🍽️ Feeding

Pick food labelled “complete and balanced” for your cat’s age.

Why? Cats are obligate carnivores. A complete food has every nutrient they need, including taurine for a healthy heart and eyes.

Source: [1][5]

Kibble or wet food: both fine, and mixing works too.

Why? Wet food is at least 75% water, which helps hydration; kibble is only 6–10% water.

Source: [1]

Skip vitamins and supplements unless your vet says so.

Why? A complete food is already balanced, and too many vitamins or minerals can do harm.

Source: [1]

Split the daily food into several small meals.

Why? Cats naturally eat many small meals, day and night. iCatCare suggests at least five portions a day.

Source: [2]

Try a puzzle feeder so your cat “hunts” its food.

Why? Rolling and pawing for food means more exercise, slower eating and less boredom. Start with an easy one.

Source: [8]

Feed in a quiet spot, away from the litter tray.

Why? Noise, a nearby tray or another cat watching can put a cat off its food.

Source: [1][2]

Fresh water always; refill it daily.

Why? Many cats prefer moving, room-temperature water. Keep the water bowl separate from food.

Source: [3][5]

No onion, garlic or chives, even in seasoned leftovers.

Why? They destroy red blood cells and cause anaemia, and cats are more sensitive than dogs.

Source: [4]

No cow’s milk.

Why? Many cats can’t digest milk sugar (lactose) and get diarrhoea.

Source: [1][4]

Chocolate, coffee, alcohol: never.

Why? They can cause vomiting, an irregular heartbeat, seizures and even death. Suspect a nibble? Call the vet now.

Source: [4]

Treats: only about 10% of the daily diet.

Why? Treats are rarely complete nutrition and pack calories, so they add weight fast.

Source: [1][5]

Ribs you can feel, a visible waist: a healthy weight.

Why? Obesity is the most common nutrition problem in cats, raising the risk of arthritis and diabetes. Ask your vet for a body condition score.

Source: [1][6]