🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 187 (from laksa005)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa187.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding","crawl_time":1775974678,"first_indexed_time":1567580608,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"uk,org,cats!www,\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding s443","src_root_hash":"3005115475613864787","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Feeding Your Cat | Help and Advice | Cats Protection","meta_descriptions":["Read our guide on what to feed your cat, how often to feed them, and other diet questions you might have."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"What your cat eats plays an important part in their health and wellbeing. Take a look at our cat feeding guide for top tips on the best cat food to choose, how much you should feed your cat and plenty of information about cats and their eating habits.\nContents\nWhat should I feed my cat?\nShould I feed my cat dry or wet cat food?\nHow much should I feed my cat?\nHow often should I feed my cat?\nHow to feed your cat\nCan I give my cat treats?\nSpecial diets\nVegetarian, vegan and raw diets\nWhich human foods are safe for cats?\nChanging your cat’s food\nWhat to do if your cat isn’t eating \nFeeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens\nCan I feed a cat dog food?\nHead to your local pet shop or supermarket and you’ll find plenty of cat foods to choose from. With so many different types, how do you decide what is the best food for your cat? \nWatch our video for tips and advice on how to feed your cat or read our guide below. \nWhat should I feed my cat?\nCats need a meat-based diet that is balanced with the right amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. \nChoose a ‘complete’ cat food.\nIt should say ‘complete’ on the packaging. This will contain all the vital nutrients your cat needs, so they won’t need any other food or vitamin supplements. ‘Complementary’ cat foods, such as cat treats, must be combined with other foods to provide your cat with a complete balance of nutrients\nPick a brand that is a member of UK Pet Food\n, formerly the Pet Food Manufacturing Association. This will mean the food is high-quality and safe for your pet. Check the packaging to find out\nWater is also an important part of a cat’s diet.\nMake sure they always have access to a bowl of water, and replace the water at least once a day to keep it fresh \nDepending on how old your cat is, they will need different food for their life stage.\nKittens (up to one year old).\nKittens use up lots of energy as they grow. Once they are weaned at six to eight weeks old, they need specific kitten food that is energy-dense. It will also contain the right nutrients to help them develop into healthy adult cats \nAdult cats (between one and eight years old).\nAdult cats don’t need quite as much energy as kittens. Adult cat food is less energy-dense and has a different balance of nutrients to keep them healthy \nSenior cats (over eight years old).\nOlder cats need more digestible protein than younger cats. Senior cat food contains the right balance of nutrients to support their muscles and organs as they age\nWe don’t recommend trying to make homemade meals for your cat, unless advised by your vet for medical reasons. It’s very difficult to provide the right range and balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals when making your own cat food. Feeding your cat an unbalanced diet can cause growth problems and\/or medical conditions. \nShould I feed my cat dry or wet cat food?\nYou can feed your cat wet food, dry food, or both. Which one you feed your cat will be entirely down to your cat’s own preference. Cats are very particular about what they do and don’t like to eat.\nTry offering your cat both wet and dry food in separate bowls and see if they prefer one over the other or are happy to eat both. As long as the food is a ‘complete’ cat food, they will be getting all the nutrients they need.\nThere are different benefits to feeding wet and dry food. \nBenefits of wet food\nIt comes in a variety of flavours and can be more appealing to fussy eaters\nIt has a higher moisture content. This is better for cats with medical conditions, such as urinary problems, who require increased water intake \nIt is softer to eat. This can be more comfortable for cats with dental problems to eat \nBenefits of dry food\nIt can be left out all day, which is useful for cats who like to graze their food. Wet food will need to be changed at least twice a day to ensure freshness \nIt can be used in puzzle feeders, making feeding time more exciting and encouraging exercise \nHow much should I feed my cat?\nHow much food your cat should eat will depend on their age, weight and how active they are. Follow the advice given on the food packaging for how much to feed your cat each day and check their weight periodically. If you’re worried that your cat is overweight or underweight, speak to your vet to find out how much to feed your cat. \nIt’s also important to remember that once neutered, cats typically have reduced energy needs. Consider reducing the daily amount you feed your cat after they have been neutered, to prevent them from gaining weight.  \nFind out more about cat obesity\nHow often should I feed my cat?\nCats have evolved to eat little and often. In the wild, a cat would eat around 10 to 12 small meals throughout the day, and pet cats will often prefer the same. Their feeding behaviour is also influenced by their environment and previous experience. \nAdult cats.\nFresh wet food should be given at least twice daily, and dry food at least once daily\nKittens.\nYoung kittens have smaller stomachs, so they should be fed smaller amounts more often. Remember to check their food and replace it four times a day\nHow to feed your cat\nPlace your cat’s food and water bowls away from each other. Can’t don’t like their water contaminated by their food\nPlace your cat’s litter tray as far away as possible from their food and water bowls, to avoid contamination \nCats usually prefer to eat away from other cats. Reduce any potential competition for food between cats by feeding them in separate places\nOlder cats will appreciate having food offered in several different places so they don’t need to go too far to find food\nCan I give my cat treats?\nJust like us, cats love the occasional treat. If you choose to give your cat treats, make sure you limit the amount you give them, so they don’t gain weight. Also, reduce their usual daily allowance of regular cat food to allow for the extra calories in the treats. \nTry putting the treats in puzzle feeders to provide some mental stimulation and encourage them to exercise. It’s best to stick to cat food treats rather than giving your cat any human foods. Although feeding your cat a little bit of well-cooked, plain chicken or fish is okay occasionally. \nMany cats appreciate play or attention more than food treats, and it can strengthen your bond with your cat. Instead of giving your cat food treats, you could try:\ngiving them a new toy\nadding extra playtime into their day\ngiving them extra fuss and attention, if they enjoy this\nreplacing the treats with their usual dry cat food. Try placing it in a puzzle feeder to make it more exciting \nSpecial diets\nIf your cat has a health condition, such as kidney disease or food allergies, your vet may recommend a prescription diet. They may also recommend a special diet if your cat is particularly overweight. Always follow your vet’s advice when giving your cat specialist foods. Only give these foods to the cat they are prescribed to. If possible, introduce the new diet gradually while your cat still has access to their original diet. \nVegetarian, vegan and raw diets\nCats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to stay healthy. Their digestive system hasn’t adapted to eating a plant-based diet, and they need certain amino acids, such as taurine, which can only be found in meat. For this reason, we would not recommend feeding your cat a vegetarian or vegan diet. \nIf you’re considering feeding your cat a raw diet, always speak to your vet first. There are some commercially available, complete raw cat foods which can meet all your cat’s nutritional needs. It’s better to choose these over trying to prepare a raw diet yourself. It can be difficult to make a nutritionally-balanced raw diet yourself, and it could make your cat unwell if not prepared correctly.\nWhich human foods are safe for cats?\nIn general, we wouldn’t recommend feeding your cat food meant for humans unless your vet has advised it. It can be hard to know how many calories human food contains for your cat, and it can unbalance their diet. Also, a lot of human foods can be harmful to cats. \nWhich human foods can cats eat?\nChanging your cat’s food\nSwitching your cat’s usual food can cause problems. A sudden change of diet could cause an upset stomach, or they may be reluctant to eat a new food. Any changes to your cat’s food should be made slowly and carefully. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out how.\nOffer them a little of the new food alongside their usual food, in separate food bowls. Never mix the two foods together, as this can really put cats off.\nIf they eat the new food, gradually offer more of the new food, reducing the amount of the old food you put down. \nGradually continue this process over a week or more until your cat is eating only the new food. \nIf your cat doesn’t eat the new food or becomes unwell, continue feeding the old food and speak to your vet for advice. \nWhat to do if your cat isn’t eating \nIt can be worrying if your cat seems to be eating less than normal or not at all. There are lots of things that could cause this.\nIf your cat’s eating or drinking habits suddenly change, give your vet a call to rule out any medical causes. If your cat needs treatment, you can get them help as soon as possible rather than letting the problem get worse.\nIf your vet rules out medical causes, there are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to eat, including:\nmake sure their bowl is cleaned with warm water and soap daily. Regular washing-up liquid should be fine. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after. Cats are very sensitive to smells, so food that has been sitting out for a while may not be very pleasant for them\nuse a ceramic bowl instead of plastic\nmake sure your cat’s bowl is away from any doors and separate from their sleeping and toileting areas\noffer different wet and dry foods at different times, and introduce new foods gradually\ngive wet food at room temperature, instead of straight from the fridge\noffer small, regular amounts of food rather than a large portion. This is less overwhelming and ensures the food is always fresh\noffer food with a strong odour. Warming it up can increase the scent, but be careful not to make it too hot\nadd a drop of tasty yeast extract spread, fish oil or kitten food to your cat’s meal. This can make food more appetising but shouldn’t be done regularly. Ask your vet for more advice\nsit down with your cat or hand-feed them. This can induce their appetite. Try a small amount of chicken or fish as a treat if they’re struggling\nif there are other cats in the home, feed them separately\nFeeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens\nIf you’ve got a pregnant cat or a cat who is feeding her new kittens, you’ll need to provide her with extra nutrients. \nGive her unlimited access to energy-dense kitten food, as well as a supply of fresh drinking water. During pregnancy, she may only eat a little more than usual. But when she is feeding her kittens, she may eat double or triple the usual amount of food to help her produce enough milk.\nCaring for pregnant cats\nCan I feed a cat dog food?\nCats should not be fed dog food. The balance of ingredients is not suitable for a cat’s digestive system, and it will not provide your cat with all the nutrients they need. ","attrs_markdown":"[![Cats Protection - Main Logo](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/media\/icyb342r\/cats-protection_master-logo_purple_rgb-110.png)](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/)\n\n☰\n\n- [Shop](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/shop)\n- [Find us](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/find-us)\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/donate)\n- [Sponsor](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/sponsor)\n\n- [Adopt a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat)\n  #### Adopt a cat\n  Fluffy cats, scruffy cats, tiny cats, mighty cats. We've got all kinds of cats! If you're thinking about adopting a cat or kitten, you're in the right place.