Cat Poop Smell: What Your Cat's Poo Can Tell You About Their Health
Cats can be selective eaters, and their nutritional needs are quite different from ours. You may notice specific food preferences, or that your cat rejects certain foods altogether. This can lead to some conflict at mealtimes, but understanding what your cat is meant to eat is one of the most important parts of raising a healthy cat.
In this guide, we cover the essentials of what cats eat, which foods and plants tend to be dangerous, and how pet parents can support a healthy diet. All key claims are supported by peer-reviewed veterinary sources listed at the end of the article.
Understanding a Cat's Diet
Cats are obligate carnivores. This means their bodies are adapted to process meat, and they rely on nutrients that are found naturally in animal tissue. Unlike dogs, cats can't meet their needs on a vegetarian or vegan diet without careful supplementation, and even then, welfare organisations tend to advise against it.
Cats need specific nutrients that they cannot make in sufficient amounts themselves, including taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin A, and certain B vitamins.[1] These are found in animal-derived ingredients, which is why a complete cat food formulated to industry nutritional guidelines matters far more than an "all meat" claim on the label.
Essential Nutrients Cats Need
The European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) publishes the industry-recognised nutritional guidelines for cat food across Europe.[1] The nutrients considered essential for cats include:
- Taurine: A vitamin-like amino acid essential for heart, eye and reproductive health in cats.
- Arachidonic acid: A fatty acid cats cannot synthesise from plant sources.
- Vitamin A: Cats cannot convert plant-based beta-carotene into vitamin A the way we can.
- B vitamins: Including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and B12, needed for energy metabolism.
- Protein: Cats need almost twice as much protein as dogs.[1]
A commercially prepared complete cat food, whether wet or dry, is formulated to meet these needs. For guidance on portion sizes, see our detailed guide on how many cups of food to feed your cat.
Foods and Ingredients Cats Should Avoid
A number of everyday foods can be genuinely dangerous for cats. The list below is drawn from a 2016 peer-reviewed review of household food items toxic to dogs and cats published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science,[2] alongside advice from UK veterinary organisations.
Foods That Can Be Toxic to Cats
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats. Dark chocolate carries higher risk than milk chocolate.[2]
- Onions and garlic (including powders): All members of the allium family can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. This includes leeks, chives and shallots.[2]
- Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney injury in cats and dogs. Sultanas and currants carry the same risk.[2]
- Alcohol: Toxic to the liver and brain, even in small amounts.[2]
- Caffeine: Found in tea, coffee and energy drinks. Can cause restlessness, rapid heart rate and tremors.[5]
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in some chewing gums, sweets and baked goods. Toxic to pets.[2]
- Raw meat and eggs: Carry a risk of salmonella and E. coli. Raw diets are best discussed with a vet before starting.[5]
- Macadamia nuts: Reported to cause toxicity in dogs and cats.[2]
- Raw bread dough: Yeast can produce ethanol as it ferments, leading to alcohol poisoning.[2]
Foods Not Necessarily Toxic, But Best Avoided
- Milk and dairy: Many adult cats are lactose intolerant, so milk and cheese may cause vomiting or diarrhoea.[5]
- Cooked bones: Can splinter and cause internal damage or blockages.
- Dog food: Lacks essential nutrients cats need, including taurine.[1]
- Fatty foods and table scraps: Can contribute to digestive upset and pancreatitis.
- Tuna as a staple: Occasional tuna is generally fine, but frequent tuna feeding may lead to nutritional imbalance and mercury exposure.
Plants and Household Items to Keep Away From Cats
Several common household plants can be seriously harmful to cats. Blue Cross UK maintains a comprehensive list, and highlights lilies as particularly dangerous.[3]
- Lilies (all true lilies and day lilies): All parts of the plant, including pollen, are highly toxic and can cause kidney failure. Even a small exposure warrants immediate veterinary attention.[3]
- Tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs
- Azaleas and rhododendrons
- Sago palms
- Poinsettias
- Aloe vera
If you suspect your cat has eaten a poisonous plant or food, contact your vet or an emergency vet straight away, even if your cat seems well.
Feeding Guidelines
Cats can thrive on a mix of wet and dry food, though the right balance depends on the individual cat. Here are some general principles.
