*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: How to Choose a Suitable Cat Carrier Turning Carriers into a Safe Place Cat Calming Products Travelling to the Vet Clinic Taking Multiple Cats for a Vet Visit Summary For the majority of parents, this could be more accurately titled: Vet Visits from HELL. The worst thing you can do is scoop up your unsuspecting cat and shove it into a carrier, as much as we want to get it over with as quickly as possible. The same would apply to any pet: I had a bunny that would scarper whenever he saw the basket of doom. If you're not familiar with this site then get reading, because here's where you want to use a cat's territorial nature to your advantage. How to Choose a Suitable Cat Carrier The carrier should be a safe haven, not a prison. How would you like to be plucked out of your comfy home and carted off to some unknown destination in a plastic box? Wouldn't you feel slightly more comfortable if that box (or vehicle) belonged to you? Preparing cats for a vet visit starts not hours, but days before stepping into a clinic. If you're lucky enough to have cats from a young age, ideally kittens, this is a good time to normalise vet trips - which you should be doing with check-ups, vaccinations, microchipping and/or having them desexed. Taking cats on short car journeys may also help them get used to travelling. If your kitty associates its carrier with fear, that trauma is going to come flooding back every time he or she sees it. Any kind of enclosure is going to freak a cat out because it prevents escape, which is their first response to danger. Not to mention all of the new smells that a clinic has to offer, including the scents of other animals. To ease this process, selecting the right type of carrier is a good place to start. Removable tops or lids are ideal so you can lift your cat into and out of the carrier, rather than trying to force it through a front entrance. It also allows the vet to carry out their examination from the carrier with minimal handling. Sometimes cats don't appreciate being touched by their owners, let alone a stranger. Have you ever petted your kitty, only for it to start grooming the area that you put your hands on? As for the size of the carrier, it should have enough room for cats to stand up or lie down and adjust their position; but not so big that they fall around while travelling. Cats Protection recommend using a carrier that's a few centimetres longer, wider and taller than your cat - so if you have kittens then it'll need upsizing as they grow. Carriers should also have ventilation slots on each side. Visit It's not unusual to see people travelling with cats in soft carriers or even backpacks, as is the current social media trend, which ultimately depends on the temperament of your cat. Remember they're capable of ripping and biting through fabric if they're stressed or frightened enough, and it doesn't offer as much protection as a plastic or metal wire carrier. They're also harder to clean if kitty has an accident! Amazon Basics Hard-Sided Cat Carrier is a 2-door model with a front and top opening for loading pets. It has ventilation on all sides and easy-open latches. Turning Carriers into a Safe Place Now you've chosen the perfect carrier, it must be transformed into that all-important safe space. Start by leaving it in a room that your cat frequents for a few days, up to a week, prior to the vet visit. This gives them a chance to claim it as part of their territory by marking it with their scent, reminding them that it's safe and familiar. Related post: What Are Cat Pheromones and How Do They Work? Place a blanket or towel inside for the cat to lie on, or use bedding that's already covered in its scent. If you have cat trees and shelves, you can wipe over the area with a cloth and use that as a familiar object. You could even use an old T-shirt because, of course, they'll recognise your scent too! Toys and treats will create positive associations and help to entice a reluctant kitty. Cat Calming Products For the big day, you might want to use a spritz of the various calming sprays that are available on the market. Pheromone-based sprays like Feliway or Pet Remedy's essential oil blends come highly recommended, all of which can be sprayed inside or over the carrier prior to the journey. Plug-in diffuser versions of these products are available, although effects aren't always immediate and may require several weeks to work. Herbal calming treats, supplements and spot-ons are also good options. Whatever you decide and whatever works best for your cat, there are plenty of products and brands to choose from. Always consult a vet before giving cats supplements. Related post: Beaphar Cat Calming Products: Diffuser, Spray, Spot-On, Collar and Tablets Travelling to the Vet Clinic Try to schedule your visit outside of rush hours to avoid getting stuck in traffic and minimising the time your cat has to spend in its carrier. Most clinics tend to be quieter in the morning, then you have the rest of the day to help cats settle down. You might want to choose a day when you don't have any other activities planned, such as visitors coming over. To reduce movement when travelling, hold the carrier level so your cat isn't sliding around and use a seatbelt to secure it while driving. Where a cat is crying, panting or generally stressed out, you can cover the carrier with a towel or blanket. Limiting visual stimulation may give them a chance to calm down and focus on themselves. Cats also appreciate height advantage, so if there's a table in the clinic's waiting area then do make use of it. Remember too that a frightened kitty may pee on its bedding, so take a spare towel just in case. Taking Multiple Cats for a Vet Visit If you have multiple cats that require a health check-up, it's advisable to take them together so they both smell the same upon their return. We don't want any unnecessary cases of non-recognition aggression, especially where fighting is already present. Each cat should have its own separate carrier. As touched on earlier, calming spot-ons should be used with caution in multi-cat homes. This is because they're applied topically and may change the smell of cats, thus escalating the situation. If it isn't possible to take cats to the clinic together or you're worried about them stressing each other out, keep them separated for 12-24 hours after the visit. This way, the remaining cat isn't being subjected to any foreign smells. Related post: How to Reintroduce Cats After a Fight in 6 Steps Lastly, cats take emotional cues from humans, so staying cool and collected is as beneficial for them as it is for you! Summary To make it even easier, use this brief rundown as a handy reminder for your next vet visit: Invest in a suitable carrier. Add familiar bedding, blankets or towels. Use calming sprays. Offer treats to reward or entice. Secure the carrier with a seatbelt and minimise movement. Take multiple cats for check-ups together or separate for 12 hours minimum. Stay calm - you've got this! Mentioned Products Have you been struggling with your own vet visits from hell? Let us know if this article helped in the comments.

Welcome to your dedicated savings page! As an affiliate for some great pet care brands, I'm fortunate to get an early look at upcoming sales, discounts, offers and exclusive deals. I created this space as a quick and easy way to share this information, as I'm not a fan of spammy promotional emails - but I do love saving money! Below you'll find discounts, coupon codes and more from large and small brands like zooplus, Aosom, Petlibro, KatKin and others. Remember to check back regularly so you don't miss out on updates, and you can subscribe for new post alerts. You can also check out my eBay storefront for product recommendations and popular picks. I may receive a small affiliate commission on purchases made through these links, at no cost to you. Featured Promotions Aosom Bella + Duke Edgard & Cooper KatKin Omlet Petlibro Temu zooplus *I am not responsible for any invalid codes or offers. Aosom Save on pet furniture! No featured deals - check back soon. Bella + Duke Save on raw cat and dog food! New Customer Offer Introductory offer for new cat customers. 40% off your first box of raw cat food. Plus 30% off your second and 20% off your third. Click to visit site → Edgard & Cooper Save on premium cat and dog food! Exclusive Code Get 20% off your first order over £20 with code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 Click to visit site → KatKin Save on fresh cat food! Trial Box Get 20% off your 14-day trial box. Limited promotion. Click to view offer → Scoop Litter Try scoop litter with 50% off. Limited promotion. Click to view products → Omlet Save on catios, cat trees, scratch posts, beds and other pet essentials! No featured deals - check back soon. Petlibro Save on smart pet care, fountains and automatic feeders! Exclusive Codes Get 18% off all standalone products with code: PLAFF18 Valid until 31st December 2026. Click to view products → Get 20% off all product bundles with code: PLAFF20 Valid until 31st December 2026. Click to view bundles → Temu Save on cat toys, bedding, scratchers and other pet supplies! New User Offer Get 30% off orders over £39 with code: UKNEW30 *Capped at £25 Click to activate offer → 100 Coupon Bundle Bundle of 100 coupons. Valid until 23:59 of the next day. Click to activate coupons → Zooplus Save on pet supplies! Clearance Sale Various reductions on cat products. Limited time only. Click to view products → Cat Product Reductions Various reductions on cat products. Limited time only. Click to view products → Cat Food Reductions Various reductions on cat food. Limited time only. Click to view products → Want to keep up to date with special offers? You can now follow me on Ko-fi and become a member for exclusive perks. *Disclaimer: I am not being paid to promote any of the products or brands mentioned on this page. However, I may receive a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no cost to you. This helps with the upkeep of my blog (and the occasional treat for my fur children) for which we're truly grateful!