\n  \n  [Visit the Adopt a cat page](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat)\n  \n  - [Find a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat\/find-a-cat)\n  - [Advice on getting a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat\/advice-on-getting-a-cat)\n  \n  - [Adopting a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/getting-a-cat\/adopting-a-cat)\n  - [Preparing for a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat\/preparing-for-a-cat)\n  - [Your responsibilities as a cat owner](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/getting-a-cat\/your-responsibilities)\n- [About Cats Protection](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp)\n  #### About Cats Protection\n  Find out more about Cats Protection, how our organisation works and the services we provide for cats and their owners.\n  \n  [Visit the About Cats Protection page](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp)\n  \n  - [What we do](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do)\n  - [Campaigning](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/campaigning)\n  - [Neutering](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/neutering)\n  - [Cat Guardians](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/catguardians)\n  - [Lifeline](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/cp-lifeline)\n  - [Education](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/education)\n  - [Grief and loss](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/grief)\n  - [Our vision](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/our-vision)\n  - [Structure, governance and management](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/structure-governance-management)\n  - [Corporate partners](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/corporate-partners)\n  \n  - [Where we stand](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/campaigning\/where-we-stand)\n  - [The Cat Manifesto](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/campaigning\/manifesto)\n  - [Cat-friendly rentals](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/campaigning\/cat-friendly-rentals)\n  \n  - [How we support neutering](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/neutering\/neutering-facts)\n  - [Regional neutering campaigns](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/neutering\/neutering-campaigns)\n  - [Financial assistance](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/neutering\/financial-assistance)\n  - [Working with other organisations](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/neutering\/other-organisations)\n  \n  - [How does the Cat Guardians service work?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/catguardians\/how-does-the-cat-guardians-service-work)\n  - [How to register with Cat Guardians](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/catguardians\/cat-guardians-how-do-i-register)\n  - [Register to the Cat Guardians service](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/catguardians\/register-to-the-cat-guardians-service)\n  - [Cat Guardians FAQs](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/catguardians\/catguardians-qanda)\n  \n  - [Access Lifeline](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/cp-lifeline\/accessing-lifeline)\n  - [Referring a client to Lifeline](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/cp-lifeline\/refer-someone-to-lifeline)\n  - [Lifeline FAQs](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/cp-lifeline\/lifeline-faqs)\n  - [Volunteer as a Lifeline fosterer](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/cp-lifeline\/become-a-lifeline-volunteer)\n  \n  - [Grief resources and support](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/grief\/advice)\n  - [Paws to Listen: grief support service](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/grief\/paws-to-listen)\n  - [Memory wall](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/grief\/grief-memory-wall)\n  - [Bereavement stories](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/grief\/grief-your-stories)\n  \n  - [Meet the Trustees](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/meet-the-trustees)\n  - [Annual Review](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/annual-review)\n  - [CATS Report](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/cats-report)\n- [Help and advice](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice)\n  #### Help and advice\n  Looking for cat advice? Our vet-approved guides focus on everything from how to care for a kitten to what to do if you've lost your cat.\n  \n  [Visit the Help and advice page](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice)\n  \n  - [Getting a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/getting-a-cat)\n  - [Lost, found and feral cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/lost-found-and-feral-cats)\n  - [Cat behaviour](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/cat-behaviour)\n  - [Neutering, vaccinations and microchipping](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/neutering-and-vaccinations)\n  - [Home and environment](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/home-and-environment)\n  - [Health](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/health)\n- [Support us](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us)\n  #### Support us\n  Find out about how you can help us continue our vital work for cats.\n  \n  [Visit the Support us page](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us)\n  \n  - [Donate](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/donate)\n  - [Sponsor a cat pen](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/sponsor-a-cat-pen)\n  - [Events](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/fundraise-for-cats-protection)\n  - [Lottery and raffle](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/lottery-raffle)\n  - [Volunteering](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering)\n  - [Gifts in Wills](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills)\n  - [Giving in memory](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/in-memory)\n  - [Become a member](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/membership)\n  - [Corporate partnerships](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/corporate-partnerships)\n  - [Philanthropy](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/philanthropy)\n  \n  - [Challenge events](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/events\/challenge-events)\n  - [DIY fundraising](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/fundraise-for-cats-protection)\n  - [Craft for Cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/events\/craftforcats)\n  - [Stream for Cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/stream-for-cats)\n  - [Request a fundraising pack](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/events\/request-a-fundraising-pack)\n  \n  - [Volunteer opportunities](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/volunteer-opportunities)\n  - [Volunteer with cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/volunteer-with-cats)\n  - [Volunteer as a fundraiser](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/fundraising-volunteering)\n  - [Volunteer at a charity shop](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/volunteer-at-a-cats-protection-charity-shop)\n  - [Duke of Edinburgh](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/dofe-cp)\n  - [Other ways to volunteer](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/other-ways-to-volunteer)\n  \n  - [Why gifts in Wills matter](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills\/legacyhowhelp)\n  - [How to leave a gift in your Will](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills\/legacyhowto)\n  - [Gifts in Wills pledge form](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills\/pledge-form)\n  - [Request our gifts in Wills information pack](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills\/request-a-legacy-pack)\n  - [Free Will writing offer](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills\/free-charity-will-writing-service)\n  \n  - [Giving in memory of a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/in-memory\/in-memory-of-a-beloved-cat)\n  - [Giving in memory of a person](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/in-memory\/someone-special)\n  \n  - [The Cat magazine](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/thecatmag)\n  \n  - [Ways to partner with Cats Protection](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/corporate-partnerships\/ways-to-partner-with-cats-protection)\n\n[![Cats Protection - Main Logo](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/media\/icyb342r\/cats-protection_master-logo_purple_rgb-110.png)](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/)\n\n×\n\n- [Shop](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/shop)\n- [Find us](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/find-us)\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/donate)\n- [Sponsor](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/sponsor)\n\n- [Adopt a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat)\n  \\+\n  - [Find a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat\/find-a-cat)\n  - [Advice on getting a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat\/advice-on-getting-a-cat)\n    \\+\n    - [Adopting a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/getting-a-cat\/adopting-a-cat)\n    - [Preparing for a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat\/preparing-for-a-cat)\n    - [Your responsibilities as a cat owner](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/getting-a-cat\/your-responsibilities)\n  - #### Adopt a cat\n    Fluffy cats, scruffy cats, tiny cats, mighty cats. We've got all kinds of cats! If you're thinking about adopting a cat or kitten, you're in the right place.\n    \n    [Visit the Adopt a cat page](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat)\n- [About Cats Protection](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp)\n  \\+\n  - [What we do](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do)\n  - [Campaigning](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/campaigning)\n    \\+\n    - [Where we stand](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/campaigning\/where-we-stand)\n    - [The Cat Manifesto](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/campaigning\/manifesto)\n    - [Cat-friendly rentals](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/campaigning\/cat-friendly-rentals)\n  - [Neutering](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/neutering)\n    \\+\n    - [How we support neutering](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/neutering\/neutering-facts)\n    - [Regional neutering campaigns](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/neutering\/neutering-campaigns)\n    - [Financial assistance](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/neutering\/financial-assistance)\n    - [Working with other organisations](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/neutering\/other-organisations)\n  - [Cat Guardians](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/catguardians)\n    \\+\n    - [How does the Cat Guardians service work?