Cat Nutrition and Feeding Checklist

Feeding your cat seems straightforward until you stand in a pet shop staring at 50 different products, each claiming to be "the best." Add in conflicting advice about wet versus dry food, raw diets, and grain-free formulas, and it's no wonder cat parents feel lost.

This checklist cuts through the noise. It covers the fundamentals of feline nutrition — what to feed, how much, how often, and what to watch for — so you can make confident choices for your cat.

Choosing the Right Food

What to Look For on the Label

• Named protein as the first ingredient — "chicken," "salmon," or "turkey" rather than "meat by-products" or "animal derivatives."
• Complete and balanced statement — this means the food meets established nutritional standards for your cat's life stage. In many regions, this is regulated by bodies like AAFCO (US), FEDIAF (Europe), or equivalent organisations.
• Life stage appropriate — kitten, adult, or senior. Kittens need higher protein and calories; senior cats may need adjusted formulas.
• Minimum protein content — AAFCO minimums are 26% for adults and 30% for kittens, but many quality foods exceed this.
• Taurine included — an essential amino acid for cats. Without it, cats develop heart disease and vision problems. All complete commercial cat foods include it.

Wet Food vs. Dry Food

• Wet food — typically 75-80% moisture (PetMD). Excellent for hydration, easier to chew, often higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates. Spoils faster once opened.
• Dry food — convenient and cost-effective. Typically 20-30% carbohydrates (Cornell). Easier to store. Less hydrating.
• Combination — many vets recommend a mix. Wet food provides moisture; dry food offers convenience.
• Key point: Cats on wet-food diets have been shown to have 40% fewer urinary tract incidents compared to dry-only diets (Journal of Feline Medicine). Hydration matters.

Portion Sizes and Feeding Schedule

How Much to Feed

There's no universal answer — portions depend on your cat's weight, age, activity level, and the specific food. Start with the manufacturer's feeding guide and adjust based on your cat's body condition.

• Average adult cat (4-5 kg / 9-11 lbs): roughly 200-300 calories per day, but check your food's calorie content.
• Weigh portions — a kitchen scale is far more accurate than scooping by eye. "One scoop" varies wildly.
• Monitor body condition — you should be able to feel your cat's ribs without pressing hard. If you can see them, they may be underweight. If you can't feel them, they may be overweight. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 61% of cats are overweight or obese.

How Often to Feed

• Kittens (up to 6 months): three to four meals per day
• Kittens (6-12 months): two to three meals per day
• Adult cats: two meals per day (morning and evening) is most common
• Senior cats: two meals per day, or smaller, more frequent meals if they have a reduced appetite

Free-feeding (leaving food out all day): Possible with dry food, but makes it harder to monitor intake and contributes to overeating. Timed meals are generally preferred.

Hydration

Cats evolved in arid environments and have a naturally low thirst drive. This means many cats don't drink enough water, especially those on dry-food-only diets.

• Daily water needs: approximately 3.5-4.5 oz (100-130 ml) per 2.3 kg / 5 lbs of body weight (PetMD)
• Provide fresh water daily — change the water at least once a day.
• Multiple water stations — place bowls in different rooms. Cats prefer water away from their food.
• Consider a water fountain — many cats prefer moving water. Fountains can significantly increase water intake.
• Wide, shallow bowls — many cats dislike their whiskers touching the sides of deep bowls (whisker fatigue).
• Include wet food — an easy way to boost daily water intake, especially for cats that don't drink much.

Treats and Extras

• Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories — this is a widely accepted guideline from veterinary nutritionists.
• Avoid human food as treats — many common foods are toxic to cats, including onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and anything containing xylitol (ASPCA).
• Read treat labels — even cat treats vary widely in quality. Apply the same scrutiny as you would to their main food.
• Use treats strategically — for training, bonding, or rewarding tolerance of grooming and health checks.

Foods to Avoid (Toxic to Cats)

For a comprehensive list, see our toxic plants guide (plants are food to curious cats).

Nutrition Quick Reference

FAQ

Is grain-free food better for cats?

Not necessarily. Cats are obligate carnivores, so protein is their priority — not the presence or absence of grains. Most cats digest grains without issues. The grain-free trend was largely driven by marketing. Unless your cat has a diagnosed grain allergy (rare), standard quality food is fine.

Should I feed raw food?

Raw diets are controversial. Proponents cite benefits like shinier coats and smaller stools. However, veterinary bodies including the AVMA caution against raw diets due to risks of Salmonella, E. coli, and nutritional imbalance. If you choose raw, work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet is complete.

How do I switch my cat to a new food?

Gradually, over seven to ten days. Start with 75% old food / 25% new, then shift the ratio every two to three days. Sudden changes often cause digestive upset.

Related reading: British Shorthair Nutrition Basics | Monthly Health Check | All Checklists