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. All photos are my own and previously unpublished. I am not being paid to promote any of the products mentioned in this article. Best Plug-In Diffusers: Feliway Optimum Diffuser & 30 Day Refill Comfort Zone Single & Multi-Cat Calming Kit Feliway Friends Diffuser & 30 Day Refill TeddyDo Cat Calming Diffuser Starter Kit Beaphar CatComfort Excellence Calming Diffuser Other Cat Calming Plug-Ins Overview Go to review ⇨ Feliway Optimum Diffuser & 30 Day Refill Go to review ⇨ Comfort Zone Single & Multi-Cat Calming Kit Go to review ⇨ Feliway Friends Diffuser & 30 Day Refill Go to review ⇨ TeddyDo Cat Calming Diffuser Starter Kit Go to review ⇨ Beaphar CatComfort Excellence Calming Diffuser Pheromone diffusers contain synthetic pheromones that mimic the chemicals that cats naturally release from various glands around their bodies, in particular the feline facial pheromones (FFP). Diffusers are plugged into a wall socket and slowly emit the vapour in a similar fashion to scent marking, where cats rub their faces on objects to make themselves feel safe, secure and familiar within their environment. Pheromone diffusers are drug-free, odourless and undetectable to other animals and humans. Cats are prone to stress due to many factors, namely their environment. The domestic setting is a world apart from their natural habitat, and cats have specific requirements as far as their territory and resources go. Feline behaviour and psychology are complex subjects, but a combination of science, research and technology has at last provided us with a safe and natural method of alleviating some of the problems cats face. Even so, there's still a lot we don't know about the mysterious minds of our feline companions. Visit Diffusers are commonly used to reduce anxiety-related behaviours such as spraying or urinating outside the litterbox, overgrooming, scratching and hiding. Situations you might want to use a diffuser include: Moving house. Changes such as a new pet, baby or home renovations. Fireworks and other stressful events. Fighting between household cats. Travelling or vet visits. Check out this post for a more in-depth look at these cat calming gadgets: Cat Pheromone Diffusers: What Are They and Do They Actually Work? Having tried some of the most popular diffusers to tackle aggression between my boys - and spending a lot of time and money (so you don't have to!) - I thought I'd share my experiences to help make your decision a little bit easier. Related post: 3 Reasons Why Your Bonded Cats Are Fighting I know all too well what it's like living with stressed out kitties that take their frustrations out on each other; a lot of the time, it's hard to pinpoint exactly what those stressors are. Pheromone diffusers aren't a miracle cure and won't eliminate the root cause of any particular behaviour. It's recommended to use them in conjunction with other necessary changes or advice from a behaviourist. Whether you're completely new to diffusers or looking for more information, this article covers five well-known brands that have been tried and tested by myself (and my two boys, Drax and Simba). Including comparisons, advantages and disadvantages; and benefits according to the type of behaviour your cat is exhibiting. Feliway Optimum Diffuser & 30 Day Refill *PREMIUM CHOICE Feliway Optimum contains a brand new pheromone complex for enhanced serenity and is designed to address a wider range of behavioural issues than its predecessor (Feliway Classic). The exact type of pheromones used remains a mystery, but studies show that 93% of users noticed significant reductions in scratching, urine spraying, conflict, fear and hiding. Effects can be seen as early as 1 week, but it's recommended to allow up to a month for best results. Diffusers cover 70m² and a single vial is supposed to last for up to 30 days, but as with all diffusers tested, the reality is just short of that. Feliway is known as the number one cat behavioural product, backed by over 25 years of science and research into pet welfare. It's clinically proven and recommended by vets worldwide, with thousands of positive reviews and a higher price tag than other brands tested. Given all of the above, I had high hopes that Feliway Optimum would help to reduce conflict between my boys. I never expected it to be a solution as the underlying cause of aggression must be addressed, along with any learned or associated behaviours. The most effect it seemed to have was on Simba who's a nervy cat in general, so it might be more suited to anxiety-related issues. Generally, the product is highly rated for settling tension between cats where other signs of anxiety are present; and territorial behaviour when introducing cats for the first time. It's also said to help with scratching, crying and hiding. In rare cases, it's been suggested that using Feliway made cats worse - which is something I did experience with Drax in terms of his aggression towards Simba. I can't definitively blame it on the diffuser, but I can't rule it out either! Feliway is all about promoting calm behaviour. Sadly one cat responded better than the other, but it could be due to aggression having been triggered by external circumstances. My sibling cats had been bonded for many years before problems arose, which you can read about here for more background. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 9,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Clinically proven. ✕ Potential for negative effects. ✓ Effective from 1 week. ✕ Expensive. ✓ Targets a range of behavioural issues. ✓ Covers 70m² Comfort Zone Single & Multi-Cat Calming Kit *BEST VALUE Comfort Zone contains an analogue of feline pheromones and is similar to Feliway in terms of usage and targeted behaviours associated with stress and anxiety. It's proven to be 95% effective at reducing urine marking and is suitable for both single and multi-cat households where conflict is present. The diffuser contains 5% pheromones, which is higher than Feliway's 2%. Overall, I found it more effective in restoring some level of harmony between my boys. It didn't stop the fighting without other changes, but Simba was much less skittish and hissy - you can definitely tell when the vial is empty! I can't say if it's down to that extra 3% pheromones or differences in the formula itself but, even so, there are other things to like about Comfort Zone. It has a simple, stylish design and was the only diffuser that didn't leave an oily residue that attracts dust to the vents. It also has an automatic safety shut-off in case of overheating. Most owners see results within 2 weeks and it covers 60m², which is slightly less than competitors. The biggest downfall, however, is that it only lasted 3 weeks instead of the 30 days as stated, but this was during the summer months. Having been a long-term user of Comfort Zone and other brands, they generally last longer in lower temperatures and humidity levels because the oils evaporate slower. Taking all of this into account, you'll likely need more than one diffuser for best results. While Comfort Zone doesn't come with the backing that Feliway has, it's almost half the price and refills offer even more value for money - although they're not always available. Continually repurchasing the plug-in can become an inconvenient expense. Nevertheless, I highly recommend it as a cheaper (and in my case, more effective) alternative to Feliway for aggression where anxiety isn't the main cause. Redirected aggression, fear, pain and trauma are just a few reasons why cats might turn on each other. Comfort Zone was the only diffuser that had a positive effect on the (uncharacteristic) aggression that Drax had been displaying towards his brother. Customers also report improvements when settling cats in new environments; introducing other cats and reducing cat-to-human aggression. It's largely effective on scratching and urine marking. Needless to say, it's my go-to brand and I'm still using it with success to this day! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 600+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Suitable for single and multi-cat households. ✕ Only lasts 3-4 weeks. ✓ Contains 5% pheromones. ✕ Covers 60m². ✓ Value for money. ✓ Auto safety shut-off. Feliway Friends Diffuser & 30 Day Refill *MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLDS Feliway Friends (Multicat in the USA) is slightly different to other diffusers mentioned as it contains a synthetic version of feline appeasing pheromones (CAP) which a mother releases to her kittens. Similar to FFP, these are used to make kittens feel safe and protected; as well as aiding bonding and harmonious interactions between littermates. The Feliway Friends diffuser is recommended for multi-cat households to minimise tension and conflict by targeting behaviours such as blocking, chasing and fighting. I was initially excited to find a diffuser that suited my cats' specific needs but, unfortunately, the effects were minimal. I don't blame the diffuser itself as there were external factors. Feedback is mixed, with some customers claiming it solved conflict issues and others stating that it made no difference. Many use Feliway Friends when introducing new kittens to existing cats without success, but this could be due to not going through the proper introduction process rather than a problem with the diffuser. Bringing a young, energetic kitten into the home can be extremely off-putting for other residents, particularly if you have a cat that's used to living alone. So too, pheromones are no substitute for play, which is essential for burning off excess energy - another common cause of conflict. Hyperactivity is part of being a kitten, and if you suspect there's a problem then you should consult a vet for advice. That being said, there are other situations in which Feliway Friends might be beneficial. The most positive results seem to be with nervous cats; cats that generally annoy each other and where conflict is triggered by changes, such as moving house or additional pets (not necessarily kittens). As this product isn't typically used for other signs of stress, there's limited information on its effectiveness. Feliway Friends comes in a little cheaper than Optimum and was the first product that was scientifically proven to reduce conflict and tension between cats living in the same household. You can read a more detailed comparison of Feliway diffusers here: Feliway Reviews: Classic, Optimum and Friends Diffuser Comparison ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 8,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Clinically proven. ✕ Not effective on all stress-related behaviours. ✓ Suitable for multi-cat households. ✕ Less highly rated than Feliway Optimum. ✓ Reduces conflict and fighting. ✕ Expensive. ✓ Covers 70m² TeddyDo Cat Calming Diffuser Starter Kit TeddyDo mimics the feline facial pheromone (FFP) to help reduce all typical signs of stress and create a calming environment for cats. The actual percentage of pheromones isn't specified on the product packaging, nor does it mention being suitable for multi-cat households to tackle conflict and fighting. I bought TeddyDo as a comparison because I wanted to see if Feliway really is worth all the hype. It did seem to help with Simba's anxiety, although not as successfully as Comfort Zone. However, I didn't give it longer than a month due to the smell of melting plastic. There were no faults with the diffuser and it wasn't overheating, it just had a synthetic smell that I hadn't experienced with other plug-ins. I'd seen this issue raised in a few other reviews so didn't purchase another once the trial run was over. It could have been a simple defect so I wouldn't rule it out based on the smell alone. The diffuser has a built-in light so you know it's working properly, which is a nice touch - although some might not appreciate the quirky design. Once lit up, it looks even more like something from outer space. The vial claims to last 35 days but it was more like 4 weeks, and it covers a slightly above average 72m². I can't speak for behaviours that are purely stress-related because they weren't the issues I was having, although many owners report improvements with urine spraying, scratching, crying, hiding and nervousness. Happier cats are more likely to get along than unhappy cats. If you can get past the smell and want to try a budget diffuser, TeddyDo is a worthy competitor. *This product has since been updated to a 60-Day Starter Kit with two diffusers and two refills. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 1,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Lasts up to 35 days (*now 60 days). ✕ Doesn't target tension or conflict. ✓ Covers 72m² ✕ Unpleasant smell. ✓ Safety light. ✓ Inexpensive. Beaphar CatComfort Excellence Calming Diffuser CatComfort Excellence is the new and improved offering from Beaphar, replacing the original CatComfort Diffuser. It combines 2% feline facial pheromone to reduce stress-related behaviours, and 2% feline appeasing pheromone (CAP) to aid bonding in multi-cat homes. While CatComfort is FFP only, Excellence is designed to create an overall sense of calm with its 2-in-1 pheromone technology. You could say that this dual formula combines the best of Feliway Classic and Feliway Friends, at a more affordable price. It's recommended for new situations, environments and introducing new pets. Since the Comfort Zone refills have limited availability compared to when I originally wrote this article, I needed something equally as effective without breaking the bank. My cats have greatly improved since I tested the other diffusers, so it may not be a fair comparison in terms of aggression. However, they haven't got any worse since switching to CatComfort Excellence - if anything, they've shown further improvement. The plug is compatible with the standard CatComfort refills, so if you find one to be ineffective then you can alternate without having to buy a new plug-in. The smart design doesn't attract dust like some other brands. Many customers agree that diffusers offer value for money and are effective in a range of situations. It's shown positive results for general anxiety, separation anxiety and multi-cat conflict; as well as reducing destructive behaviours like clawing furniture and spraying. I've found that diffusers last around 28 days but, in some cases, one vial has been reported to last as little as 2 weeks. Another benefit of these diffusers is that they can be used alongside other Beaphar calming products for increased happiness and harmony. Learn more in this dedicated post: Beaphar Cat Calming Products: Diffuser, Spray, Spot-On, Collar and Tablets ⭐⭐⭐ 3 / 5 Based on 200+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Contains 2 types of pheromones. ✕ Only lasts 2-4 weeks. ✓ Suitable for single and multi-cat households. ✕ Refills not much cheaper than diffusers. ✓ Reduces conflict and fighting. ✓ Covers 70m². Other Cat Calming Plug-Ins Aside from those reviewed, there are numerous diffusers available on the market across many different brands. Here are a few others you might be interest in. Feliway Classic 30 Day Diffuser & Refill Feliway Classic is the original Feliway diffuser and mimics FFP to create a sense of comfort, familiarity and safety. While Optimum targets a wider range of behavioural issues, Classic is recommended to help reduce hiding, urine spraying, scratching and overgrooming. Feliway states that owners reported a reduction in urine marking in 9 out of 10 cats after four weeks. According to the 38,000+ reviews on Amazon, Feliway Classic does what it says on the box and has earned an impressive rating. Some customers claim it didn't work or made their cats worse. At a slightly lower price than Optimum, it's definitely worth trying as an alternative option. Pheromone: 2% FFP Coverage: 70m² Usage: 30 days ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 38,000+ Amazon reviews. Itch Chill Out Calming Pheromone Plug-In Diffuser Chill Out does what it says on the box by targeting stress, anxiety and associated behaviours; as well as supporting multi-cat harmony. It's a little pricier than other budget options but is recommended for nervous cats, fireworks and other stress-inducing events. Effects can be seen in just 2-3 days, with studies showing that 9 out of 10 owners saw a positive change in their cat's behaviour after a 3 month period. Pheromone: 5% (unspecified) Usage: 30 days ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 70+ Amazon reviews. TopSum Cat Calming Plug-In Diffuser The TopSum diffuser pack comes with two plug-ins and two refills to cover multiple areas of the home, which is great value for money - especially if you have several cats. Similar to Beaphar CatComfort Excellence, it mimics both FFP and CAP to promote a sense of security and create a calming environment. This is recommended for multi-cat conflict; fears such as loud noises; new environments; urine spraying and scratching. It may be less well known than other brands but is fast becoming a popular choice, with owners reporting success in calming nervous or skittish cats and introducing new pets. With two diffusers included, you're getting more for your money - assuming they're compatible with your furry friends! Most owners see results within 2 weeks, but some people found the diffuser to be ineffective. Pheromone: 5% FFP/CAP Coverage: 70m² Usage: 30 days (per diffuser) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 200+ Amazon reviews. Pet Remedy Calming Plug-In Diffuser Pet Remedy isn't technically a pheromone diffuser but worth mentioning as a natural or holistic alternative. It contains a blend of valerian, vetiver, basil and clary sage essential oils to tackle stress and anxiety. This works with pets' natural calming systems to make them less reactive to stressful situations, and the effects start to help within a few minutes. Pet Remedy helps to create a calm environment and settle fired-up nerves, which may lead to improvements in other behaviours like scratching and urine spraying. It's also recommended for new environments, travelling, separation anxiety and fear (such as fireworks). Some people complain about the herbal aroma, but that's to be expected with essential oils. One vial is supposed to last 2 months, which is great value for money. You can use the diffuser in combination with other Pet Remedy products. Ingredients: Valerian and essential oils Coverage: 60m² Usage: 60 days ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 7,000+ Amazon reviews. Summary As I always say when recommending or reviewing diffusers, make sure you give products a chance to work before moving onto the next one. Most claim that effects can be seen as early as 1-2 weeks, but this isn't a set timeframe and all cats will respond differently. Allow at least a month for best results and continue to use even if you see improvements in your cat's behaviour. Diffusers can be used for short-term or long-term issues and should be started at least two weeks prior to stressful events, such as moving house. As well as diffusers, you can get pheromone-based sprays to use on things like bedding, cat trees and carriers before a vet visit. Other options include calming sprays, wipes, collars, supplements and herbal treats. Related post: Calming Supplement Reviews: ZylKene and YuMOVE Calming Care for Cats (Tried and Tested) Information accurate from April 2026 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating. Have you tried any of the diffusers mentioned or did these reviews help you to make a decision? Share your experiences and feedback in the comments to help out fellow cat parents.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: What Is Holistic Care for Cats? Why Is Holistic Care Important for Cats? Diet and Nutrition Supplements Herbal Remedies Environment and Enrichment More Exercise and Play Homeopathy Acupuncture Physical Therapy Natural vs Prescription Calming Medicine Is Aromatherapy Safe for Cats? What Is Holistic Care for Cats? Holistic care addresses the root cause of health problems, while traditional veterinary medicine focuses on managing or treating symptoms. In other words, holistic therapies are used to prevent diseases before they become an issue and enhance quality of life - which means less vet bills for you and increased health and wellbeing for kitty. Holistic care can involve medicines, albeit on a less invasive scale than traditional medication. More than that, it relies on the body's own methods of self-healing and considers every aspect of a cat's life. This is achieved by exploring areas such as: Diet and nutrition. Herbal medicine and supplements. Exercise and play. Environment and enrichment. Physical therapy. Mental health and wellbeing. Complementary therapies can (and in some cases, should) be used alongside veterinary medicine. Vaccinations are important for protecting cats against infectious diseases, as well as preventing the spreading of diseases to other animals and even humans. If your kitty has a condition that requires medical treatment then it should never be ruled out in favour of a holistic approach. Pet Remedy Calming Diffuser contains a low concentration of valerian and essential oils to work with a cat's natural calming mechanisms when tackling stress and anxiety. Ideal for most pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and birds. Consider how humans use holistic therapies after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Many people turn to alternative treatments, from supplements to simple lifestyle changes - and more than a few old wives' tales, I'm sure. This should only be done under the advice of a doctor and in combination with traditional medicine, such as chemotherapy and/or surgery. To not do so would pose a serious danger to one's life. As long as holistic care doesn't interfere with medical treatments, most doctors will encourage it even if they don't believe in its effectiveness. A positive outlook can do wonders for a patient's emotional and mental wellbeing. In short, one type of therapy shouldn't be used to replace another. Why Is Holistic Care Important for Cats? Making better choices for your felines and being more mindful of their needs is part of being a responsible pet parent; after all, our cats are completely reliant on us. They can't tell us when they have a problem, but they're showing us all the time in their daily behaviour. The type of diseases that may benefit from a holistic approach are those influenced by diet, stress and immune system dysfunction. Here are a few examples: Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS). Urinary tract disease. Respiratory problems, such as infections and asthma. Diabetes. Allergies. Arthritis. Visit Again, using humans as a comparison, holistic care can help to improve or speed up the recovery process after injury or surgery. Physical therapy, supplements and massage can promote healing and reduce pain, inflammation or stiffness. A human wouldn't rely on pain medications alone after major surgery, although not all animals will respond well to physical therapy. So too, we know that antibiotics can upset the stomach and the effects are similar in animals, with disrupted gut microbiome and decreased bacterial resistance. While antibiotics are the first choice of treatment for cats with wee problems, a good vet will want to rule out other causes of urinary tract disease. Inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) can be caused by stress or a build up of crystals, which is common in males due to their long and narrow urethras. I've been in this exact situation with Drax, who was in and out of vet clinics with urine infections and had some unpleasant reactions to antibiotics. I therefore understand the importance of alternative treatments before throwing medication at a problem. It's no quick fix, but with a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, Drax has been cystitis free for over a year! Related post: How to Prepare Cats for a Vet Visit and Reduce