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/catguardians\/how-does-the-cat-guardians-service-work)\n    - [How to register with Cat Guardians](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/catguardians\/cat-guardians-how-do-i-register)\n    - [Register to the Cat Guardians service](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/catguardians\/register-to-the-cat-guardians-service)\n    - [Cat Guardians FAQs](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/catguardians\/catguardians-qanda)\n  - [Lifeline](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/cp-lifeline)\n    \\+\n    - [Access Lifeline](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/cp-lifeline\/accessing-lifeline)\n    - [Referring a client to Lifeline](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/cp-lifeline\/refer-someone-to-lifeline)\n    - [Lifeline FAQs](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/cp-lifeline\/lifeline-faqs)\n    - [Volunteer as a Lifeline fosterer](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/cp-lifeline\/become-a-lifeline-volunteer)\n  - [Education](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/education)\n  - [Grief and loss](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/grief)\n    \\+\n    - [Grief resources and support](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/grief\/advice)\n    - [Paws to Listen: grief support service](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/grief\/paws-to-listen)\n    - [Memory wall](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/grief\/grief-memory-wall)\n    - [Bereavement stories](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/grief\/grief-your-stories)\n  - [Our vision](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/our-vision)\n  - [Structure, governance and management](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/structure-governance-management)\n    \\+\n    - [Meet the Trustees](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/meet-the-trustees)\n    - [Annual Review](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/annual-review)\n    - [CATS Report](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/cats-report)\n  - [Corporate partners](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/corporate-partners)\n  - #### About Cats Protection\n    Find out more about Cats Protection, how our organisation works and the services we provide for cats and their owners.\n    \n    [Visit the About Cats Protection page](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp)\n- [Help and advice](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice)\n  \\+\n  - [Getting a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/getting-a-cat)\n  - [Lost, found and feral cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/lost-found-and-feral-cats)\n  - [Cat behaviour](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/cat-behaviour)\n  - [Neutering, vaccinations and microchipping](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/neutering-and-vaccinations)\n  - [Home and environment](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/home-and-environment)\n  - [Health](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/health)\n  - #### Help and advice\n    Looking for cat advice? Our vet-approved guides focus on everything from how to care for a kitten to what to do if you've lost your cat.\n    \n    [Visit the Help and advice page](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice)\n- [Support us](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us)\n  \\+\n  - [Donate](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/donate)\n  - [Sponsor a cat pen](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/sponsor-a-cat-pen)\n  - [Events](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/fundraise-for-cats-protection)\n    \\+\n    - [Challenge events](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/events\/challenge-events)\n    - [DIY fundraising](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/fundraise-for-cats-protection)\n    - [Craft for Cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/events\/craftforcats)\n    - [Stream for Cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/stream-for-cats)\n    - [Request a fundraising pack](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/events\/request-a-fundraising-pack)\n  - [Lottery and raffle](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/lottery-raffle)\n  - [Volunteering](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering)\n    \\+\n    - [Volunteer opportunities](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/volunteer-opportunities)\n    - [Volunteer with cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/volunteer-with-cats)\n    - [Volunteer as a fundraiser](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/fundraising-volunteering)\n    - [Volunteer at a charity shop](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/volunteer-at-a-cats-protection-charity-shop)\n    - [Duke of Edinburgh](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/dofe-cp)\n    - [Other ways to volunteer](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteering\/other-ways-to-volunteer)\n  - [Gifts in Wills](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills)\n    \\+\n    - [Why gifts in Wills matter](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills\/legacyhowhelp)\n    - [How to leave a gift in your Will](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills\/legacyhowto)\n    - [Gifts in Wills pledge form](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills\/pledge-form)\n    - [Request our gifts in Wills information pack](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills\/request-a-legacy-pack)\n    - [Free Will writing offer](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/giftsinwills\/free-charity-will-writing-service)\n  - [Giving in memory](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/in-memory)\n    \\+\n    - [Giving in memory of a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/in-memory\/in-memory-of-a-beloved-cat)\n    - [Giving in memory of a person](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/in-memory\/someone-special)\n  - [Become a member](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/membership)\n    \\+\n    - [The Cat magazine](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/thecatmag)\n  - [Corporate partnerships](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/corporate-partnerships)\n    \\+\n    - [Ways to partner with Cats Protection](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/corporate-partnerships\/ways-to-partner-with-cats-protection)\n  - [Philanthropy](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/philanthropy)\n  - #### Support us\n    Find out about how you can help us continue our vital work for cats.\n    \n    [Visit the Support us page](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us)\n# Feeding your cat\n- [Help and advice](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice)\n- [Diet](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet)\n- Feeding cats\n\nURL copied to clipboard\\!\n\n## What your cat eats plays an important part in their health and wellbeing. Take a look at our cat feeding guide for top tips on the best cat food to choose, how much you should feed your cat and plenty of information about cats and their eating habits.\n### Contents\n- [What should I feed my cat?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#what \"Link to advice on what to feed your cat\")\n- [Should I feed my cat dry or wet cat food?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#type \"Link to advice on feeding your cat wet or dry food\")\n- [How much should I feed my cat?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#how-much \"Link to advice on how much to feed your cat\")\n- [How often should I feed my cat?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#how-often \"Link to advice on how often to feed your cat\")\n- [How to feed your cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#how-to \"Link to advice on how to feed your cat\")\n- [Can I give my cat treats?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#treats \"Link to advice on feeding your cat treats\")\n- [Special diets](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#special-diets \"Link to advice on special diets for cats\")\n- [Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#vegetarian \"Link to advice on vegetarian, vegan and raw diets for cats\")\n- [Which human foods are safe for cats?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#human-foods \"Link to advice on feeding your cat human foods\")\n- [Changing your cat’s food](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#change-food \"Link to advice on changing your cat's food\")\n- [What to do if your cat isn’t eating](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#not-eating \"Link to advice on what to do if your cat isn't eating\")\n- [Feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#pregnant-cats \"Link to advice on feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens\")\n- [Can I feed a cat dog food?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#dog-food \"Link to advice on feeding your cat dog food\")\n\nHead to your local pet shop or supermarket and you’ll find plenty of cat foods to choose from. With so many different types, how do you decide what is the best food for your cat?\n\nWatch our video for tips and advice on how to feed your cat or read our guide below.\n\n### What should I feed my cat?\nCats need a meat-based diet that is balanced with the right amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy.\n\n- **Choose a ‘complete’ cat food.** It should say ‘complete’ on the packaging. This will contain all the vital nutrients your cat needs, so they won’t need any other food or vitamin supplements. ‘Complementary’ cat foods, such as cat treats, must be combined with other foods to provide your cat with a complete balance of nutrients\n- **Pick a brand that is a member of UK Pet Food**, formerly the Pet Food Manufacturing Association. This will mean the food is high-quality and safe for your pet. Check the packaging to find out\n- **Water is also an important part of a cat’s diet.** Make sure they always have access to a bowl of water, and replace the water at least once a day to keep it fresh\n\nDepending on how old your cat is, they will need different food for their life stage.\n\n- **Kittens (up to one year old).** Kittens use up lots of energy as they grow. Once they are weaned at six to eight weeks old, they need specific kitten food that is energy-dense. It will also contain the right nutrients to help them develop into healthy adult cats\n- **Adult cats (between one and eight years old).** Adult cats don’t need quite as much energy as kittens. Adult cat food is less energy-dense and has a different balance of nutrients to keep them healthy\n- **Senior cats (over eight years old).** Older cats need more digestible protein than younger cats. Senior cat food contains the right balance of nutrients to support their muscles and organs as they age\n\nWe don’t recommend trying to make homemade meals for your cat, unless advised by your vet for medical reasons. It’s very difficult to provide the right range and balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals when making your own cat food. Feeding your cat an unbalanced diet can cause growth problems and\/or medical conditions.\n\n### Should I feed my cat dry or wet cat food?\nYou can feed your cat wet food, dry food, or both. Which one you feed your cat will be entirely down to your cat’s own preference. Cats are very particular about what they do and don’t like to eat.\n\nTry offering your cat both wet and dry food in separate bowls and see if they prefer one over the other or are happy to eat both. As long as the food is a ‘complete’ cat food, they will be getting all the nutrients they need.\n\nThere are different benefits to feeding wet and dry food.\n\n#### Benefits of wet food\n- It comes in a variety of flavours and can be more appealing to fussy eaters\n- It has a higher moisture content. This is better for cats with medical conditions, such as urinary problems, who require increased water intake\n- It is softer to eat. This can be more comfortable for cats with dental problems to eat\n#### Benefits of dry food\n- It can be left out all day, which is useful for cats who like to graze their food. Wet food will need to be changed at least twice a day to ensure freshness\n- It can be used in puzzle feeders, making feeding time more exciting and encouraging exercise\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/media\/10471\/silver-tabby-cat-eating.jpg?width=72&format=webp&v=1d9e58dc679f0d0)\n\n### How much should I feed my cat?\nHow much food your cat should eat will depend on their age, weight and how active they are. Follow the advice given on the food packaging for how much to feed your cat each day and check their weight periodically. If you’re worried that your cat is overweight or underweight, speak to your vet to find out how much to feed your cat.\n\nIt’s also important to remember that once neutered, cats typically have reduced energy needs. Consider reducing the daily amount you feed your cat after they have been neutered, to prevent them from gaining weight.\n\n[Find out more about cat obesity](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/cat-obesity)\n\n### How often should I feed my cat?\nCats have evolved to eat little and often. In the wild, a cat would eat around 10 to 12 small meals throughout the day, and pet cats will often prefer the same. Their feeding behaviour is also influenced by their environment and previous experience.