FAQ: Food for cats

Senior food often has more digestible protein, a different calorie level and added joint nutrients and antioxidants. Some have reduced phosphorus, but cats with kidney disease need a diet prescribed by a vet.

You can soften the kibble with warm water or switch to wet food, pâté usually being the easiest to eat. If the cat has suddenly started avoiding hard food, have its teeth checked by a vet.

Smell and taste weaken with age, so food can seem less appealing; warmed wet food helps. But a reduced appetite can also be a sign of illness, so if the cat eats less for more than a day or two or loses weight, see a vet.

Around 7–10 years many cats move less and gain weight more easily. Very old cats, on the other hand, often lose weight and may need more calorie-dense, easily digestible food; check the weight regularly.

It usually does no harm if it is complete, but it is designed for different needs. If you have several cats of different ages, it is often simpler to choose an all-life-stages food or feed the cats separately.

Older cats are more prone to kidney and urinary problems, so fluid is especially important for them. Wet food with a little added water helps, as do several water bowls in different places.

Glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids are often added to support joint health, but the amounts in food are small. If the cat limps or no longer jumps onto higher places, that is a reason to see a vet, not just to change food.

After neutering a cat's energy needs drop while its appetite often rises, so it gains weight more easily. Food for neutered cats usually has fewer calories and less fat, more fibre and takes urinary health into account.

Not necessarily. The main thing is that the cat keeps a healthy weight: regular complete food is fine as long as portions are measured carefully. The special food simply makes calorie control easier.

Most owners switch once the cat has recovered from surgery, gradually mixing the new food with the old. If the cat is still growing, choose food for neutered kittens or ask your vet.

It does no harm, but it may not provide enough energy for an active young or unneutered cat. If the cat is losing weight or always hungry, regular adult cat food is a better choice.

Neutered, inactive and overweight male cats are in a higher-risk group. Plenty of fluid, a healthy weight and food with balanced minerals help; if a male cat keeps squatting in the litter box but passes little or no urine, it is a veterinary emergency.

In a cat of healthy weight you can easily feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat, and a waist is visible from above. If you cannot feel the ribs, the sides are rounded and there is no waist, the cat is most likely overweight.

Weight should come off slowly, because sudden fasting is dangerous for cats and can damage the liver. It is best to set a target weight and daily calorie amount with your vet and weigh portions precisely.

Light food has fewer calories and less fat but more fibre, so the cat eats a similar amount yet gets less energy. But if portions are not controlled and lots of treats are given, even this food will not help.

Measuring with a scoop or by eye easily gets it wrong by 20% or more, which for a small cat is a significant calorie surplus. Kitchen scales help you stick to the daily amount stated on the pack.

No. If a cat eats nothing for more than a day or two it can develop a dangerous liver disease, hepatic lipidosis, especially if it is overweight. Weight loss must be gradual and supervised by a vet.

Yes. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories. If the cat gets lots of treats, the main food portion must be reduced accordingly.

Slow-feeder bowls with ridges, food puzzles or kibble scattered on a flat tray all help. You can also split the daily amount into more, smaller meals.

The most common reason is eating too fast and swallowing a lot of food and air. Smaller portions and a slow-feeder bowl help, but if vomiting happens often, the cat loses weight or seems lethargic, it needs a vet check.