Stress Diet and Nutrition Despite all of the technological advances in Western medicine, one thing it can't cure is a poor diet. Cats are 100% carnivores and require high-protein meat sources, which isn't always what you're getting from commercial cat foods that are packed with grains, fillers, preservatives and other yucky substances. High moisture is crucial to a cat's diet, and the only thing kibble is high in is carbohydrates - which are low in nutritional value. A dry food diet can lead to chronic dehydration, which can increase the risk of urinary tract disease. It's also been linked to poor digestion, obesity and diabetes - but let's not get ahead of ourselves. These are just some examples of how many diseases can arise from an improper diet, which could otherwise be avoided. Related post: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats? Edgard & Cooper Chunks in Sauce made with fresh meat and gently cooked. Grain-free with no artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives. Plenty of cats live out their days on dry food, and it's the responsibility of parents to ensure they're not overfeeding cats by sticking to manufacturers' guidelines and choosing a high-quality kibble. Offering plenty of water stations, encouraging play/exercise and regular health check-ups are all things we should be doing, regardless of what cats are eating. Related post: Grain-Free vs Grains Cat Food: Which is Better? Unlike dogs, cats have specific preferences and are much pickier about what they will and won't eat. I can attest to this myself with a kitty that REFUSES to eat anything but kibble, and even that's limited to one or two different brands. The point here is that if your kitty is willing to eat wet food - or even better, you can switch them onto a fresh food diet - then it's worth investing in as minimally processed food as your budget allows. Think of it in human terms, sure you could live out the rest of your days on carb-loaded pizza, but be prepared for some long-term health implications. Learn about the importance of natural nutrition in this detailed post: Fresh Raw and Cooked Cat Food: Tailor-Made Nutrition Sent to Your Door! Supplements In relation to food, natural supplements can play a role in supporting a cat's mind and body by addressing specific health needs and/or deficiencies. Holistic medicine has been used by humans for centuries and continues to be a growing market, with the complementary and alternative medicine market projected to reach $657 billion by 2030. More recently it's been extended to animals, as certain herbs have properties that may well benefit your cats. YuMOVE Calming Care contains natural ingredients to help reduce stress, anxiety and support calm behaviour. Easy opening capsules so powder can be sprinkled over food. Supplements for skin and coat; digestion; stress and multivitamins are readily available online, but most healthy cats don't need them. Commercial pet foods have their downsides, but they're formulated to provide all of the nutrients a cat requires in their daily diet. Adding more unnecessarily can upset the balance and cause more harm than good. The exception may arise if your vet prescribes a supplement for a particular health condition: for example, anti-inflammatory properties for ageing or swollen joints. You can also seek guidance from a holistic veterinarian to work with your cat's specific needs. YuMOVE Joint Care for Cats is a triple-action supplement designed to support joint structure, aid mobility and reduce stiffness. It contains a concentrated source of omega-3 in easy opening capsules that can be mixed into food. Herbal Remedies Similar to supplements, herbal remedies are a safe and effective method to manage anxiety and other conditions. Catnip stimulates a cat's pheromone receptors to induce feelings of joy and playfulness; while its relation, catmint, has relaxing properties that may help to reduce anxiety. Chamomile is a popular herb used in many calming treats, as is valerian root - which is a main ingredient in Pet Remedy products. The key to any herbal remedy is knowing which type of a particular plant to use, how to use it and in what quantities or doses. Some herbs can be toxic to cats so, again, it's essential to consult a holistic veterinarian or use a remedy that's commercially available. Rescue Pet Calming Dropper uses natural flower essences to help ease tension, nervousness and excitability for cats, dogs, rabbits, horses and birds. Flowers are hand-picked in the UK. Environment and Enrichment Cats are born hunters with curious natures, which means they love to engage with and explore their environment. It stands to reason that this must be incorporated into a holistic care routine in order to satisfy those feline instincts. This is even more important for indoor cats as the home is where they spend most of their time. Related post: How to Harness Train Cats for Walking on a Leash Safely It might seem like cats don't do much as we usually see them lazing around, not to mention the 2-5 hours a day they spend on self-grooming, but that's because opportunities to use their vast array of skills are limited in a domestic setting. Hunting consists of all the behaviours we try to stimulate with play: chasing, pouncing, jumping and climbing. Daintry Cat Calming Spray combines feline pheromones with the natural soothing properties of cedarwood to reduce stress and anxiety. Use around the home or spray onto carriers prior to travelling. The purpose of all those catnaps is to replenish energy and be on alert for the next meal - or threat, as cats are prey animals too. When we don't provide opportunities to unleash these natural instincts, cats get bored. Boredom can lead to stress, anxiety and aggression; while inactivity contributes to obesity and other conditions. It's therefore important to keep cats mentally and physically stimulated to prevent behavioural issues, and there are a multitude of ways we can enrich their lives. Related post: Cat Enrichment Ideas and Boredom Breakers for Indoor Cats Environment Provide a variety of horizontal and vertical climbing areas such as cat trees; cat-friendly shelves and ladders; and window perches. Multiple levels encourage exercise, while height offers a safe vantage point where cats can observe their surroundings and look down on us pitiful humans. Related post: Small Cat Tree Stands and Towers for All Cats (Tried and Tested) Visit Utilise vertical space with the Fukumaru 4-in-1 Cat Wall Shelves. Includes a bridge, bed, shelves and scratch post. This cat walkway comes in multiple colours to match your decor. Timid cats may benefit from hiding areas such as huts, boxes and tunnels; while scratch posts and mats allow for the sharpening of claws and territory marking. Ensure there are plenty of toys available for when boredom kicks in, and you could even set up a bird feeder outside of your cat's favourite window. Allow some outdoors time if possible, or you can build a catio for a secure and escape-proof enclosure. High fences deter cats from wandering, and be sure to provide a sheltered area from weather conditions. Being out in nature stimulates the senses and offers a change of scenery. If cats live strictly indoors then leave curtains or blinds open to ensure plenty of natural light. You can open windows for some fresh air and use a pet-proof lock or guard to prevent escape. Beaphar CatComfort Excellence Calming Diffuser contains a copy of the feline facial pheromone to help reduce stress-related behaviours; and the maternal appeasing pheromone to promote bonding and harmony in multi-cat households. For creating a stress-free home, there are many drug-free products on the market aimed at reducing anxiety in felines. Pheromone diffusers emit a vapour that mimics a cat's natural pheromones, while other diffusers and sprays use blends of essential oils that work with animals' natural calming systems. Remember to choose something that's cat specific or, at the very least, safe to use on your furry friend. Each household cat should have its own bed, food/water stations and litter tray so that if one is in use, they have the option to go elsewhere. A designated room or quiet area allows cats to retreat from the hustle and bustle of human life. Social Interactions Even though cats are known to be independent, they can still benefit from bonding time with their human companions. Purring releases endorphins that provide cats with a sense of comfort and relief. If they don't like being petted then play is a good alternative, as they'll learn to associate you with something fun and rewarding - it's always nice to feel wanted! Grooming your cat provides much more than a bonding experience. Removing loose hair limits how much they swallow, which can result in hairballs and vomiting. It also stimulates the sebaceous glands to secrete natural oils, helping to protect and lubricate the coat and prevent dandruff. Cats are habitual creatures so bonding is a routine that you want to encourage. Wait for them to seek you out rather than forcing interactions, and end the bonding session with a hand-fed treat to keep kitty coming back for more. Exercise and Play We've discussed the importance of enrichment for a cat's mental and emotional wellbeing, and how their environment should be reflective of their natural habitat as much as possible. Exercise too has a vital role in feline health, and the best way to stimulate this is through play. As well as utilising their hunting skills, playtime helps to prevent obesity, improve muscle tone; increase appetite and aid digestion. It's also a form of stress relief with the release of endorphins - the body's natural painkiller and happy drug. Related post: How to Exercise Obese Cats for Weight Loss PawHut Cardboard Lounger is made completely from cardboard so cats can sleep, rest or scratch the corrugated surface. Spacious for most adult cats and looks great in any room. As a general rule, cats should get a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day, divided into 10-15 minute sessions. This is because cats are easily bored and have short spurts of energy. Of course, this will vary depending on their age, breed, health and activity levels. Kittens require lots of intense play, while seniors may prefer short 5-minute sessions paced throughout the day. Playtime activities should stimulate the mind as well as the body. Puzzle feeders or treat dispensers and interactive toys provide more of a challenge and encourage natural hunting behaviours. Obstacle courses can be made using tunnels, huts, ramps and different level platforms if your home allows for it. Related post: DIY Cat Toys That Are Cheap and Easy to Make: Step-by-Step Guides Homeopathy Homeopathy has little research or evidence to back up its effect on animals. In fact, it's been widely rejected by scientists and continues to be a topic of debate in the veterinary world. Despite this, many practitioners of holistic therapies continue to recommend it. Homeopathy offers a natural and gentle way to support health, based on the theory of "like cures like". This simply means that a substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy individual (in large doses) can be used to treat similar symptoms in a sick individual, if administered in very small doses. For example, arnica can be used topically for bruises, swelling, inflammation, wound healing and rashes; yet it contains a substance