\n\n- **Adult cats.** Fresh wet food should be given at least twice daily, and dry food at least once daily\n- **Kittens.** Young kittens have smaller stomachs, so they should be fed smaller amounts more often. Remember to check their food and replace it four times a day\n\n### How to feed your cat\n- Place your cat’s food and water bowls away from each other. Can’t don’t like their water contaminated by their food\n- Place your cat’s litter tray as far away as possible from their food and water bowls, to avoid contamination\n- Cats usually prefer to eat away from other cats. Reduce any potential competition for food between cats by feeding them in separate places\n- Older cats will appreciate having food offered in several different places so they don’t need to go too far to find food\n\n### Can I give my cat treats?\nJust like us, cats love the occasional treat. If you choose to give your cat treats, make sure you limit the amount you give them, so they don’t gain weight. Also, reduce their usual daily allowance of regular cat food to allow for the extra calories in the treats.\n\nTry putting the treats in puzzle feeders to provide some mental stimulation and encourage them to exercise. It’s best to stick to cat food treats rather than giving your cat any human foods. Although feeding your cat a little bit of well-cooked, plain chicken or fish is okay occasionally.\n\nMany cats appreciate play or attention more than food treats, and it can strengthen your bond with your cat. Instead of giving your cat food treats, you could try:\n\n- giving them a new toy\n- adding extra playtime into their day\n- giving them extra fuss and attention, if they enjoy this\n- replacing the treats with their usual dry cat food. Try placing it in a puzzle feeder to make it more exciting\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/media\/12268\/cat-sniffing-treat-in-hand.jpg?width=72&format=webp&v=1d9e587e49117c0)\n\n### Special diets\nIf your cat has a health condition, such as kidney disease or food allergies, your vet may recommend a prescription diet. They may also recommend a special diet if your cat is particularly overweight. Always follow your vet’s advice when giving your cat specialist foods. Only give these foods to the cat they are prescribed to. If possible, introduce the new diet gradually while your cat still has access to their original diet.\n\n### Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets\nCats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to stay healthy. Their digestive system hasn’t adapted to eating a plant-based diet, and they need certain amino acids, such as taurine, which can only be found in meat. For this reason, we would not recommend feeding your cat a vegetarian or vegan diet.\n\nIf you’re considering feeding your cat a raw diet, always speak to your vet first. There are some commercially available, complete raw cat foods which can meet all your cat’s nutritional needs. It’s better to choose these over trying to prepare a raw diet yourself. It can be difficult to make a nutritionally-balanced raw diet yourself, and it could make your cat unwell if not prepared correctly.\n\n### Which human foods are safe for cats?\nIn general, we wouldn’t recommend feeding your cat food meant for humans unless your vet has advised it. It can be hard to know how many calories human food contains for your cat, and it can unbalance their diet. Also, a lot of human foods can be harmful to cats.\n\n[Which human foods can cats eat?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/cats-and-human-foods)\n\n### Changing your cat’s food\nSwitching your cat’s usual food can cause problems. A sudden change of diet could cause an upset stomach, or they may be reluctant to eat a new food. Any changes to your cat’s food should be made slowly and carefully. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out how.\n\n1. Offer them a little of the new food alongside their usual food, in separate food bowls. Never mix the two foods together, as this can really put cats off.\n2. If they eat the new food, gradually offer more of the new food, reducing the amount of the old food you put down.\n3. Gradually continue this process over a week or more until your cat is eating only the new food.\n\nIf your cat doesn’t eat the new food or becomes unwell, continue feeding the old food and speak to your vet for advice.\n\n### What to do if your cat isn’t eating\nIt can be worrying if your cat seems to be eating less than normal or not at all. There are lots of things that could cause this.\n\nIf your cat’s eating or drinking habits suddenly change, give your vet a call to rule out any medical causes. If your cat needs treatment, you can get them help as soon as possible rather than letting the problem get worse.\n\nIf your vet rules out medical causes, there are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to eat, including:\n\n- make sure their bowl is cleaned with warm water and soap daily. Regular washing-up liquid should be fine. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after. Cats are very sensitive to smells, so food that has been sitting out for a while may not be very pleasant for them\n- use a ceramic bowl instead of plastic\n- make sure your cat’s bowl is away from any doors and separate from their sleeping and toileting areas\n- offer different wet and dry foods at different times, and introduce new foods gradually\n- give wet food at room temperature, instead of straight from the fridge\n- offer small, regular amounts of food rather than a large portion. This is less overwhelming and ensures the food is always fresh\n- offer food with a strong odour. Warming it up can increase the scent, but be careful not to make it too hot\n- add a drop of tasty yeast extract spread, fish oil or kitten food to your cat’s meal. This can make food more appetising but shouldn’t be done regularly. Ask your vet for more advice\n- sit down with your cat or hand-feed them. This can induce their appetite. Try a small amount of chicken or fish as a treat if they’re struggling\n- if there are other cats in the home, feed them separately\n\n### Feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens\nIf you’ve got a pregnant cat or a cat who is feeding her new kittens, you’ll need to provide her with extra nutrients.\n\nGive her unlimited access to energy-dense kitten food, as well as a supply of fresh drinking water. During pregnancy, she may only eat a little more than usual. But when she is feeding her kittens, she may eat double or triple the usual amount of food to help her produce enough milk.\n\n[Caring for pregnant cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/pregnancy-and-kitten-care\/caring-for-your-pregnant-cat)\n\n### Can I feed a cat dog food?\nCats should not be fed dog food. The balance of ingredients is not suitable for a cat’s digestive system, and it will not provide your cat with all the nutrients they need.\n\n[Download: Feeding and obesity guide](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/media\/j5lhl31w\/feeding-and-obesity-2025.pdf)\n\n### Related topics\n[Cats and drinking](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/cats-and-drinking \"Link to cats and drinking page on Cats Protection website\")\n\n[Obesity in cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/cat-obesity \"Link to cat obesity page on Cats Protection website\")\n\n[Underweight cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/underweight-cats \"Link to underweight cats page on Cats Protection website\")\n\n- Back to Top ↑\n\n- [National Cat Centre, Lewes Road, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, RH17 7TT](https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&query=National+Cat+Centre,%0ALewes+Road,%0AChelwood+Gate,%0AHaywards+Heath,%0ARH17+7TT)\n- [03000 12 12 12](tel:03000121212)\n\n- [Adopt a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat)\n- [What we do](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do)\n- [Campaigning](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/what-we-do\/campaigning)\n- [Our vision](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp\/our-vision)\n\n- [Help and advice](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice)\n- [Support us](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us)\n- [Volunteer opportunities](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/support-us\/volunteeropportunities)\n- [Sponsor a cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/sponsor)\n- [Donate](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/donate)\n\n- [Cats Protection blog](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/blog)\n- [Media Centre](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/mediacentre)\n- [Find us](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/find-us)\n\n###### Find a shop\nEnter your postcode to find the nearest Cats Protection shop to your location.\n\n[![Cats Protection - Main Logo](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/images\/rebrand\/logo_invert.png)](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/)\n\nCats Protection is a registered Charity No. 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland). A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (06772997). Registered office National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 7TT\n\n[![Cats Protection - Main Logo](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/images\/rebrand\/logo_invert.png)](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/)\n\n[![Fundraising Regulator badge with validation link](https:\/\/www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk\/fr-badge\/69c18a70-2e63-42e8-afa8-a47fb218eca3\/en\/white)](https:\/\/www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk\/validate?registrant=CATS+PROTECTION)   [![Fundraising Regulator](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/images\/ADCH_logo.png)](https:\/\/adch.org.uk\/)\n\n[How we use cookies](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/terms\/how-we-use-cookies) [Contact us](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/find-us\/contact-us) [Terms and conditions](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/terms) [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/terms\/terms-privacy) [Safeguarding Policy](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/terms\/safeguarding-policy) [Links](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/terms\/links) [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/terms\/accessibility) [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/sitemap) [Work for us](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/cats-protection-careers) [Cats Protection Blog](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/blog) [CP Portal](https:\/\/catflap.cats.org.uk\/login.aspx?AppCode=CatLand&ReturnURL=https%3A%2F%2Fportal.cats.org.uk%2FLogin.aspx)\n\nwebsite by [mcm.click](https:\/\/mcm.click\/)\n\n![]()\n\nSave\n\nCancel\n\n![]()\n\n[Find a Cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/adopt-a-cat\/find-a-cat)\n\n[Donate](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/donate)\n\n[About us](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/about-cp)\n\nToday\n\n![](https:\/\/ib.adnxs.com\/pixie?pi=0156aef5-604a-47eb-8370-07b647003c5a&e=PageView&script=0)\n\n![](https:\/\/secure.adnxs.com\/px?id=1236049&seg=21303852&redir=https%3A%2F%2Fpixel.mediaiqdigital.com%2Fpixel%3Fu1%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.cats.org.uk%2Fhelp-and-advice%2Fdiet%2Ffeeding%26pixel_id%3D1236049%26uid%3D%24%7BUID%7D&t=2)","attrs_readable_markdown":"What your cat eats plays an important part in their health and wellbeing. Take a look at our cat feeding guide for top tips on the best cat food to choose, how much you should feed your cat and plenty of information about cats and their eating habits.\n\n### Contents\n- [What should I feed my cat?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#what \"Link to advice on what to feed your cat\")\n- [Should I feed my cat dry or wet cat food?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#type \"Link to advice on feeding your cat wet or dry food\")\n- [How much should I feed my cat?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#how-much \"Link to advice on how much to feed your cat\")\n- [How often should I feed my cat?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#how-often \"Link to advice on how often to feed your cat\")\n- [How to feed your cat](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#how-to \"Link to advice on how to feed your cat\")\n- [Can I give my cat treats?