Taurine
An amino acid ESSENTIAL for cats. Deficiency causes blindness and heart failure. Only found in animal tissue.
Sources: Heart, liver, dark poultry meat
Cat Nutrition Guide 2025
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive and thrive. Unlike dogs, cats have very specific nutritional requirements that can only be met through animal-based proteins. Understanding feline nutrition is crucial for preventing common health issues like obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease.
⚖️
60%
of US cats are overweight
🥫
70-80%
should be from wet food
🔢
200-300
calories/day for average cat
🐭
1-2%
max carbs in natural prey
Understanding Cat Nutrition
Cats evolved as desert hunters eating small prey. This means they have a low thirst drive (getting moisture from food) and need high protein, moderate fat, and very low carbohydrates. Many commercial cat foods — especially dry kibble — contain far more carbohydrates than cats would naturally consume.
Diet Types for Cats
Choose the right diet based on your cat's needs, your lifestyle, and budget.
Nutrition by Life Stage
Nutritional needs change throughout your cat's life. Here's what to know for each stage.
Essential Nutrients for Cats
Arachidonic Acid
A fatty acid cats cannot synthesize. Necessary for kidney function and reproduction.
Sources: Animal fats only
Vitamin A
Cats cannot convert beta-carotene to vitamin A like dogs and humans can. Must get preformed vitamin A.
Sources: Liver, fish oil, egg yolks
Protein
Cats need at least 26% protein (higher than dogs). They use protein for energy, not just muscle building.
Sources: Any quality animal protein
⚠️Foods to NEVER Feed Your Cat
Onions & Garlic
Destroy red blood cells even in small amounts. Especially dangerous for cats.
Raw Fish
Contains thiaminase which destroys vitamin B1, causing neurological problems.
Dog Food
Does not contain adequate taurine or protein for cats. Long-term feeding causes deficiencies.
Milk & Dairy
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Causes digestive upset.
Lilies
Not a food, but extremely toxic — even pollen can cause fatal kidney failure.
💡Pro Feeding Tips
✓
Prioritize wet food over dry — cats evolved to get moisture from food
✓
Cats prefer multiple small meals — offer food 3-4+ times daily if possible
✓
Cats don't like their water near their food — place water bowls in separate locations
✓
A cat water fountain can encourage drinking
✓
Warm refrigerated food slightly to enhance aroma and palatability
✓
Never free-feed dry food to overweight cats
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Nutrition
Is wet or dry food better for cats?▼
Wet food is generally better for most cats. It provides essential hydration (cats often don't drink enough), is higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates, and more closely mimics their natural prey diet. Dry food is convenient but contributes to chronic dehydration and may increase risk of urinary and kidney issues.
How often should I feed my cat?▼
Cats are natural grazers and prefer multiple small meals. Ideally, offer 3-4 small meals per day for wet food. If you must feed twice daily, that works too. Don't leave wet food out for more than 30 minutes. If free-feeding dry food, monitor weight carefully.
Why is my cat so picky?▼
Cats imprint on food textures and flavors as kittens. A cat fed only one type of food may resist change. Cats also reject food that has been sitting out (they prefer fresh), food that's too cold, or food in dirty bowls. Keep bowls clean and serve food at room temperature.
Do cats need supplements?▼
If feeding a complete and balanced commercial food (look for AAFCO statement), supplementation is usually unnecessary and can even be harmful. If feeding homemade or raw, work with a veterinary nutritionist — cats have very specific requirements that are easy to miss.
Need Help With Your Cat's Diet?
Use our free tools to check food safety and get personalized nutrition advice for your cat.