derived from poison ivy. Homeopathic medicines are made from natural substances such as plants and minerals, usually in the form of highly diluted substances. These are used to stimulate the immune system to trigger the body's natural defences and promote self-healing. Homeopathic remedies are used throughout the world on humans, with proven results in conditions such as: digestive diseases, skin conditions, bone and joint disorders, urinary tract infections and behavioural problems. Due to growing success with animals, more and more vets are beginning to study it. Acupuncture Acupuncture is well-known in the Western world, perhaps slightly less so for animals. The traditional Chinese medicine practice involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy and enhance the body's natural healing abilities. Acupuncture is most commonly used to relieve pain but can also reduce inflammation; improve circulation and mobility; stimulate appetite and reduce stress. When performed under the care of a veterinarian trained in acupuncture, it's a safe and effective treatment that can be used alongside other holistic therapies, as well as traditional medicine. Some cats respond well to treatment if kept calm, but it largely depends on the cat's personality and tolerance levels. For my wimpy duo, this would be a thing of nightmares! A consultation with a licensed practitioner is essential to discuss your cat's specific health needs. Physical Therapy Massage and physical therapy, also known as rehabilitation, can be beneficial for cats that are recovering from surgery or injury. Similar to what a human might undergo after a spinal injury or when learning to walk again, this is achieved through targeted exercises and stretches. Physical therapy can help cats to regain mobility, reduce pain and inflammation; and improve their quality of life. Massage might be used to improve circulation and blood flow, support joint mobility and reduce stress. This can also be done at home with a few simple techniques, which is great for senior cats or simply giving your kitty a pamper session - as long as it's willing. By working with a veterinarian and physical therapist that has experience with felines, you can incorporate physical therapy into post-surgery or injury recovery to provide a tailored and comprehensive care routine. Natural vs Prescription Calming Medicine Calming remedies are probably the most popular holistic medicine for cats due to them being susceptible to stress and anxiety. Kitty behaviour and aggression are huge focal points of this site and something we've discussed in numerous posts. Cats are solitary creatures in the wild and spend their days napping, hunting and evading predators. Sounds stressful, right? Yet it's what they're built for! Shop smart fountains and automatic feeders → Cats were not designed to be cooped up indoors with noisy humans, processed food and sharing territories with annoying housemates. A vet might prescribe anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications, which come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Many people complain of sedative effects and changes to their cat's personality, becoming withdrawn or lacking in energy. However, prescription medications can be highly successful in treating severe mood disorders, whereby the cat can't function without them or is at risk of being rehomed. Beaphar Herbal Calming Treats contain hop flowers, Melissa and valerian which is known for its calming properties. Helps to promote relaxation and reduce the symptoms of stress including scratching, spraying and excessive vocalisation. Natural remedies work best for mild cases of anxiety, short-term problems or stressful situations like moving house. As with many conditions or diseases, sometimes a gentle dose is all it takes for the body's natural defences to kick in. Prescription or veterinary medicine is a better option for serious or long-standing cases of anxiety. Either way, both traditional and holistic medicine can be used in combination with other modifications: lifestyle, environmental changes or working with a behaviourist, if necessary. If you do choose the natural route, commercial remedies are a safer option than inventing your own concoctions based on a Google search. When you purchase something from a shop or online, there's no guessing how to use the product or what dosage to administer. You know the ingredients are specifically for cats and all of the information you need is on the label. Is Aromatherapy Safe for Cats? Some sources claim that aromatherapy can be greatly beneficial for reducing stress and promoting relaxation in cats, while others forbid it. Even if you're using the correct essential oils with proper dilution or a diffuser in a ventilated space, there are more reasons to avoid aromatherapy than there are to try it. Some of the dangers associated with aromatherapy include: Sensitivity to essential oils As with herbs, some can be toxic to felines and cat-friendly oils vary from source to source. Some recommend eucalyptus for respiratory problems and congestion, while others condemn it as poisonous. Either way, eucalyptus falls into the category of scents that cats are averse to - it's even used in some commercial urine repellents! Rather than searching for generic lists of essential oils that are safe for cats, consult a holistic vet who's qualified to advise you or leave aromatherapy to the humans. Poisoning Oils should never be applied directly to skin or fur because cats are self-groomers and may lick it off - even diffusers that release oils into the air can leave a residue on their coats. While this may be safe for other animals, cats have fewer liver enzymes to metabolise them. This can lead to poisoning, toxicity and liver damage. Inhalation Breathing in concentrated fumes can irritate the respiratory tract. This is also a risk with scented candles, air fresheners and cleaning fluids, so bear in mind when you're next lighting up or bleaching the floor that it could be a serious health hazard. Related post: 8 Common Household Items That Are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats When it comes to holistic care, whatever route you go down, the goal is to improve the lives of your pets by focusing on all aspects of health and wellbeing: mental, emotional and physical. This doesn't mean you should ignore traditional medicine or treatments. As highlighted, your first point of call should always be a registered vet. Addressing all of your cat's needs often takes more than one approach, and the goal is to ensure the health, happiness and safety of our pets. Mentioned Products YuMOVE Joint Care for Cats Rescue Pet Calming Dropper Fukumaru Cat Wall Shelves Are you ready to take a holistic approach to pet care? Did you find any of the above helpful? If you need more advice, drop a comment or get in touch.

In this article: How to Calculate Calories in Cat Food How Many Calories Does My Cat Need? No one enjoys counting calories, and when it comes to our pets, we have the additional problem of not knowing what or how much they should be consuming. Some cat foods will give you the calorie content per cup, kilogram, 100g - or per can/sachet of wet food - but more often than not, we're left guessing. This doesn't pose much of an issue, since most owners don't know how many calories their cat should be eating. Most of us abide by the feeding instructions of any particular food, which are usually based on the weight or life stage of cats. However, it doesn't take into account other factors such as body condition, health status and lifestyle. For example, if your cat is obese and you're feeding it based on its current weight, then it'll continue being obese until you reduce its portion sizes. Likewise, a sedentary indoor cat won't require as many calories to burn off as an active outdoor cat. This lack of understanding leads to many domestic cats being overweight and developing associated health conditions. Related post: 5 Indoor Cat Foods Rated: Are They Really Worth it? Food manufacturers are partially to blame, with a lack of transparency regarding the ingredients going into food. In my previous post, I broke down the formula for calculating carbohydrates with a step-by-step example, as this information isn't included on a cat food label. As quoted on the FEDIAF website: "There exists no minimum level of carbohydrates which needs to be in pet food, but carbohydrates provide a concentrated source of dietary energy and dietary fibre." What this really means is that grains and vegetables are used to bulk out food as a cheaper source of protein. Since it's not listed as an independent nutrient value, we have no way of knowing how much protein comes from animals and how much comes from plants. This isn't an issue with dogs, who've evolved to survive on a combination of both; however, cats are - and always have been - obligate carnivores. With some foods containing as little as 4% meat, it's crucial that we as owners take a closer look at what we're feeding our cats to prevent and avoid long-term health conditions. Research into the effects of carbohydrates in a cat's diet has mixed results, which you can learn more about here: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats? How to Calculate Calories in Cat Food Work out the carbohydrate content While carbs aren't important for a cat's survival, we still need to know how many are in our cat's food in order to calculate the calories. We can do this using a simple formula. Find the analytical constituents section on your cat food label and add up the percentages of protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. Example: Protein 27% + Fat 16% + Fibre 2.5% + Ash 7% + Moisture 8% = 60.5% Subtract the total from 100: 100 - 60.5 = 39.5 This means the carbohydrate content per 100g of the example cat food is 39.5%. If the percentage of moisture isn't listed then you can assume it's between 8-10%. For more tips and advice, including how to calculate nutrients on a dry matter basis, refer to this dedicated post: How to Calculate Carbohydrates in Cat Food and Understanding Dry Matter Basis Work out calories per gram Before we can work out the total amount of calories in cat food, we have to know how many calories are coming from protein, fat and carbohydrates. Each gram provides the following unit of energy: 1 gram of protein = 3.5-4 calories 1 gram of fat = 8.5-9 calories 1 gram of carbohydrates = 3.5-4 calories You'll notice that these numbers are approximate, which means the final result cannot be guaranteed. We know from the example in step one that the protein level is 27%, the fat level is 16% and carbohydrates are 39.5%. This means that in 100g of cat food, there are 27 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat and 39.5 grams of carbohydrates. To get the total amount of calories from these figures, we have to multiply them by the number of calories that each gram provides. Visit Example: Protein: 1 gram of protein provides 3.5 calories. Since there are 27 grams of protein in this cat food, we multiply that number by 3.5 so it looks like this: 27 (grams) x 3.5 (calories) = 94.5 This means that 94.5 calories come from protein. Fat 1 gram of fat provides 8.5 calories. 16 (grams) x 8.5 (calories) = 136 136 calories come from fat. Carbohydrates 1 gram of carbohydrates provides 3.5 calories. 