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#treats \"Link to advice on feeding your cat treats\")\n- [Special diets](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#special-diets \"Link to advice on special diets for cats\")\n- [Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#vegetarian \"Link to advice on vegetarian, vegan and raw diets for cats\")\n- [Which human foods are safe for cats?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#human-foods \"Link to advice on feeding your cat human foods\")\n- [Changing your cat’s food](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#change-food \"Link to advice on changing your cat's food\")\n- [What to do if your cat isn’t eating](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#not-eating \"Link to advice on what to do if your cat isn't eating\")\n- [Feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#pregnant-cats \"Link to advice on feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens\")\n- [Can I feed a cat dog food?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/feeding#dog-food \"Link to advice on feeding your cat dog food\")\n\nHead to your local pet shop or supermarket and you’ll find plenty of cat foods to choose from. With so many different types, how do you decide what is the best food for your cat?\n\nWatch our video for tips and advice on how to feed your cat or read our guide below.\n\n### What should I feed my cat?\nCats need a meat-based diet that is balanced with the right amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy.\n\n- **Choose a ‘complete’ cat food.** It should say ‘complete’ on the packaging. This will contain all the vital nutrients your cat needs, so they won’t need any other food or vitamin supplements. ‘Complementary’ cat foods, such as cat treats, must be combined with other foods to provide your cat with a complete balance of nutrients\n- **Pick a brand that is a member of UK Pet Food**, formerly the Pet Food Manufacturing Association. This will mean the food is high-quality and safe for your pet. Check the packaging to find out\n- **Water is also an important part of a cat’s diet.** Make sure they always have access to a bowl of water, and replace the water at least once a day to keep it fresh\n\nDepending on how old your cat is, they will need different food for their life stage.\n\n- **Kittens (up to one year old).** Kittens use up lots of energy as they grow. Once they are weaned at six to eight weeks old, they need specific kitten food that is energy-dense. It will also contain the right nutrients to help them develop into healthy adult cats\n- **Adult cats (between one and eight years old).** Adult cats don’t need quite as much energy as kittens. Adult cat food is less energy-dense and has a different balance of nutrients to keep them healthy\n- **Senior cats (over eight years old).** Older cats need more digestible protein than younger cats. Senior cat food contains the right balance of nutrients to support their muscles and organs as they age\n\nWe don’t recommend trying to make homemade meals for your cat, unless advised by your vet for medical reasons. It’s very difficult to provide the right range and balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals when making your own cat food. Feeding your cat an unbalanced diet can cause growth problems and\/or medical conditions.\n\n### Should I feed my cat dry or wet cat food?\nYou can feed your cat wet food, dry food, or both. Which one you feed your cat will be entirely down to your cat’s own preference. Cats are very particular about what they do and don’t like to eat.\n\nTry offering your cat both wet and dry food in separate bowls and see if they prefer one over the other or are happy to eat both. As long as the food is a ‘complete’ cat food, they will be getting all the nutrients they need.\n\nThere are different benefits to feeding wet and dry food.\n\n#### Benefits of wet food\n- It comes in a variety of flavours and can be more appealing to fussy eaters\n- It has a higher moisture content. This is better for cats with medical conditions, such as urinary problems, who require increased water intake\n- It is softer to eat. This can be more comfortable for cats with dental problems to eat\n#### Benefits of dry food\n- It can be left out all day, which is useful for cats who like to graze their food. Wet food will need to be changed at least twice a day to ensure freshness\n- It can be used in puzzle feeders, making feeding time more exciting and encouraging exercise\n\n### How much should I feed my cat?\nHow much food your cat should eat will depend on their age, weight and how active they are. Follow the advice given on the food packaging for how much to feed your cat each day and check their weight periodically. If you’re worried that your cat is overweight or underweight, speak to your vet to find out how much to feed your cat.\n\nIt’s also important to remember that once neutered, cats typically have reduced energy needs. Consider reducing the daily amount you feed your cat after they have been neutered, to prevent them from gaining weight.\n\n[Find out more about cat obesity](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/cat-obesity)\n\n### How often should I feed my cat?\nCats have evolved to eat little and often. In the wild, a cat would eat around 10 to 12 small meals throughout the day, and pet cats will often prefer the same. Their feeding behaviour is also influenced by their environment and previous experience.\n\n- **Adult cats.** Fresh wet food should be given at least twice daily, and dry food at least once daily\n- **Kittens.** Young kittens have smaller stomachs, so they should be fed smaller amounts more often. Remember to check their food and replace it four times a day\n\n### How to feed your cat\n- Place your cat’s food and water bowls away from each other. Can’t don’t like their water contaminated by their food\n- Place your cat’s litter tray as far away as possible from their food and water bowls, to avoid contamination\n- Cats usually prefer to eat away from other cats. Reduce any potential competition for food between cats by feeding them in separate places\n- Older cats will appreciate having food offered in several different places so they don’t need to go too far to find food\n\n### Can I give my cat treats?\nJust like us, cats love the occasional treat. If you choose to give your cat treats, make sure you limit the amount you give them, so they don’t gain weight. Also, reduce their usual daily allowance of regular cat food to allow for the extra calories in the treats.\n\nTry putting the treats in puzzle feeders to provide some mental stimulation and encourage them to exercise. It’s best to stick to cat food treats rather than giving your cat any human foods. Although feeding your cat a little bit of well-cooked, plain chicken or fish is okay occasionally.\n\nMany cats appreciate play or attention more than food treats, and it can strengthen your bond with your cat. Instead of giving your cat food treats, you could try:\n\n- giving them a new toy\n- adding extra playtime into their day\n- giving them extra fuss and attention, if they enjoy this\n- replacing the treats with their usual dry cat food. Try placing it in a puzzle feeder to make it more exciting\n\n### Special diets\nIf your cat has a health condition, such as kidney disease or food allergies, your vet may recommend a prescription diet. They may also recommend a special diet if your cat is particularly overweight. Always follow your vet’s advice when giving your cat specialist foods. Only give these foods to the cat they are prescribed to. If possible, introduce the new diet gradually while your cat still has access to their original diet.\n\n### Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets\nCats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to stay healthy. Their digestive system hasn’t adapted to eating a plant-based diet, and they need certain amino acids, such as taurine, which can only be found in meat. For this reason, we would not recommend feeding your cat a vegetarian or vegan diet.\n\nIf you’re considering feeding your cat a raw diet, always speak to your vet first. There are some commercially available, complete raw cat foods which can meet all your cat’s nutritional needs. It’s better to choose these over trying to prepare a raw diet yourself. It can be difficult to make a nutritionally-balanced raw diet yourself, and it could make your cat unwell if not prepared correctly.\n\n### Which human foods are safe for cats?\nIn general, we wouldn’t recommend feeding your cat food meant for humans unless your vet has advised it. It can be hard to know how many calories human food contains for your cat, and it can unbalance their diet. Also, a lot of human foods can be harmful to cats.\n\n[Which human foods can cats eat?](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/diet\/cats-and-human-foods)\n\n### Changing your cat’s food\nSwitching your cat’s usual food can cause problems. A sudden change of diet could cause an upset stomach, or they may be reluctant to eat a new food. Any changes to your cat’s food should be made slowly and carefully. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out how.\n\n1. Offer them a little of the new food alongside their usual food, in separate food bowls. Never mix the two foods together, as this can really put cats off.\n2. If they eat the new food, gradually offer more of the new food, reducing the amount of the old food you put down.\n3. Gradually continue this process over a week or more until your cat is eating only the new food.\n\nIf your cat doesn’t eat the new food or becomes unwell, continue feeding the old food and speak to your vet for advice.\n\n### What to do if your cat isn’t eating\nIt can be worrying if your cat seems to be eating less than normal or not at all. There are lots of things that could cause this.\n\nIf your cat’s eating or drinking habits suddenly change, give your vet a call to rule out any medical causes. If your cat needs treatment, you can get them help as soon as possible rather than letting the problem get worse.\n\nIf your vet rules out medical causes, there are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to eat, including:\n\n- make sure their bowl is cleaned with warm water and soap daily. Regular washing-up liquid should be fine. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after. Cats are very sensitive to smells, so food that has been sitting out for a while may not be very pleasant for them\n- use a ceramic bowl instead of plastic\n- make sure your cat’s bowl is away from any doors and separate from their sleeping and toileting areas\n- offer different wet and dry foods at different times, and introduce new foods gradually\n- give wet food at room temperature, instead of straight from the fridge\n- offer small, regular amounts of food rather than a large portion. This is less overwhelming and ensures the food is always fresh\n- offer food with a strong odour. Warming it up can increase the scent, but be careful not to make it too hot\n- add a drop of tasty yeast extract spread, fish oil or kitten food to your cat’s meal. This can make food more appetising but shouldn’t be done regularly. Ask your vet for more advice\n- sit down with your cat or hand-feed them. This can induce their appetite. Try a small amount of chicken or fish as a treat if they’re struggling\n- if there are other cats in the home, feed them separately\n\n### Feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens\nIf you’ve got a pregnant cat or a cat who is feeding her new kittens, you’ll need to provide her with extra nutrients.\n\nGive her unlimited access to energy-dense kitten food, as well as a supply of fresh drinking water. During pregnancy, she may only eat a little more than usual. But when she is feeding her kittens, she may eat double or triple the usual amount of food to help her produce enough milk.\n\n[Caring for pregnant cats](https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/pregnancy-and-kitten-care\/caring-for-your-pregnant-cat)\n\n### Can I feed a cat dog food?\nCats should not be fed dog food. The balance of ingredients is not suitable for a cat’s digestive system, and it will not provide your cat with all the nutrients they need.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding
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First Indexed	2019-09-04 07:03:28 (6 years ago)
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Meta Title	Feeding Your Cat \| Help and Advice \| Cats Protection