Portion Control
The amount of food a cat needs depends on age, weight, activity level, whether they are neutered, and any medical conditions. Overfeeding is a common cause of obesity, which can contribute to conditions like diabetes and joint problems. Feeding guides on cat food packaging are a good starting point, and you can refine portions based on body condition. For a step-by-step approach to calculating portions, see our complete feeding guide.
Feeding Schedule
Most adult cats do well on two or three meals a day. Kittens have smaller stomachs and higher energy needs, so they typically need more frequent feeds. Our guide on how often kittens eat covers this in more detail.
Water Intake
Fresh water should always be available. Cats can be reluctant drinkers, and low water intake is associated with urinary problems such as struvite crystals and feline lower urinary tract disease. Wet food helps support hydration. Some cats prefer running water and may drink more from a pet fountain.
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Treats
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommends that treats make up no more than 10% of a cat's daily calorie intake.[4] For an average 4kg adult cat, that works out to roughly 20 to 25 calories a day from treats. Treats should never replace a balanced main meal.
Signs Your Cat's Diet May Need Adjustment
The right diet can make a significant difference to your cat's health. Here are some signs the current diet may need reviewing.
Weight Changes
Unexplained weight loss or gain may indicate a nutritional or medical issue. Weight loss with a normal or increased appetite can be a sign of conditions like hyperthyroidism and warrants a vet check.
Coat and Skin Issues
A dull coat, excessive shedding, dandruff or itchy skin can sometimes point to nutritional deficiency, food intolerance or allergy.
Digestive Issues
Frequent vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation may indicate a food intolerance or an underlying health condition.
Behavioural Changes
Lethargy, irritability or a sudden lack of appetite can be linked to diet or a medical issue. Our guide on why cats won't eat explores this in more detail.
When to Consult a Vet
If you notice any of the following, we'd suggest booking a vet appointment sooner rather than later:
- Sudden or ongoing changes in appetite, weight, or eating habits
- Digestive symptoms that persist for more than 24 hours
- Signs of nutritional deficiency such as a poor coat, low energy or muscle loss
- Any concerns about food allergies or intolerances
If your cat has eaten anything from the toxic foods or plants lists above, contact your vet urgently, even if they seem fine.
How Litter Sense Can Support Your Cat's Wellbeing
Diet is one part of the picture, but urinary health is another important indicator of how well your cat is doing. Reduced water intake, dietary imbalance and underlying medical conditions can all show up in changes to your cat's urine before other symptoms appear.
Litter Sense monitors your cat's urine daily and changes colour if it detects an abnormal pH balance or the presence of blood. This can give you an early sign to book a vet appointment, before minor issues have a chance to develop into something more serious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best diet for a cat?
A commercially prepared complete cat food, formulated to meet FEDIAF or AAFCO nutritional guidelines, is generally the safest and most reliable way to meet a cat's nutritional needs.[1] A mix of wet and dry food often works well, and the ideal balance depends on the individual cat.
Can cats eat human food?
Some human foods are safe in small amounts, such as plain cooked chicken or turkey without seasoning. Many are not safe, including anything from the toxic foods list above. It's generally better to stick with a complete cat food and use commercial cat treats where possible.
How much water should a cat drink?
Cats need constant access to fresh water. As a general guide, a cat needs around 50 to 60ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day, though wet food contributes to this. Reduced water intake can be linked to urinary problems, so it's worth encouraging drinking with multiple bowls or a water fountain.
Are grains safe for cats?
Small amounts of grains in commercial cat food are generally safe for most cats. Some cats may have specific sensitivities. Grain-free is not automatically healthier, and any diet change is best discussed with a vet.
How do I know if my cat has a food allergy?
Signs can include itchy skin, digestive upset, ear infections or overgrooming. A vet-supervised elimination diet is the most reliable way to identify a food allergy, and speaking to your vet is the recommended first step if you suspect one.
References
- European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). Nutritional Guidelines For Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. Available at: https://europeanpetfood.org/pet-food-facts/nutritional-requirements/
- Cortinovis C, Caloni F. Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2016;3:26. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2016.00026/full
- Blue Cross. Plants poisonous to cats. Available at: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/health-and-injuries/plants-poisonous-to-cats
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Committee. Feeding treats to your cat. Available at: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Feeding-treats-to-your-cat-v2.pdf
- Vets Now. What can cats not eat? 8 toxic human foods to avoid. Available at: https://www.vets-now.com/2023/12/foods-poisonous-to-cats/
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