39.5 (grams) x 3.5 (calories) = 138.25 138.25 calories come from carbohydrates. Add up total calories To find out the total calorie content, all that's left to do is add up the numbers above. 94.5 calories (protein) + 136 calories (fat) + 138.25 calories (carbohydrates) = 368.75 Therefore, this example cat food contains 368.75 calories per 100g. Other considerations The number above becomes a little higher if we use the upper range of energy units. If we consider that: 1 gram of protein = 4 calories 1 gram of fat = 9 calories 1 gram of carbohydrates = 4 calories Based on these numbers, the total calorie content of the example food becomes 410 per 100g, which is a difference of just over 41 calories. This seems like a large gap, but consider too that feeding directions provided by manufacturers (as stated on the packaging) are only a guideline. Some cats may need more or less than recommended and the same applies here. Keeping track of your cat's weight and monitoring any changes should be standard practice regardless of how you manage portion sizes. You could start somewhere in the middle - in this example, approximately 390 calories - and take it from there. How Many Calories Does My Cat Need? Now that you have a better understanding of what's going into your cat, you can go beyond generic feeding instructions and adapt the portion sizes according to your individual cat's requirements. You can find everything you need to know in this dedicated post: How Many Calories Does My Cat Need? If you need a little more help or prefer a quicker solution, I've linked some cat calorie calculators below that are free and simple to use. You'll need information such as your cat's age, sex, weight, activity levels and reproductive status, and the results will show your cat's total energy requirements. Spritool Pet Scale for small to medium pets under 30kg. Features advanced sensors for high accuracy and a hold button to lock in weight when your pet stops moving. Measures in kg, lb, oz and grams. Online calculators may not be 100% accurate because all cats are different, much like humans, but it'll give you a better idea of how much to feed your cat. You should always consult with a vet if you're unsure, especially if the goal is weight loss/gain. It's important to monitor you cat's weight and overall health, ideally on a weekly basis to ensure they're getting sufficient calories. Use one of these calculators to get your cat's total maintenance energy requirements (MER): Purina MER Calculator for Cats UK Pet Food Cat Calorie Calculator You don't have to be an expert in feline nutrition to control what and how much your cats are eating. Many opt for commercial food over fresh or homemade because it's easier to understand, only it's not so easy when a lot of information and ingredients are hidden from us. Even commercial food needs a little tweaking to prevent issues like obesity, and I hope this article provides a step in the right direction! *Information provided by the manufacturer will be most accurate and may differ slightly from manual calculations due to unknown variables. The formula above is only a guideline if the calorie content of food is not stated on the packaging. Have you started counting your cat's calories? I know it can be challenging at first, so feel free to leave a comment if you need any hints or tips.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Introducing a cat into the family is an exciting journey filled with companionship, adventure and bundles of curiosity. If you're a first-time cat parent or transitioning from caring for other pets, there are some important factors to consider. With a reputation for being independent serial nappers, it's no surprise that people are unprepared for the more demanding side of cats. As highly territorial creatures that are prone to stress, problems can arise quickly if they're not given the opportunity to exhibit their natural instincts and behaviours. From nutrition and enrichment to comfort and harmony in multi-cat homes, our feline friends have some unique needs that are vital to their health and wellbeing. These essential tips will help you to navigate the joys and challenges of cat guardianship and decide whether it's the right pet for you. 11 Tips for New Cat Owners: Choosing a Species-Appropriate Diet Creating a Safe Space Scratching Opportunities Removing Household Hazards Shedding and Grooming Litterbox Hygiene Enriching Activities Establishing a Routine More Indoor or Outdoor Cats Vaccinations and Microchipping Financial Considerations Choosing a Species-Appropriate Diet Every species of animal has specific dietary needs, including humans, but cats are described as obligate carnivores, which means they require animal protein to survive. This makes them a little more complex than dogs, who've evolved to thrive on a combination of animal and plant-based foods. Related post: Grain-Free vs Grains Cat Food: Which is Better? Start by choosing a high-quality diet based on your cat's age, health, activity level and, in some cases, breed. For example, kitten food is rich in protein and more calorie-dense for growth and energy; while seniors benefit from a diet that focuses on hydration, weight management and joint support. Edgard & Cooper Chunks in Sauce made with fresh meat and gently cooked. Grain-free with no artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives. Most cat food manufacturers offer a selection of wet food and dry food (kibble). Wet food is preferable and highly recommended by experts due to its high-moisture content, which is vital for hydration and urinary tract health; animal-based protein and a lower amount of carbohydrates. Be sure to check the ingredients list to avoid any unspecified meat by-products (the rubbish parts!). Dry food is often packed with fillers like grains and vegetables, but many opt for it due to the lower costs and longer shelf-life. However, that doesn't make it the best choice for your cat. In fact, you might find yourself forking out more on vet bills in the long-run! Related post: 5 Best Dry Cat Foods 2026 If your budget stretches a little further, fresh cat food companies are a great premium option that formulate tailored recipes using 100% animal protein, without all of the additives and fillers contained in commercial food. Related post: The Truth About Commercial Cat Food: What Really Goes into Your Pet's Food? Creating a Safe Space Cats communicate primarily through scent, and entering a new environment risks a sensory overload, particularly if you have other pets or noisy children. Designating a private room or area within the home provides a safe retreat until they're ready to integrate with other family members (both animal and human). You can provide a cosy bed, huts or boxes to hide in; but underbed spaces and wardrobes work just as well. Cat trees and shelves provide height advantage, which they'd use in the wild to keep a lookout for predators. Make sure you provide food, water and a litter tray nearby so they don't have to venture too far. Shop Pet Furniture → Gradually introduce your cat to different parts of the home to help them adjust at their own pace. The more secure they feel, the faster they'll settle into their forever home. To aid the process, pheromone diffusers can be used to create a safe and relaxing environment. Related post: Best Cat Calming Plug-in Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Tested) PAWZ Road 3-in-1 Cat Scratching Board is durable and versatile, with 3 sides and multiple angles to adapt to a cat's preferred scratching position. Cats can bat the ball nestled in the recess or play hide and seek in the hole. Scratching Opportunities It's essential to offer a variety of scratch posts, mats and boards to give cats plenty of choice as to where and how they sharpen their claws. Otherwise they'll opt for furniture, wallpaper, carpets or anything else that takes their fancy - which isn't ideal for anyone, especially if you live in rented accommodation. Cats rely on their claws for defence, hunting and marking their territory using scent glands between the pads of their paws. They're also natural climbers, so providing an array of horizontal and vertical surfaces like cat trees and shelves encourages exercise and exploration of the environment. The more time they spend on fun activities, the less attention they'll place on destroying your home furnishings. Related post: Why Do Cats Scratch and How to Stop It? Removing Household Hazards Safety is a top priority when it comes to the curious cat. Remove hazardous items like cords; plants or flowers that are toxic to cats (e.g., lilies, daffodils); medications and small objects that can cause choking. You should also be mindful of cleaning products and fragrances that can irritate a cat's sensitive nose and respiratory system. Opt for pet-safe or plant-based cleaners that are better for the environment, too. Discover more household hazards in this detailed post: 8 Common Household Items That Are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats Other precautions you should take include securing windows and balconies to prevent escape. Statistics show that falls and traffic accidents are amongst the most common causes of injuries in cats. Shedding and Grooming Cats shed - a lot - and you'll notice their favourite lounging spots by the pile of fur left behind. If you suffer from allergies, particularly to fur or dander, then there'll be problems no matter how many lint rollers you have. Regular brushing can help to reduce the amount of hair floating around, as well as hairball formation as cats will swallow less when grooming themselves. Short-haired cats need occasional brushing, while long-haired breeds require daily grooming to prevent matting. You might also want to invest in a decent vacuum cleaner! Litterbox Hygiene Just like humans, cats value bathroom privacy and there are so many styles of litter tray available on the market. Stainless steel is preferable to plastic as it's easier to clean and doesn't absorb smells. Typically, cats like to observe their surroundings and toileting puts them in a vulnerable position. Covered or lidded trays can obscure their view, as well as causing territorial disputes around the entrance. If one cat decides to block access then others may be put off using it at all. Stainless Steel Litter Box has a smooth surface that prevents litter from sticking to the bottom and doesn't absorb smells. High anti-splash sides help to contain litter and are easily removed for cleaning. However, this should be judged on a case-by-case basis as timid cats may appreciate the extra privacy. Make sure to check regularly for mess because enclosed trays can trap the smell. If you have limited space - apartments, for example - then you can get litterboxes disguised as furniture. Whatever style you choose, it should be scooped daily and more often if you have multiple cats. Experts recommend one litter tray per cat, plus one extra - and this goes for all of a cat's resources, including food and water bowls; beds and scratch posts. If problems arise then you might consider moving trays to a more private area or review the type of litter you're using. Options include clay, pine, wheat, paper, silica gel, clumping, non-clumping and others. Enriching Activities Cats require mental as well as physical stimulation. Wild cats and those with outdoor access spend their days hunting, climbing, chasing and exploring. You can replicate this in an indoor environment