Meta Description	Read our guide on what to feed your cat, how often to feed them, and other diet questions you might have.
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Boilerpipe Text	What your cat eats plays an important part in their health and wellbeing. Take a look at our cat feeding guide for top tips on the best cat food to choose, how much you should feed your cat and plenty of information about cats and their eating habits. Contents What should I feed my cat? Should I feed my cat dry or wet cat food? How much should I feed my cat? How often should I feed my cat? How to feed your cat Can I give my cat treats? Special diets Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets Which human foods are safe for cats? Changing your cat’s food What to do if your cat isn’t eating Feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens Can I feed a cat dog food? Head to your local pet shop or supermarket and you’ll find plenty of cat foods to choose from. With so many different types, how do you decide what is the best food for your cat? Watch our video for tips and advice on how to feed your cat or read our guide below. What should I feed my cat? Cats need a meat-based diet that is balanced with the right amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. Choose a ‘complete’ cat food. It should say ‘complete’ on the packaging. This will contain all the vital nutrients your cat needs, so they won’t need any other food or vitamin supplements. ‘Complementary’ cat foods, such as cat treats, must be combined with other foods to provide your cat with a complete balance of nutrients Pick a brand that is a member of UK Pet Food , formerly the Pet Food Manufacturing Association. This will mean the food is high-quality and safe for your pet. Check the packaging to find out Water is also an important part of a cat’s diet. Make sure they always have access to a bowl of water, and replace the water at least once a day to keep it fresh Depending on how old your cat is, they will need different food for their life stage. Kittens (up to one year old). Kittens use up lots of energy as they grow. Once they are weaned at six to eight weeks old, they need specific kitten food that is energy-dense. It will also contain the right nutrients to help them develop into healthy adult cats Adult cats (between one and eight years old). Adult cats don’t need quite as much energy as kittens. Adult cat food is less energy-dense and has a different balance of nutrients to keep them healthy Senior cats (over eight years old). Older cats need more digestible protein than younger cats. Senior cat food contains the right balance of nutrients to support their muscles and organs as they age We don’t recommend trying to make homemade meals for your cat, unless advised by your vet for medical reasons. It’s very difficult to provide the right range and balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals when making your own cat food. Feeding your cat an unbalanced diet can cause growth problems and/or medical conditions. Should I feed my cat dry or wet cat food? You can feed your cat wet food, dry food, or both. Which one you feed your cat will be entirely down to your cat’s own preference. Cats are very particular about what they do and don’t like to eat. Try offering your cat both wet and dry food in separate bowls and see if they prefer one over the other or are happy to eat both. As long as the food is a ‘complete’ cat food, they will be getting all the nutrients they need. There are different benefits to feeding wet and dry food. Benefits of wet food It comes in a variety of flavours and can be more appealing to fussy eaters It has a higher moisture content. This is better for cats with medical conditions, such as urinary problems, who require increased water intake It is softer to eat. This can be more comfortable for cats with dental problems to eat Benefits of dry food It can be left out all day, which is useful for cats who like to graze their food. Wet food will need to be changed at least twice a day to ensure freshness It can be used in puzzle feeders, making feeding time more exciting and encouraging exercise How much should I feed my cat? How much food your cat should eat will depend on their age, weight and how active they are. Follow the advice given on the food packaging for how much to feed your cat each day and check their weight periodically. If you’re worried that your cat is overweight or underweight, speak to your vet to find out how much to feed your cat. It’s also important to remember that once neutered, cats typically have reduced energy needs. Consider reducing the daily amount you feed your cat after they have been neutered, to prevent them from gaining weight. Find out more about cat obesity How often should I feed my cat? Cats have evolved to eat little and often. In the wild, a cat would eat around 10 to 12 small meals throughout the day, and pet cats will often prefer the same. Their feeding behaviour is also influenced by their environment and previous experience. Adult cats. Fresh wet food should be given at least twice daily, and dry food at least once daily Kittens. Young kittens have smaller stomachs, so they should be fed smaller amounts more often. Remember to check their food and replace it four times a day How to feed your cat Place your cat’s food and water bowls away from each other. Can’t don’t like their water contaminated by their food Place your cat’s litter tray as far away as possible from their food and water bowls, to avoid contamination Cats usually prefer to eat away from other cats. Reduce any potential competition for food between cats by feeding them in separate places Older cats will appreciate having food offered in several different places so they don’t need to go too far to find food Can I give my cat treats? Just like us, cats love the occasional treat. If you choose to give your cat treats, make sure you limit the amount you give them, so they don’t gain weight. Also, reduce their usual daily allowance of regular cat food to allow for the extra calories in the treats. Try putting the treats in puzzle feeders to provide some mental stimulation and encourage them to exercise. It’s best to stick to cat food treats rather than giving your cat any human foods. Although feeding your cat a little bit of well-cooked, plain chicken or fish is okay occasionally. Many cats appreciate play or attention more than food treats, and it can strengthen your bond with your cat. Instead of giving your cat food treats, you could try: giving them a new toy adding extra playtime into their day giving them extra fuss and attention, if they enjoy this replacing the treats with their usual dry cat food. Try placing it in a puzzle feeder to make it more exciting Special diets If your cat has a health condition, such as kidney disease or food allergies, your vet may recommend a prescription diet. They may also recommend a special diet if your cat is particularly overweight. Always follow your vet’s advice when giving your cat specialist foods. Only give these foods to the cat they are prescribed to. If possible, introduce the new diet gradually while your cat still has access to their original diet. Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to stay healthy. Their digestive system hasn’t adapted to eating a plant-based diet, and they need certain amino acids, such as taurine, which can only be found in meat. For this reason, we would not recommend feeding your cat a vegetarian or vegan diet. If you’re considering feeding your cat a raw diet, always speak to your vet first. There are some commercially available, complete raw cat foods which can meet all your cat’s nutritional needs. It’s better to choose these over trying to prepare a raw diet yourself. It can be difficult to make a nutritionally-balanced raw diet yourself, and it could make your cat unwell if not prepared correctly. Which human foods are safe for cats? In general, we wouldn’t recommend feeding your cat food meant for humans unless your vet has advised it. It can be hard to know how many calories human food contains for your cat, and it can unbalance their diet. Also, a lot of human foods can be harmful to cats. Which human foods can cats eat? Changing your cat’s food Switching your cat’s usual food can cause problems. A sudden change of diet could cause an upset stomach, or they may be reluctant to eat a new food. Any changes to your cat’s food should be made slowly and carefully. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out how. Offer them a little of the new food alongside their usual food, in separate food bowls. Never mix the two foods together, as this can really put cats off. If they eat the new food, gradually offer more of the new food, reducing the amount of the old food you put down. Gradually continue this process over a week or more until your cat is eating only the new food. If your cat doesn’t eat the new food or becomes unwell, continue feeding the old food and speak to your vet for advice. What to do if your cat isn’t eating It can be worrying if your cat seems to be eating less than normal or not at all. There are lots of things that could cause this. If your cat’s eating or drinking habits suddenly change, give your vet a call to rule out any medical causes. If your cat needs treatment, you can get them help as soon as possible rather than letting the problem get worse. If your vet rules out medical causes, there are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to eat, including: make sure their bowl is cleaned with warm water and soap daily. Regular washing-up liquid should be fine. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after. Cats are very sensitive to smells, so food that has been sitting out for a while may not be very pleasant for them use a ceramic bowl instead of plastic make sure your cat’s bowl is away from any doors and separate from their sleeping and toileting areas offer different wet and dry foods at different times, and introduce new foods gradually give wet food at room temperature, instead of straight from the fridge offer small, regular amounts of food rather than a large portion. This is less overwhelming and ensures the food is always fresh offer food with a strong odour. Warming it up can increase the scent, but be careful not to make it too hot add a drop of tasty yeast extract spread, fish oil or kitten food to your cat’s meal. This can make food more appetising but shouldn’t be done regularly. Ask your vet for more advice sit down with your cat or hand-feed them. This can induce their appetite. Try a small amount of chicken or fish as a treat if they’re struggling if there are other cats in the home, feed them separately Feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens If you’ve got a pregnant cat or a cat who is feeding her new kittens, you’ll need to provide her with extra nutrients. Give her unlimited access to energy-dense kitten food, as well as a supply of fresh drinking water. During pregnancy, she may only eat a little more than usual. But when she is feeding her kittens, she may eat double or triple the usual amount of food to help her produce enough milk. Caring for pregnant cats Can I feed a cat dog food? Cats should not be fed dog food. The balance of ingredients is not suitable for a cat’s digestive system, and it will not provide your cat with all the nutrients they need.
