What Do Cats Eat? A Complete Guide to Safe and Healthy Feline Nutrition

 

 

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. 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.

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 Confirmed 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. Cooking, drying or processing does not remove the risk. This includes leeks, chives and shallots.^[2]
• Grapes and raisins: Have been linked to kidney injury, with the toxic mechanism better established in dogs than in cats, but the precautionary advice is to keep all forms away. This includes sultanas and currants.^[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]
• Raw bread dough: Yeast can produce ethanol as it ferments, leading to alcohol poisoning.^[2]

Foods Best Avoided as a Precaution

The items in this group warrant caution for different reasons. Some lack strong evidence of classic toxicity in cats, while others carry non-toxic risks such as choking, pancreatitis or ingredient contamination.

• Xylitol: Xylitol is a well-documented hazard for dogs, causing hypoglycaemia and liver injury.^[2] Current veterinary guidance from the ASPCA and the Merck Veterinary Manual states that xylitol does not cause the same classic toxicosis in cats, and a 2018 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics did not find toxic effects in cats at the doses tested.^[6] As a precaution, we'd still suggest keeping xylitol-containing products (sugar-free gum, mints, some baked goods, some peanut butters) out of reach, since products may contain other ingredients unsafe for cats.
• Macadamia nuts: Macadamia nut toxicosis is well-documented in dogs, but Cortinovis and Caloni's 2016 review states it has only been reported in dogs.^[2] Even so, macadamia nuts are not a good food for cats because of their high fat content, choking risk, and the chance they come alongside toxic ingredients (chocolate, salt, flavourings).
• Raw meat and eggs: Carry a risk of salmonella and E. coli. Raw diets are best discussed with your vet before starting.^[5]
• 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, please 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 contributor to obesity, which can be linked to conditions like diabetes and joint problems. Feeding guides on cat food packaging are a reasonable starting point, and portions can be refined based on body condition over time.

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.

Water Intake

Fresh water should always be available. Cats can be reluctant drinkers, and low water intake is associated with urinary problems such as feline lower urinary tract disease. Wet food helps support hydration. Some cats prefer running water and may drink more from a pet fountain.

Treats

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) advises that treats should 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 shouldn't replace a balanced main meal.

Signs Your Cat's Diet May Need Adjustment

The right diet can make a significant difference to a 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 tends to warrant 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.

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, please contact your vet urgently, even if they seem fine.

How Litter Sense Can Help

Diet is one part of the picture, but urinary health is another useful indicator of how a cat is doing day to day. Changes in a cat's urine pH or the presence of blood can sometimes signal urinary issues worth investigating with a vet.

Litter Sense monitors your cat's urine daily and changes colour when it detects an abnormal pH balance or the presence of blood. This may help pet parents flag urinary changes worth speaking to a vet about. Litter Sense doesn't detect glucose or protein, so it won't flag conditions like diabetes or kidney disease directly, but it can be useful alongside regular vet check-ups for monitoring urinary health.

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, tends to be 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. We'd generally suggest sticking with a complete cat food and using 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 tends to be worth encouraging drinking with multiple bowls or a water fountain.

Are grains safe for cats?

Small amounts of grains in commercial cat food tend to be safe for most cats. Some cats may have specific sensitivities. Grain-free isn't automatically healthier, and any diet change tends to be worth discussing with your 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 tends to be the most reliable way to identify a food allergy, and speaking with your vet is usually the recommended first step if you suspect one.

Is xylitol dangerous for cats?

Current veterinary guidance from the ASPCA and Merck Veterinary Manual states that xylitol does not cause the same classic toxicosis in cats that it does in dogs.^[6] That said, keeping xylitol products out of reach is still sensible, as products containing xylitol may also contain other ingredients that aren't safe for cats.

References

1. 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/
2. 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
3. Blue Cross. Plants poisonous to cats. Available at: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/health-and-injuries/plants-poisonous-to-cats
4. 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
5. 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/
6. Jerzsele Á, Karancsi Z, Pászti-Gere E. Effects of p.o. administered xylitol in cats. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2018. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jvp.12479. Supplemented by ASPCA guidance (aspca.org) and Merck Veterinary Manual.