with a variety of toys and climbing areas like cat trees and shelving. Rotating toys helps to keep cats engaged as they have a short attention span and will lose interest over time. Balls, mice, feather wands, interactive toys and catnip are a few options, or you can save money by making your own DIY creations. Shop smart fountains and automatic feeders → Enrich cats with different sounds, smells, tastes and textures, such as toys that squeak or crinkle; cat grass and food puzzles. Feeding mats like the Bugalugs Licky Mat feature different surface textures that encourage cats to lick and dig for food, turning eating into a playful experience. Creating a cosy window perch allows your cat to observe the outside world, birds and other wildlife. Establishing a Routine Cats are creatures of habit with impeccable body clocks. Scheduled feeding times help to reduce stress and conflict with other cats, since they know when they'll be getting their next meal. Wild cats have to rely on hunting and prey opportunities, which adds to their territorial natures. Related post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats Daily play and exercise are beneficial for anxiety and behavioural problems, particularly if cats are left alone for long periods of time or you work long hours. They'll learn to anticipate your return, which is great for bonding and establishing a deeper level of trust. Your cat will associate you with love, care and attention. Indoor or Outdoor Cats Indoor cats may be a topic of debate, but giving them the most fulfilling life possible while keeping them safe and secure rests on factors such as home environment, owner lifestyle and the individual cat. Consider the following: Do you live on or near a main road? Is the neighbourhood heavily built-up with lots of traffic, noise, dogs, children and other things that could scare cats into running away or being hit by vehicles? Do you live in a small one-bed apartment or a large two-storey house? Are you able to adapt your living space to include all of the essentials that a cat needs to thrive? Are you planning on owning more than one cat and, if so, is your home big enough to accommodate them? Do you have a secure garden? Are you able to cat-proof outdoor space with fence panels, catios or other enclosures? This is a great way to prevent cats from roaming into unfamiliar or dangerous territories. You can also supervise outdoor time by walking cats on a harness and leash. Does your lifestyle allow enough time to spend playing with your cat? Despite their independence, stimulation is vital for preventing boredom that can lead to behavioural problems like anxiety and aggression, particularly with indoor cats. The age, breed, health and history of your cat will help to determine the most suitable environment. Naturally, kittens need more attention than seniors; while Bengals and Siamese are known for being extra playful and energetic. Rescue cats that have been subjected to trauma or abandonment may be better suited to quiet, single-cat homes. Vaccinations and Microchipping Cat owners in the UK face a hefty fine for not complying with microchipping laws, but this should be standard practice regardless of region. Getting your pet microchipped gives the best chance of locating them if they go missing, reducing the alarming number of strays on the streets. According to the ASPCA, microchipped pets are twice as likely to be returned if lost. Outdoor cats should also be fitted with a collar and ID tag stating the owner's name and contact number. Neutering or spaying, vaccinations, flea control, worming and annual vet check-ups are essential for keeping cats healthy and preventing long-term issues. Visit Financial Considerations Many new parents overlook the financial responsibilities associated with cat ownership. As a bare minimum, initial start-up costs include: Neutering or spaying. Vaccinations, flea and worming treatments. Microchipping. Food and water bowls. Litter trays and scoops. Bedding and cat trees. Scratch posts. Toys. You'll also need monthly supplies of food, treats and litter. If your cat has to go on a prescription diet then it can drastically increase food costs. Depending on activity levels, toys and scratchers will need replacing when worn. According to Smarter Finances, the average cost of keeping a cat in the UK is £50-£150 per month. Add onto that any unexpected vet bills and it can shoot up into the hundreds. To alleviate some of this burden, you might consider investing in pet insurance. Many plans cover emergencies and routine care; by shopping around, you can find a policy that suits your needs and budget. Planning ahead ensures you can provide consistent care for your feline friend without facing financial strain. If you're considering taking your pets abroad, this article from GoCompare is a useful resource: A Guide to Travel Insurance with Pets Visit Summary Cat ownership isn't just about welcoming a new pet into your home, but embracing a relationship that's filled with learning and growth. By recognising your cat's behaviour, you can understand their needs and preferences to create an environment where they flourish. These foundational tips will launch your journey into becoming a knowledgeable cat parent, building a relationship based on patience, love and understanding. Seeing your pet happy and healthy is one of the most rewarding experiences. Other helpful posts for new cat parents: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources How to Read a Cat's Body Language, Behaviour and Communication 20 Surprising Facts You May Not Know About Cats Mentioned Products Bugalugs Licky Mats Taoqimiao Cat Tree Tower MEOWFIA Cat Bed Cave Are you new to cat parenting? Let us know in the comments if these tips helped!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: How to Exercise an Obese Cat Treats and Puzzle Feeders Food and Mealtimes Making a Weight Loss Plan Obesity in cats is a growing concern, with up to 60% of cats being overweight according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. The rise of indoor cats and poor quality food are contributing factors - think about it, when was the last time you saw a wild cat that was overweight? Fat starts to accumulate around the internal organs of animals before being visible, which can seriously affect their health and quality of life. Conditions related to obesity include: Diabetes. Arthritis. Heart disease. Liver disease. Cancer. Behavioural problems like anxiety and aggression due to lack of stimulation. When you see your cat every day, it's not always noticeable when they lose or gain weight. I've been in both of these situations, most recently with my chunky monkey, Simba. Restricting calorie intake must be done gradually and works best in combination with gentle exercise. Keeping a record of your cat's weight will help to keep an eye on any progress made. Spritool Pet Scale for small to medium pets under 30kg. Features advanced sensors for high accuracy and a hold button to lock in weight when your pet stops moving. Measures in kg, lb, oz and grams. How to Exercise an Obese Cat Play Exercising cats at home can be challenging at the best of times - even healthy ones aren't always interested in play. Obese cats may have limited mobility, low energy levels and tire easily, so leaping three feet into the air after a feather wand might be difficult. The aim is to encourage movement in order to improve your cat's overall health and wellbeing. Start with gentle exercise and increase activity over a number of play sessions as your cat builds up stamina and flexibility. Schedule short 5-minute sessions once or twice a day and monitor for signs of fatigue so you know when it's time to stop. Ideally, cats should get 30-45 minutes of playtime per day, broken up into 10-15 minute sessions to make use of their short bursts of energy. Toys Provide a variety of toys that stimulate hunting instincts and determine which your kitty responds to most, avoiding high jumps and bouts of sprinting to avoid exertion or injury. Soft toys like mice or birds can be batted and grappled, and they're great for older cats with aching joints. Feather wands and laser pointers can be used by moving the wand or laser slowly across the floor to guide them around the room, encouraging chasing and pouncing. Balls or rolling toys have a similar effect, prompting cats to chase and bat. Interactive toys can be left for cats to play with at their own leisure while you're away from home or at work. These are usually battery operated and have unpredictable motion patterns to keep cats engaged for longer. Leave toys in different areas of the home to provide an engaging environment. You can use catnip or silvervine to stimulate playfulness and encourage interaction. Rotating toys regularly will help to keep your cat interested, and some respond well to new textures or sounds. For more tips and advice, this post is essential reading: How to Play with Cats of All Ages: Motivation Tips and Tricks Mew & Friends Silvervine Powder is a more potent alternative to catnip that can be used to stimulate playful behaviour. Made from the fruit and stems of the Actinidia polygama plant, it's 100% natural and non-toxic for cats. Other Forms of Exercise Add more levels to your home like shelving, cat trees or scratch posts for cats to climb up and down. If you have the space, you could invest in a pet exercise wheel! Indoor cats can still benefit from a daily dose of fresh air if they're harness trained - just taking them on a stroll around the garden improves exercise and mobility. Treats and Puzzle Feeders Treats Cutting treats out of an obese cat's diet sounds like a good option - in theory. Food is a powerful motivator and, with the right strategy, it can help a great deal with weight loss training. Treats do need to be limited with a cat that's overweight, as too many will defeat the purpose! Rather than offering them as rewards, you can use treats to encourage exploration by hiding them around the home. Cats will have to walk around to sniff them out. Remember, treats should make up less than 10% of a cat's daily calorie intake. To make them last longer, try breaking them in half if they're big enough. You should stick to healthy, natural treats that are high in protein with minimal - ideally, zero - cereals, vegetables or other fillers. I recommend single-ingredient, freeze-dried snacks like KatKin Salmon Nibbles or thrive 100% Chicken Treats. These are exactly what they say on the tin: 100% meat with minimal processing, just as nature intended. You can also make your own healthy treats using recipes from reputable websites. This way, you know exactly what ingredients are going into your cat's food. PetSafe Egg-Cersizer and SlimCat Dispenser Toys can be filled with treats or kibble that falls through the holes when batted around. Holes are adjustable to make it easier or more challenging. Toys help to slow down feeing, tackle obesity and stimulate hunting instincts. Puzzle Feeders Puzzle feeders like the Catstages Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play require your cat to work for their food by digging and foraging. While they're mainly used for treats, some parents use them instead of bowls to slow down eating and prevent vomiting that results from scoffing large amounts of food. Treat balls encourage cats to bat the feeder around so treats fall through the holes. For wet food, pâté and