FAQ: Food for cats

Ash is the amount of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, left after a sample is burned in a laboratory. It is not an additive, just an analytical figure; dry food usually contains a few percent.

Plant proteins such as pea protein or corn gluten are not harmful, but they are less valuable to cats than animal proteins. If plant protein sources are among the first ingredients, a good share of the protein may not come from meat.

Additives permitted in the EU are used in regulated amounts and are considered safe. Still, the colour of food does not matter to a cat, so many manufacturers leave colourings out; if your cat is sensitive, choose food with a simpler recipe.

Single-protein food uses one animal protein source, for example only duck. It is handy when trying to find out whether a particular meat disagrees with a cat, but a real food intolerance is diagnosed by a vet.

Complete fish-flavoured food can be part of the daily diet. However, cats fed only fish sometimes become fussy, so many owners alternate fish with poultry or other meat.

These fatty acids matter for skin, coat and overall health. They come from fish oil, linseed and other oils, and the amount on the pack helps you compare different foods.

Yes, because over time fats oxidise and vitamins decline even in an unopened pack. When buying a large pack, check that the expiry date covers the whole time it will take you to use it up.

Kitten food is usually given until about 12 months. Large breeds such as Maine Coons grow for longer, so kitten food is sometimes recommended up to 15–18 months; follow the pack and your vet's advice.

Kitten food has more protein, fat, calories and certain minerals needed for growth. The kibble is usually smaller so that small teeth can chew it more easily.

Young kittens need small portions often, usually 3–4 times a day. As the kitten grows the number of meals is reduced, and by about a year old most cats are fed twice a day.

Kittens usually start tasting solid food at about 4 weeks and are fully weaned off their mother's milk at about 8 weeks. To begin with, kitten pâté or kibble softened with warm water works well.

It is not a good idea, because adult food may lack the energy and nutrients needed for growth. Choose food labelled for kittens or for all life stages.

It is not recommended: many cats are lactose intolerant, so cow's milk can cause diarrhoea. If an orphaned kitten still needs milk, a special kitten milk replacer is used.

For the first weeks it is best to give the same food it ate at the shelter or breeder, since the move is stressful enough. A new food can be introduced later by gradually mixing it with the old one.

Yes, if it is made for kittens and is complete. Many owners combine dry and wet food so the kitten gets used to different textures and takes in more fluid.

Usually not: complete kitten food is already balanced, and extra vitamins or minerals can upset that balance. Only give supplements when your vet recommends them.

Kittens grow fast and need a lot of energy, so they are fed more generously than adult cats. Still, follow the feeding table on the pack by weight and age, and check that the kitten grows steadily without getting fat.

After neutering a kitten's energy needs drop while its appetite often rises. There is food made for neutered kittens; if you stay with regular kitten food, watch the weight and reduce portions if needed.

Up to about 6 months cats accept new flavours and textures most easily. Offer kibble, pâté and chunks in gravy so the adult cat is less fussy and will more readily accept a special diet if one is ever needed.

Senior food is usually offered for cats from 7–11 years, depending on the manufacturer. The cat's condition matters more than the number: if it is healthy and at a good weight, there is no rush to change food.