FAQ: Food for cats

An adult cat of about 4 kg usually needs roughly 200–300 g of wet food a day, but the exact amount depends on the food's calorie content. Follow the pack's table and adjust to the cat's weight.

Usually yes: a cat that roams and hunts outdoors burns more energy than an indoor cat. Go by the upper end of the pack's table and watch the weight, especially in the cold season.

Cats that spend a lot of time outdoors need more energy in winter to keep warm. Cats living in a warm flat often move less in winter, so they usually do not need extra food.

The manufacturer may have changed the recipe, the food may have gone rancid in the opened bag, or a new bowl location may be bothering the cat. If the cat eats nothing at all for more than a day, it is no longer fussiness but a reason to see a vet.

Warmed wet food, a wide shallow bowl, a quiet spot away from the litter box and regular mealtimes all help. Do not keep offering one new food after another, as the cat learns to hold out for something tastier.

A healthy adult cat should not go without food for more than 24–48 hours. Longer fasting, especially in overweight cats, can cause hepatic lipidosis, so if your cat has not eaten for a day, see a vet.

Yes, moving house, a new animal, visitors or renovation work can reduce a cat's appetite. Offer its favourite food in a quiet place; if the cat does not eat for more than a day, do not wait and see a vet.

Cats form their food habits as kittens, especially if they always get the same flavour and texture. You can introduce new flavours slowly by mixing a small amount into the usual food.

Some cats dislike their whiskers touching the sides of a deep, narrow bowl, so they only eat from the middle. A wide, shallow bowl or saucer often solves the problem.

It is instinctive behaviour: in the wild cats bury prey they have not finished. Usually it means the portion is too large or the cat does not much like the food, so try smaller portions.

That is only a short-term fix, because treats are not complete food and the cat may learn to refuse its normal meals. If your cat refuses to eat, find out why and ask a vet if needed.

Raw feeding has its fans, but the diet must be precisely balanced or the cat will lack calcium, taurine or vitamins. Raw meat can carry bacteria and parasites, so talk to your vet before switching to such a diet.

You can, but it is tricky: home-made food must be balanced to the cat's needs and supplemented with the right vitamins and minerals. Consult a vet or nutrition specialist, as plain boiled chicken and rice is not suitable long term.

Onions, garlic, leeks, chocolate, grapes and raisins, alcohol and caffeine are dangerous for cats. Also avoid cooked bones and very fatty, salty or spicy food; if your cat has eaten something dangerous, call a vet.

A small piece now and then will not hurt, but tuna for people is not complete cat food, and tuna in oil or brine can be too fatty or too salty. Feeding tuna regularly can lead to nutrient imbalances.

Boiled chicken without seasoning, skin or bones is fine as a treat, or for a short time if your vet advises it, for example during a stomach upset. It is not suitable as the only food for long, as it lacks calcium, taurine and other nutrients.

Better not: some raw fish contain an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine), and fish can also contain parasites and bones. Occasional boiled, boneless fish is a safer option.

A cooked egg in small amounts is fine as a source of protein. Do not give raw eggs because of the salmonella risk, and substances in raw egg white also interfere with biotin absorption.

Cats do not need plant foods, but small amounts of cooked carrot, pumpkin or peas will not hurt. Grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are dangerous, so check that anything new is safe before giving it.

Many cats are lactose intolerant, so dairy products can upset their digestion. A very small amount of hard cheese or plain yoghurt does not harm some cats, but it should only be an occasional treat.