Adult cat feeding: complete guide
Unlike dogs, cats are STRICT carnivores — need animal protein in every meal to not develop severe deficiencies. Good quality commercial food is the safest way to ensure all essential nutrients (taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid).
🛠️ What you'll need
- Kitchen scale (weigh food)
- Ceramic or stainless steel bowl (never plastic)
- Water fountain
- Premium adult cat food
- Complementary wet food (pouches)
📋 Step by step
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1. Calculate daily amount
Normal neutered adult cat: 50-60 kcal per kg of weight. Active unneutered cat: 60-70 kcal/kg.
Ex: 4 kg cat = 200-240 kcal/day. Consult package table — each food has different caloric density.
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2. Weigh on scale
Never use measuring cup. A cup can vary 30% from actual weight, causing obesity in months.
Divide daily amount into 2-4 meals.
💡 Programmable automatic feeder makes life easier for those working away. -
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3. Combine dry + wet
70% dry + 30% wet is the gold standard. Wet hydrates (essential to prevent renal disease), dry helps teeth.
Example: 4kg cat = 50g dry food + 1 pouch 85g wet per day.
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4. Ensure hydration
Ideal cat drinks 40-60ml of water per kg. Many don't drink enough, causing chronic renal disease.
Use running water fountain (Catit, Petsafe) — increases intake by 40%.
Place multiple bowls around house.
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5. Offer in calm environment
Food bowl far from litter box (cat doesn't eat near bathroom).
Don't leave food available if cat tends to gain weight.
Fixed schedule routine helps cat feel secure.
What NEVER to give to cats
- Onion, garlic, chives (destroy red cells)
- Grape and raisin (renal failure)
- Chocolate (cardiac arrhythmia)
- Alcohol (lethal in small doses)
- Cooked bones (perforate intestine)
- Cow milk (most are intolerant)
- Raw fish (destroys thiamine), unmanaged raw meat
- Human food with salt or seasoning
Recommended premium brands
Signs of inadequate feeding
- Dull or excessive shedding coat
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Frequent vomiting (>1x/week)
- Loose or very dark stool
- Pale gums or blood
- Chronic lack of energy
- Excessive thirst or urination (renal disease)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave food available for cat?
Depends on cat. Some self-regulate well; others eat everything and gain weight. If cat tends to be overweight, use weighed method + fixed meals.
Can cat eat only wet food?
Yes, but expensive (3-5x more than dry) and doesn't mechanically clean teeth. Better to combine both.
Do I need to change flavor/brand?
Not necessary. If cat eats well and is healthy, keep it. Frequent switching can cause diarrhea and food fussiness.
Is 'super premium' pet shop food worth it?
Worth it if from recognized brand (Royal Canin, Hill's, Pro Plan, Farmina). Unknown brand 'super premium' is usually baseless marketing.
My cat doesn't like water. How to make drink?
Running water fountain increases 40% of intake. Adding 1 spoon of water to each wet meal also helps. Multiple bowls around house.