Feeding your cat or kitten
Helping your cat eat well
Cats can be quite particular about their food. Some love their biscuits, others prefer wet food and some seem to change their minds every day!
But what your cat eats, how often they eat and where they eat can all make a difference to their health and happiness.
Here are a few simple tips to help make mealtimes easier for you and your cat.
What should I feed my cat?
Cats are natural meat-eaters, which means they need nutrients found in animal-based foods to stay healthy.
The easiest way to make sure they're getting everything they need is to choose a good quality cat food labelled "complete". This means it contains the right balance of nutrients for your cat.
Wet food, dry food or a mixture of both can work well. Wet food helps with hydration, while dry food is convenient and can be used in puzzle feeders to make mealtimes more interesting.
Just make sure the food is suitable for your cat's age and always provide fresh drinking water.
How often should I feed my cat?
Cats naturally prefer to eat several small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large ones.
Where possible, try splitting their daily food allowance into smaller portions. You can also use timed feeders or puzzle feeders to help them eat little and often, even when you're not home.
Keeping an eye on portions is important too. It's easy to overfeed, especially with dry food. Follow the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point and adjust according to your cat's weight and activity level.
And remember, treats count towards their daily food allowance too!
Make mealtimes comfortable
Did you know that where your cat eats can be just as important as what's in their bowl?
A few small changes can make a big difference:
Find a quiet spot – away from busy areas, loud noises and litter trays.
Give each cat their own space – cats generally prefer to eat separately, even if they get along well.
Choose a shallow bowl – wide ceramic or glass bowls are often more comfortable for cats.
Make feeding fun – try hiding small portions of food or using puzzle feeders to encourage their natural hunting instincts.
What if my cat is a fussy eater?
Cats have a strong sense of smell, and the texture, taste and temperature of their food can all affect what they enjoy.
If your cat seems less interested in their food, try serving wet food at room temperature or warming it slightly to bring out the smell. Just make sure it's not too hot.
If you're changing their food, introduce the new food gradually to give them time to get used to it.
Remember, if your cat suddenly loses interest in food or stops eating, please contact your vet rather than assuming they're just being fussy.
What about feeding kittens?
Kittens have a lot of growing to do, so they need food specially designed to give them the extra energy and nutrients they need.
Because their stomachs are small, they also need several small meals throughout the day.
If you've recently welcomed a kitten into your home, it's best to keep them on the food they're already used to while they settle in. Any changes should be introduced gradually.
Offering both wet and dry kitten food can also help them get used to different textures as they grow.
We're here to help
Every cat is different, and finding the right food and feeding routine can sometimes take a little trial and error.
If you're worried about your cat's weight, appetite or eating habits, our team is always happy to help. If your cat stops eating altogether, please contact us promptly.
You can also speak to our dedicated Cat Advocates, Lisa Phillips in Haverfordwest and Rose Kelly in Pembroke Dock, with any cat-related questions.
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
This article was inspired by guidance originally published by International Cat Care (iCatCare), a leading authority on feline health and welfare. We're grateful for the excellent resources they provide to cat owners and veterinary professionals worldwide.