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[Visit the Support us page](https://www.cats.org.uk/support-us) # Feeding your cat - [Help and advice](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice) - [Diet](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet) - Feeding cats URL copied to clipboard\! ## What your cat eats plays an important part in their health and wellbeing. Take a look at our cat feeding guide for top tips on the best cat food to choose, how much you should feed your cat and plenty of information about cats and their eating habits. ### Contents - [What should I feed my cat?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#what "Link to advice on what to feed your cat") - [Should I feed my cat dry or wet cat food?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#type "Link to advice on feeding your cat wet or dry food") - [How much should I feed my cat?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#how-much "Link to advice on how much to feed your cat") - [How often should I feed my cat?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#how-often "Link to advice on how often to feed your cat") - [How to feed your cat](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#how-to "Link to advice on how to feed your cat") - [Can I give my cat treats?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#treats "Link to advice on feeding your cat treats") - [Special diets](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#special-diets "Link to advice on special diets for cats") - [Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#vegetarian "Link to advice on vegetarian, vegan and raw diets for cats") - [Which human foods are safe for cats?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#human-foods "Link to advice on feeding your cat human foods") - [Changing your cat’s food](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#change-food "Link to advice on changing your cat's food") - [What to do if your cat isn’t eating](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#not-eating "Link to advice on what to do if your cat isn't eating") - [Feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#pregnant-cats "Link to advice on feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens") - [Can I feed a cat dog food?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#dog-food "Link to advice on feeding your cat dog food") Head to your local pet shop or supermarket and you’ll find plenty of cat foods to choose from. With so many different types, how do you decide what is the best food for your cat? Watch our video for tips and advice on how to feed your cat or read our guide below. ### What should I feed my cat? Cats need a meat-based diet that is balanced with the right amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. - Choose a ‘complete’ cat food. It should say ‘complete’ on the packaging. This will contain all the vital nutrients your cat needs, so they won’t need any other food or vitamin supplements. ‘Complementary’ cat foods, such as cat treats, must be combined with other foods to provide your cat with a complete balance of nutrients - Pick a brand that is a member of UK Pet Food, formerly the Pet Food Manufacturing Association. This will mean the food is high-quality and safe for your pet. Check the packaging to find out - Water is also an important part of a cat’s diet. Make sure they always have access to a bowl of water, and replace the water at least once a day to keep it fresh Depending on how old your cat is, they will need different food for their life stage. - Kittens (up to one year old). Kittens use up lots of energy as they grow. Once they are weaned at six to eight weeks old, they need specific kitten food that is energy-dense. It will also contain the right nutrients to help them develop into healthy adult cats - Adult cats (between one and eight years old). Adult cats don’t need quite as much energy as kittens. Adult cat food is less energy-dense and has a different balance of nutrients to keep them healthy - Senior cats (over eight years old). Older cats need more digestible protein than younger cats. Senior cat food contains the right balance of nutrients to support their muscles and organs as they age We don’t recommend trying to make homemade meals for your cat, unless advised by your vet for medical reasons. It’s very difficult to provide the right range and balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals when making your own cat food. Feeding your cat an unbalanced diet can cause growth problems and/or medical conditions. ### Should I feed my cat dry or wet cat food? You can feed your cat wet food, dry food, or both. Which one you feed your cat will be entirely down to your cat’s own preference. Cats are very particular about what they do and don’t like to eat. Try offering your cat both wet and dry food in separate bowls and see if they prefer one over the other or are happy to eat both. As long as the food is a ‘complete’ cat food, they will be getting all the nutrients they need. There are different benefits to feeding wet and dry food. #### Benefits of wet food - It comes in a variety of flavours and can be more appealing to fussy eaters - It has a higher moisture content. This is better for cats with medical conditions, such as urinary problems, who require increased water intake - It is softer to eat. This can be more comfortable for cats with dental problems to eat #### Benefits of dry food - It can be left out all day, which is useful for cats who like to graze their food. Wet food will need to be changed at least twice a day to ensure freshness - It can be used in puzzle feeders, making feeding time more exciting and encouraging exercise ![](https://www.cats.org.uk/media/10471/silver-tabby-cat-eating.jpg?width=72&format=webp&v=1d9e58dc679f0d0) ### How much should I feed my cat? How much food your cat should eat will depend on their age, weight and how active they are. Follow the advice given on the food packaging for how much to feed your cat each day and check their weight periodically. If you’re worried that your cat is overweight or underweight, speak to your vet to find out how much to feed your cat. It’s also important to remember that once neutered, cats typically have reduced energy needs. Consider reducing the daily amount you feed your cat after they have been neutered, to prevent them from gaining weight. [Find out more about cat obesity](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/cat-obesity) ### How often should I feed my cat? Cats have evolved to eat little and often. In the wild, a cat would eat around 10 to 12 small meals throughout the day, and pet cats will often prefer the same. Their feeding behaviour is also influenced by their environment and previous experience. - Adult cats. Fresh wet food should be given at least twice daily, and dry food at least once daily - Kittens. Young kittens have smaller stomachs, so they should be fed smaller amounts more often. Remember to check their food and replace it four times a day ### How to feed your cat - Place your cat’s food and water bowls away from each other. Can’t don’t like their water contaminated by their food - Place your cat’s litter tray as far away as possible from their food and water bowls, to avoid contamination - Cats usually prefer to eat away from other cats. Reduce any potential competition for food between cats by feeding them in separate places - Older cats will appreciate having food offered in several different places so they don’t need to go too far to find food ### Can I give my cat treats? Just like us, cats love the occasional treat. If you choose to give your cat treats, make sure you limit the amount you give them, so they don’t gain weight. Also, reduce their usual daily allowance of regular cat food to allow for the extra calories in the treats. Try putting the treats in puzzle feeders to provide some mental stimulation and encourage them to exercise. It’s best to stick to cat food treats rather than giving your cat any human foods. Although feeding your cat a little bit of well-cooked, plain chicken or fish is okay occasionally. Many cats appreciate play or attention more than food treats, and it can strengthen your bond with your cat. Instead of giving your cat food treats, you could try: - giving them a new toy - adding extra playtime into their day - giving them extra fuss and attention, if they enjoy this - replacing the treats with their usual dry cat food. Try placing it in a puzzle feeder to make it more exciting ![](https://www.cats.org.uk/media/12268/cat-sniffing-treat-in-hand.jpg?width=72&format=webp&v=1d9e587e49117c0) ### Special diets If your cat has a health condition, such as kidney disease or food allergies, your vet may recommend a prescription diet. They may also recommend a special diet if your cat is particularly overweight. Always follow your vet’s advice when giving your cat specialist foods. Only give these foods to the cat they are prescribed to. If possible, introduce the new diet gradually while your cat still has access to their original diet. ### Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to stay healthy. Their digestive system hasn’t adapted to eating a plant-based diet, and they need certain amino acids, such as taurine, which can only be found in meat. For this reason, we would not recommend feeding your cat a vegetarian or vegan diet. If you’re considering feeding your cat a raw diet, always speak to your vet first. There are some commercially available, complete raw cat foods which can meet all your cat’s nutritional needs. It’s better to choose these over trying to prepare a raw diet yourself. It can be difficult to make a nutritionally-balanced raw diet yourself, and it could make your cat unwell if not prepared correctly. ### Which human foods are safe for cats? In general, we wouldn’t recommend feeding your cat food meant for humans unless your vet has advised it. It can be hard to know how many calories human food contains for your cat, and it can unbalance their diet. Also, a lot of human foods can be harmful to cats. [Which human foods can cats eat?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/cats-and-human-foods) ### Changing your cat’s food Switching your cat’s usual food can cause problems. A sudden change of diet could cause an upset stomach, or they may be reluctant to eat a new food. Any changes to your cat’s food should be made slowly and carefully. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out how. 1. Offer them a little of the new food alongside their usual food, in separate food bowls. Never mix the two foods together, as this can really put cats off. 2. If they eat the new food, gradually offer more of the new food, reducing the amount of the old food you put down. 3. Gradually continue this process over a week or more until your cat is eating only the new food. If your cat doesn’t eat the new food or becomes unwell, continue feeding the old food and speak to your vet for advice. ### What to do if your cat isn’t eating It can be worrying if your cat seems to be eating less than normal or not at all. There are lots of things that could cause this. If your cat’s eating or drinking habits suddenly change, give your vet a call to rule out any medical causes. If your cat needs treatment, you can get them help as soon as possible rather than letting the problem get worse. If your vet rules out medical causes, there are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to eat, including: - make sure their bowl is cleaned with warm water and soap daily. Regular washing-up liquid should be fine. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after. Cats are very sensitive to smells, so food that has been sitting out for a while may not be very pleasant for them - use a ceramic bowl instead of plastic - make sure your cat’s bowl is away from any doors and separate from their sleeping and toileting areas - offer different wet and dry foods at different times, and introduce new foods gradually - give wet food at room temperature, instead of straight from the fridge - offer small, regular amounts of food rather than a large portion. This is less overwhelming and ensures the food is always fresh - offer food with a strong odour. Warming it up can increase the scent, but be careful not to make it too hot - add a drop of tasty yeast extract spread, fish oil or kitten food to your cat’s meal. This can make food more appetising but shouldn’t be done regularly. Ask your vet for more advice - sit down with your cat or hand-feed them. This can induce their appetite. Try a small amount of chicken or fish as a treat if they’re struggling - if there are other cats in the home, feed them separately ### Feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens If you’ve got a pregnant cat or a cat who is feeding her new kittens, you’ll need to provide her with extra nutrients. Give her unlimited access to energy-dense kitten food, as well as a supply of fresh drinking water. During pregnancy, she may only eat a little more than usual. But when she is feeding her kittens, she may eat double or triple the usual amount of food to help her produce enough milk. [Caring for pregnant cats](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/caring-for-your-pregnant-cat) ### Can I feed a cat dog food? Cats should not be fed dog food. The balance of ingredients is not suitable for a cat’s digestive system, and it will not provide your cat with all the nutrients they need. 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Readable Markdown	What your cat eats plays an important part in their health and wellbeing. Take a look at our cat feeding guide for top tips on the best cat food to choose, how much you should feed your cat and plenty of information about cats and their eating habits. ### Contents - [What should I feed my cat?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#what "Link to advice on what to feed your cat") - [Should I feed my cat dry or wet cat food?