry food for lunch. This gives them something to munch on during the day. End with another small portion of dry food for dinner. This simple schedule works great for most cats! Never mix wet and dry food in the same bowl.
Wet food makes dry food soggy, and cats hate that! Keep portions small and regular. Always measure the food instead of guessing. Too much food makes cats fat, and too little leaves them hungry. Some cats need special mixes. Older cats might need more wet food because it’s easier to eat. Active cats might need more dry food for extra energy. Overweight cats do better with more wet food because it has fewer calories. Watch your cat’s weight and energy to know if your mix is working.
Try adding homemade food following my recipes Most importantly, always have fresh, clean water available. Even with wet food, cats need plenty of water. Start these changes slowly. Mix new foods in tiny amounts at first. Watch how your cat reacts. Happy cats have good energy and normal bathroom habits. If your cat stops eating or gets sick, go back to their old food and try again, slower. Remember, every cat is different, so find what works for your furry friend!
What is Cat Treat?
A cat treat is a small, flavorful snack given to cats outside of their regular meals. These treats are often used to reward good behavior, assist in training, or simply as a way to bond with your pet. Cat treats come in various forms, such as crunchy biscuits, soft chews, freeze-dried meats, or even lickable pastes.
Some treats are designed with added health benefits like dental treats to reduce plaque or functional treats with vitamins to support joint health or digestion. While treats can be a fun way to engage with your cat, it’s important to give them in moderation to avoid overfeeding and maintain a balanced diet.
Key Points
Feed your cat both wet and dry food or homemade food
Adjust portions based on age and activity level
Choose foods with real meat as the first ingredient
Avoid toxic human foods
Maintain consistent feeding schedules
Nutritional Needs for Cats
Cats have specific nutritional needs to stay healthy and thrive. As obligate carnivores, they require animal-based protein for energy and muscle maintenance. They can get protein from sources like chicken, fish, beef, and eggs. Fats are also important, providing energy and promoting healthy skin and coats, especially Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Taurine, a critical amino acid found only in animal proteins, supports heart function, vision, and reproductive health. Additionally, vitamins such as A, D, E, and B-complex boost immunity and metabolism, while minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium strengthen bones and teeth. Hydration is crucial to prevent urinary and kidney issues, particularly for cats on dry food diets. While cats don’t need many carbohydrates, small amounts of vegetables or grains can provide additional energy.
To ensure all their nutritional requirements are met, it’s always wise to consult a veterinarian before making any dietary changes. The ASPCA provides general recommendations for feeding cats based on life stages and nutritional needs. It emphasizes the importance of choosing high-quality, commercially prepared cat foods that meet the nutritional requirements set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
How Often Should I Feed My Cat?
Most adult cats do well with two meals daily, spaced about 12 hours apart. Kittens, however, need smaller, more frequent meals during the day. Feeding at the same times daily helps keep their energy steady and stops them from overeating.
How Much to Feed a Cat Chart?
How Much Should I Feed My Cat | Complete Cat Feeding Chart
Kittens (0-12 months)
| Age | Feeding Frequency | Amount Per Day | Type of Food |
| 0-4 weeks | Every 2-3 hours | Mother’s milk only | Mother’s milk or formula |
| 4-8 weeks | 4-6 times/day | 1/4 to 1/3 cup | Kitten formula + wet food |
| 8-16 weeks | 3-4 times/day | 1/3 to 1/2 cup | Kitten wet & dry food |
| 4-12 months | 2-3 times/day | 1/2 to 2/3 cup | Kitten food |
Adult Cats (1-7 years)
| Cat Weight | Daily Portion (Dry) | Daily Portion (Wet) | Calories/Day |
| 5-7 lbs | 1/3 to 1/2 cup | 3 oz | 170-220 |
| 8-10 lbs | 1/2 to 2/3 cup | 4-5 oz | 220-270 |
| 11-13 lbs | 2/3 to 3/4 cup | 5.5-6 oz | 270-320 |
Senior Cats (7+ years)
| Activity Level | Daily Portion (Dry) | Daily Portion (Wet) | Special Considerations |
| Low Activity | 1/4 to 1/3 cup | 2.5-3 oz | Lower calorie, high protein |
| Normal Activity | 1/3 to 1/2 cup | 3-4 oz | Joint support supplements |
| High Activity | 1/2 to 2/3 cup | 4-5 oz | Extra protein |
Conclusion.
Feeding your cat the right food is key to keeping them healthy and happy. As a cat blogger, I suggest sticking to trusted, AAFCO – Certified foods and homemade foods. Always keep an eye on your cat’s appetite and behavior, and consult your vet to make the best diet choices at every stage of life.
