FAQ: Food for cats

The most common signs are itching, especially around the head and neck, skin lesions, constant licking or digestive problems. The same signs can come from fleas or other illnesses, so the cause must be found by a vet.

In cats allergies are most often caused by proteins, for example from beef, fish, chicken or dairy, not by grains as is often assumed. A true food allergy is diagnosed by a vet, usually with an elimination diet.

It has balanced minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus and controls urine acidity to lower the risk of crystals forming. Preventive food is for healthy cats, while cats that are already ill need a diet prescribed by a vet.

Vets usually prescribe cats with kidney disease a special diet with less phosphorus and adjusted protein. The diet and when to start it should be chosen by the vet based on test results.

A diabetic cat's diet is chosen by the vet: often food with more protein and fewer carbohydrates and a steady feeding schedule matched to the treatment are recommended. Do not change the food on your own, as it can affect the treatment.

Probiotics and prebiotics can help support the gut flora, especially in cats with sensitive digestion. A healthy cat does not need them, and with digestive problems it is best to see a vet first.

It is food made from few ingredients, usually with one protein and one carbohydrate source. It is easier to use with sensitive cats because it is simpler to work out what disagrees with them.

There is food with ingredients that reduce the amount of the main cat allergen on the coat. It may ease symptoms but does not eliminate the allergy, so people with allergies should talk to their doctor.

For recovering cats vets often prescribe easily digestible, calorie-dense wet food, so the cat gets enough energy from a small amount. Always agree the feeding plan after surgery with your vet.

Usually not, because regular food can reduce the diet's effect, for example with urinary or kidney diets. If your cat will not eat the prescribed diet, ask your vet about another diet for the same purpose or a different texture.

Kitten food or all-life-stages food is usually recommended for pregnant and nursing cats, because it has more energy and protein. In the second half of pregnancy the need for food gradually increases.

During nursing a cat's energy needs can double or more, depending on the size of the litter. Such a cat is often given free access to food, along with plenty of fresh water.

If the cat eats complete food made for kittens or all life stages, supplements are usually not needed. Too much calcium or vitamins can do harm, so only give supplements on a vet's advice.

The simplest way is to feed the cats in separate rooms or places and take the bowls away after the meal. There are also feeders that open only when they recognise a particular cat's microchip.

A dominant or faster-eating cat often pushes the other away from the bowl. Separate bowls placed well apart, feeding separately and supervising mealtimes all help.

They can, but then it is hard to track how much each cat eats, and a shyer cat may go hungry. Most cats are calmer when each has its own bowl in its own spot.

Yes, if the food is labelled for all life stages. If the kitten eats kitten food, the adult cat may gain weight from its higher calories, so it is worth keeping the bowls apart.

Put the cat's food up high, for example on a windowsill or cabinet the dog cannot reach, or in a room accessible only through a cat-sized door flap. Cat food is too fatty and calorie-rich for dogs, so eating it regularly can upset their digestion.

Indoor-only cats usually move less, so food with fewer calories and more fibre for hairballs often suits them. The most important thing is still the right portion size for the cat's weight.

Special food is not essential, but long-haired cats swallow more hair, so food with extra fibre and fatty acids for the coat may suit them. Regular brushing is still the most important thing.