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#type "Link to advice on feeding your cat wet or dry food") - [How much should I feed my cat?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#how-much "Link to advice on how much to feed your cat") - [How often should I feed my cat?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#how-often "Link to advice on how often to feed your cat") - [How to feed your cat](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#how-to "Link to advice on how to feed your cat") - [Can I give my cat treats?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#treats "Link to advice on feeding your cat treats") - [Special diets](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#special-diets "Link to advice on special diets for cats") - [Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#vegetarian "Link to advice on vegetarian, vegan and raw diets for cats") - [Which human foods are safe for cats?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#human-foods "Link to advice on feeding your cat human foods") - [Changing your cat’s food](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#change-food "Link to advice on changing your cat's food") - [What to do if your cat isn’t eating](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#not-eating "Link to advice on what to do if your cat isn't eating") - [Feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#pregnant-cats "Link to advice on feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens") - [Can I feed a cat dog food?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/feeding#dog-food "Link to advice on feeding your cat dog food") Head to your local pet shop or supermarket and you’ll find plenty of cat foods to choose from. With so many different types, how do you decide what is the best food for your cat? Watch our video for tips and advice on how to feed your cat or read our guide below. ### What should I feed my cat? Cats need a meat-based diet that is balanced with the right amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. - Choose a ‘complete’ cat food. It should say ‘complete’ on the packaging. This will contain all the vital nutrients your cat needs, so they won’t need any other food or vitamin supplements. ‘Complementary’ cat foods, such as cat treats, must be combined with other foods to provide your cat with a complete balance of nutrients - Pick a brand that is a member of UK Pet Food, formerly the Pet Food Manufacturing Association. This will mean the food is high-quality and safe for your pet. Check the packaging to find out - Water is also an important part of a cat’s diet. Make sure they always have access to a bowl of water, and replace the water at least once a day to keep it fresh Depending on how old your cat is, they will need different food for their life stage. - Kittens (up to one year old). Kittens use up lots of energy as they grow. Once they are weaned at six to eight weeks old, they need specific kitten food that is energy-dense. It will also contain the right nutrients to help them develop into healthy adult cats - Adult cats (between one and eight years old). Adult cats don’t need quite as much energy as kittens. Adult cat food is less energy-dense and has a different balance of nutrients to keep them healthy - Senior cats (over eight years old). Older cats need more digestible protein than younger cats. Senior cat food contains the right balance of nutrients to support their muscles and organs as they age We don’t recommend trying to make homemade meals for your cat, unless advised by your vet for medical reasons. It’s very difficult to provide the right range and balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals when making your own cat food. Feeding your cat an unbalanced diet can cause growth problems and/or medical conditions. ### Should I feed my cat dry or wet cat food? You can feed your cat wet food, dry food, or both. Which one you feed your cat will be entirely down to your cat’s own preference. Cats are very particular about what they do and don’t like to eat. Try offering your cat both wet and dry food in separate bowls and see if they prefer one over the other or are happy to eat both. As long as the food is a ‘complete’ cat food, they will be getting all the nutrients they need. There are different benefits to feeding wet and dry food. #### Benefits of wet food - It comes in a variety of flavours and can be more appealing to fussy eaters - It has a higher moisture content. This is better for cats with medical conditions, such as urinary problems, who require increased water intake - It is softer to eat. This can be more comfortable for cats with dental problems to eat #### Benefits of dry food - It can be left out all day, which is useful for cats who like to graze their food. Wet food will need to be changed at least twice a day to ensure freshness - It can be used in puzzle feeders, making feeding time more exciting and encouraging exercise ### How much should I feed my cat? How much food your cat should eat will depend on their age, weight and how active they are. Follow the advice given on the food packaging for how much to feed your cat each day and check their weight periodically. If you’re worried that your cat is overweight or underweight, speak to your vet to find out how much to feed your cat. It’s also important to remember that once neutered, cats typically have reduced energy needs. Consider reducing the daily amount you feed your cat after they have been neutered, to prevent them from gaining weight. [Find out more about cat obesity](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/cat-obesity) ### How often should I feed my cat? Cats have evolved to eat little and often. In the wild, a cat would eat around 10 to 12 small meals throughout the day, and pet cats will often prefer the same. Their feeding behaviour is also influenced by their environment and previous experience. - Adult cats. Fresh wet food should be given at least twice daily, and dry food at least once daily - Kittens. Young kittens have smaller stomachs, so they should be fed smaller amounts more often. Remember to check their food and replace it four times a day ### How to feed your cat - Place your cat’s food and water bowls away from each other. Can’t don’t like their water contaminated by their food - Place your cat’s litter tray as far away as possible from their food and water bowls, to avoid contamination - Cats usually prefer to eat away from other cats. Reduce any potential competition for food between cats by feeding them in separate places - Older cats will appreciate having food offered in several different places so they don’t need to go too far to find food ### Can I give my cat treats? Just like us, cats love the occasional treat. If you choose to give your cat treats, make sure you limit the amount you give them, so they don’t gain weight. Also, reduce their usual daily allowance of regular cat food to allow for the extra calories in the treats. Try putting the treats in puzzle feeders to provide some mental stimulation and encourage them to exercise. It’s best to stick to cat food treats rather than giving your cat any human foods. Although feeding your cat a little bit of well-cooked, plain chicken or fish is okay occasionally. Many cats appreciate play or attention more than food treats, and it can strengthen your bond with your cat. Instead of giving your cat food treats, you could try: - giving them a new toy - adding extra playtime into their day - giving them extra fuss and attention, if they enjoy this - replacing the treats with their usual dry cat food. Try placing it in a puzzle feeder to make it more exciting ### Special diets If your cat has a health condition, such as kidney disease or food allergies, your vet may recommend a prescription diet. They may also recommend a special diet if your cat is particularly overweight. Always follow your vet’s advice when giving your cat specialist foods. Only give these foods to the cat they are prescribed to. If possible, introduce the new diet gradually while your cat still has access to their original diet. ### Vegetarian, vegan and raw diets Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to stay healthy. Their digestive system hasn’t adapted to eating a plant-based diet, and they need certain amino acids, such as taurine, which can only be found in meat. For this reason, we would not recommend feeding your cat a vegetarian or vegan diet. If you’re considering feeding your cat a raw diet, always speak to your vet first. There are some commercially available, complete raw cat foods which can meet all your cat’s nutritional needs. It’s better to choose these over trying to prepare a raw diet yourself. It can be difficult to make a nutritionally-balanced raw diet yourself, and it could make your cat unwell if not prepared correctly. ### Which human foods are safe for cats? In general, we wouldn’t recommend feeding your cat food meant for humans unless your vet has advised it. It can be hard to know how many calories human food contains for your cat, and it can unbalance their diet. Also, a lot of human foods can be harmful to cats. [Which human foods can cats eat?](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/cats-and-human-foods) ### Changing your cat’s food Switching your cat’s usual food can cause problems. A sudden change of diet could cause an upset stomach, or they may be reluctant to eat a new food. Any changes to your cat’s food should be made slowly and carefully. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out how. 1. Offer them a little of the new food alongside their usual food, in separate food bowls. Never mix the two foods together, as this can really put cats off. 2. If they eat the new food, gradually offer more of the new food, reducing the amount of the old food you put down. 3. Gradually continue this process over a week or more until your cat is eating only the new food. If your cat doesn’t eat the new food or becomes unwell, continue feeding the old food and speak to your vet for advice. ### What to do if your cat isn’t eating It can be worrying if your cat seems to be eating less than normal or not at all. There are lots of things that could cause this. If your cat’s eating or drinking habits suddenly change, give your vet a call to rule out any medical causes. If your cat needs treatment, you can get them help as soon as possible rather than letting the problem get worse. If your vet rules out medical causes, there are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to eat, including: - make sure their bowl is cleaned with warm water and soap daily. Regular washing-up liquid should be fine. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after. Cats are very sensitive to smells, so food that has been sitting out for a while may not be very pleasant for them - use a ceramic bowl instead of plastic - make sure your cat’s bowl is away from any doors and separate from their sleeping and toileting areas - offer different wet and dry foods at different times, and introduce new foods gradually - give wet food at room temperature, instead of straight from the fridge - offer small, regular amounts of food rather than a large portion. This is less overwhelming and ensures the food is always fresh - offer food with a strong odour. Warming it up can increase the scent, but be careful not to make it too hot - add a drop of tasty yeast extract spread, fish oil or kitten food to your cat’s meal. This can make food more appetising but shouldn’t be done regularly. Ask your vet for more advice - sit down with your cat or hand-feed them. This can induce their appetite. Try a small amount of chicken or fish as a treat if they’re struggling - if there are other cats in the home, feed them separately ### Feeding pregnant cats and mums feeding kittens If you’ve got a pregnant cat or a cat who is feeding her new kittens, you’ll need to provide her with extra nutrients. Give her unlimited access to energy-dense kitten food, as well as a supply of fresh drinking water. During pregnancy, she may only eat a little more than usual. But when she is feeding her kittens, she may eat double or triple the usual amount of food to help her produce enough milk. [Caring for pregnant cats](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/caring-for-your-pregnant-cat) ### Can I feed a cat dog food? Cats should not be fed dog food. The balance of ingredients is not suitable for a cat’s digestive system, and it will not provide your cat with all the nutrients they need.
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