Choosing the right food for your cat is one of the most impactful decisions you make as a pet owner. Cats are obligate carnivores — their bodies are built to run on animal protein, not grain fillers or plant-based substitutes. Get the nutrition right and you'll see it in their coat, energy levels, and long-term health. Get it wrong and you'll see that too, usually in vet bills.
What Cats Actually Need to Eat
Unlike dogs or humans, cats cannot synthesise certain nutrients on their own. They must get taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A directly from animal tissue. A cat fed an exclusively plant-based diet will develop serious health problems over time — this is not a dietary preference, it is biology.
Protein
Protein should make up the bulk of your cat's diet. Look for a named animal protein — chicken, beef, lamb, or fish — listed as the first ingredient. Vague labels like "meat by-products" or "animal derivatives" are worth avoiding where you have better options.
Fat
Cats need fat for energy, brain function, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support coat condition and reduce inflammation. Fish-based foods tend to be a good source, though fish should not be the only protein in the rotation.
Hydration
Cats have a low thirst drive — they evolved in arid environments where prey provided most of their moisture. This makes wet food an important part of most cats' diets, particularly for preventing urinary tract problems. If you are feeding primarily dry food, make sure fresh water is always available and consider adding wet food to at least one meal per day.
Dry Food vs Wet Food vs Raw
Each format has trade-offs. Dry kibble is convenient and affordable — brands like Eukanuba, Hill's, and Royal Canin are widely available in South Africa — but it is lower in moisture and often higher in carbohydrates than cats need. Wet food more closely mirrors a natural diet in moisture and protein content, though it is pricier and needs to be refrigerated once opened.
Raw feeding has grown in popularity locally, and done correctly it can be an excellent option. The key word is correctly — raw diets need to be nutritionally balanced, handled hygienically, and suited to your cat's health status. It is worth consulting your vet before switching, especially for cats with existing health conditions.
For most households, a combination approach works well: a quality dry food as the base, supplemented with wet food or raw additions for variety and moisture. For more detail on specific food choices, our guide on what cats like to eat covers the topic in depth.
Reading Cat Food Labels
Pet food marketing is designed to appeal to owners, not cats. Words like "natural," "premium," and "gourmet" carry no regulated meaning. Instead, focus on what the label actually tells you:
- Ingredient list: Ingredients are listed by weight before cooking. A named meat as the first ingredient is a good sign.
- Guaranteed analysis: This shows minimum protein and fat percentages and maximum fibre and moisture. A higher protein percentage is generally better for cats.
- Nutritional adequacy statement: Look for a statement that the food meets nutritional standards for your cat's life stage.
Be cautious about foods that lead with corn, wheat, or rice. These are cheap fillers that cats do not digest particularly well and have no place dominating a carnivore's diet.
How Much and How Often to Feed
Portion size depends on your cat's age, weight, activity level, and whether they are neutered. Most food packaging gives feeding guidelines, but these are often on the generous side. A better approach is to weigh your cat regularly and adjust portions based on body condition — you should be able to feel their ribs easily but not see them.
- Kittens (under 12 months): Need more calories per kilogram of body weight. Feed 3 to 4 times daily.
- Adult cats (1 to 7 years): Typically do well on 2 meals per day.
- Senior cats (8 and older): Metabolism slows and kidney health becomes a priority. Wet food becomes more important. Discuss food choices with your vet.
Free-feeding suits some cats, but many will overeat if given the chance. If your cat is gaining weight, structured meal times are more effective. If your cat has developed the habit of pestering you between meals, our guide on stopping cats from begging for food offers practical solutions.
Foods You Should Never Give Your Cat
Several common foods are toxic to cats. The list includes onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, caffeine, xylitol, and alcohol. Even small amounts can cause serious harm.
Dairy is another one that trips people up. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant — the enzyme needed to digest milk diminishes after kittenhood. Similarly, cats and milk is more of a cultural myth than a good feeding practice. An occasional saucer is unlikely to cause lasting harm, but it is not a nutritional need and can easily upset the stomach.
When to Talk to Your Vet
Food choices become more nuanced when a cat has specific health conditions. Urinary crystals, kidney disease, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease all have dietary implications that go beyond standard feeding advice. If your cat has been diagnosed with anything chronic, food is part of the treatment, not just a side consideration.
If you notice changes in appetite, weight, or coat condition, that is worth discussing with a vet rather than simply switching brands. Nutrition plays a bigger role in long-term feline health than most owners realise. Feeding your cat well is one of the simplest ways to extend their lifespan and maintain their quality of life well into old age.