the occasional treat like tuna, Bugalugs Licky Mats provide additional enrichment. Food and Mealtimes Scheduled mealtimes not only satisfy a cat's need for routine, but they make a great post-play reward. Your cat will learn to associate food with exercise, and you're not feeding them anything extra! If your home has multiple storeys then you could create a food station on the upper floor so kitty has to climb the stairs. Alternatively, you can place their bowl on a cat tree or other elevated surface so it has to climb up for its meal - just make sure it's within reach to avoid frustration. These approaches combine exercise with positive reinforcement, making the activity more enjoyable. PawHut Multi-Level Cat Tree with steps for pets to safely climb up and down. Great for kittens learning to climb, seniors that find jumping difficult and keeping cats active. Includes sisal-wrapped scratching posts and a plush-covered perch. If you have multiple cats that share the same food and one is overweight, it can be difficult to manage their calorie intake. I encountered this issue shortly after putting Simba on his diet as he started eating Drax's food, which he'd previously ignored, out of hunger. Drax doesn't finish his meals in one go so I had to keep hiding the bowl, which can be inconvenient and not always possible if you're unable to monitor them all day. Feeding cats in separate rooms is the easiest solution, which may work if there are no leftovers to scavenge. If your fat cat is unable to climb then you can feed the healthy cat on a table or other raised surface where it can't reach. Visit A little trick I picked up was to put Drax's food under the bed as there was a small gap that Simba couldn't fit through, but it only worked until he realised that he could squeeze in if he tried. He's by no means obese but not slender either, so this may be more effective with an extra fat cat. Another option is to cut a hole in a cardboard box that's large enough for the healthy cat but too small for the overweight cat. If you're out of the house for long periods of time then you might want to invest in a microchip feeder like the Sure PetCare SureFeed Microchip Feeder that only opens for authorised pets based on their microchip or RFID collar tag. Standard automatic feeders are also useful for scheduling mealtimes when you're not at home. Quality Nutrition Maintaining a healthy weight doesn't rely on dieting and exercise alone. The best thing you can do for your cat is to eliminate dry food from its diet, since it's packed with carbohydrates like grains and vegetables. While so-called weight loss formulas may contain less fat, this is typically replaced with carbohydrates as an alternative energy source - which isn't much better for them. In some cases, cats may still lose weight but suffer other issues as a result of low animal protein. Learn more in this post: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats? Wet food is more species appropriate, with higher moisture and animal protein contents, so cats are getting the hydration they need and fewer calories per portion. If your budget allows, you might consider investing in a fresh food company that best replicates a cat's natural diet. Alternatively, a premium cat food brand like Edgard & Cooper provides a balance of quality and affordability. Edgard & Cooper Chunks in Sauce made with fresh meat and gently cooked. Grain-free with no artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives. Whatever diet you opt for, you should avoid free feeding at all costs! If your cat is a grazer then it has no reason to work for its food, and the only exercise it gets is walking to and from its bowl. While your cat won't be happy with the change initially, set mealtimes and the correct portion sizes will help to create a healthier routine and allows you to keep an eye on their calorie intake. If you're unsure what or how much to feed your cat, you can work with a vet or veterinary nutritionist to create a feeding plan that supports their activity levels and goals. For more feeding tips, refer to these step-by-step guides: How to Calculate the Calorie Content of Cat Food How Many Calories Does My Cat Need? Making a Weight Loss Plan Helping an obese cat to shed its extra pounds takes time and persistence, much like people. Losing weight too quickly will likely do more harm than good as it can lead to fatty liver disease. This is caused by an excess of fat in the liver cells that typically follows a period of anorexia. When a cat isn't getting enough energy from its food, the body breaks down stored fats that get processed by the liver. If the liver is unable to break down the fats quickly enough then it starts to build up, resulting in hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Since overweight cats carry more excess fat than normal cats, they're at a higher risk of liver disease. Visit Use the checklist below to make your weight loss plan, or make some notes to discuss at your next vet appointment. Schedule playtime into your cat's daily routine, starting with a couple of 5-minute sessions and gradually increasing intensity and duration. Plan mealtimes as a post-workout reward and to build a routine. Use treats sparingly and to encourage movement by hiding around the home, on cat trees, furniture, etc. Provide a variety of toys, climbing areas and scratchers to reduce boredom. Include a sprinkle of catnip if your cat is responsive. Choose a quality high-protein, low-carb food (ideally fresh or wet food). Measure portion sizes according to feeding instructions or your own calculations. If necessary, make a plan with your vet. Monitoring Progress Be sure to keep track of your cat's activity levels and weight, noting the playtime duration and types of toys they respond to. Signs of improvement might include: More willingness to play. Longer play sessions. Improved mobility. Increased energy levels. Weight loss or stabilisation. If your cat is showing signs of pain or lethargy, or weight gain is sudden and unexplained, consult a vet so they can check for underlying health issues. The most important thing to remember is that consistency is key. Weight loss should be slow, controlled and ideally under the supervision of a vet. A successful plan should include a combination of diet, exercise, stimulation and enrichment. Your cat will certainly complain if it's used to having food whenever it wants, but the stricter you are, the faster they'll get used to their new routine - and you could be saving yourself a fortune in vet bills later down the line. It's an owner's responsibility to ensure that cats live as healthy life as possible, which means saying no to extra portions and the overindulgence of snacks. The overall aim should be preventing obesity before it has a chance to become an issue. Trust me when I say that it'll be harder for you than your kitty! Mentioned Products KatKin Salmon Nibbles thrive 100% Chicken Treats Sure Petcare SureFeed Microchip Feeder Catstages Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play Bugalugs Licky Mats Do you have your own chunky monkey at home? Share your weight loss plan and let us know if any of these tips helped.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I am not being paid to promote any of the companies mentioned in this article. Opinions are my own and all information is based on extensive research. In this article: What is Fresh Pet Food? Benefits of Raw and Cooked Food Can I Make My Own Cat Food at Home? What Do Tailor-Made Fresh Pet Food Companies Offer? How Much Does It Cost? More KatKin Fresh Cat Food Company Other Raw and Fresh Cat Food Companies Summary Personalised or custom diets for pets are becoming more and more pawpular, and my only question is: what took so long? Health-conscious humans have been following diets to meet their specific requirements ever since the means became available, whether through the advice of a nutritionist or their own research. As much as we love our four-legged friends, we can't all be experts in feline nutrition - and that's okay, because now there are companies that will take care of the hard work for you and deliver scrumptious meals straight to your door - yum! We're officially living in a culture of pet-obsessed parents, with people spending up to equal amounts of money on their fur babies as they do their human babies. With the cost of living soaring, it seems that our furry friends are becoming substitute children for many. Before we take a look at these pet food companies, let's delve into the benefits of fresh grub and how it weighs up against off-the-shelf cans and kibble. What is Fresh Pet Food? It's exactly what it says on the tin - only there is no tin! Think of the difference between heating up a jar of Uncle Ben's Chilli Con Carne (now Ben's Original - hey, I'm old!) to making your own chilli at home. That means choosing your own vegetables, beans, spices and using REAL meat. You know exactly what's going into the mixture because you picked the ingredients. Nothing is processed and there are no nasty chemicals or preservatives to make the food last longer. Fresh food companies usually fall into two categories: raw and cooked. A raw diet can include uncooked meat, fish and internal organs with ground bone for calcium. This best replicates what cats would consume in the wild from natural prey, where the combination of meat, muscle tissues, organs, bones and fur provides all of the nutrients a cat needs for optimal health. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be added to raw food to ensure that nutritional requirements are being met. Cooked food usually contains steamed meat and organs, as well as all of the added supplements. This eliminates bacteria while preventing the destruction of nutrients under high temperatures. Benefits of Raw and Cooked Food Freshness As a pet parent, we want to ensure our furries have a healthy lifestyle and food is a huge part of that. This isn't always possible with your standard commercial foods, as much as it hurts our wallets. More expensive brands such as Purina, which places emphasis on its high-quality ingredients, offers food for all types of cats in different stages, including those of a specialist nature. Amongst their range you'll find diets formulated for hairball control, dental health, sensitive digestion, urinary care; as well as food for indoor, pregnant and senior cats. This sounds like an ideal solution, although we should be questioning whether certain conditions would have presented in the first place if cats were given the correct diet. Nevertheless, the "quality" of ingredients in commercial food is irrelevant when they lack the most important factor: freshness. Given that cat food is a meat product, you can imagine what goes into it to provide a shelf life of up to a year or more.... Related post: The Truth About Commercial Cat Food: What Really Goes into Your Pet's Food? Minimal or Zero Processing The natural vitamins and minerals in raw foods are degraded when cooked, which is why fresh cooked food is gently steamed and then frozen. The processed stuff as found on the shelves of your local Asda is cooked at high temperatures several times! The loss of nutrients has to be replaced, which is where artificial substitutes come in. Some experts believe that poor ingredients and/or processing methods are the primary cause of digestive disorders, along with many other health conditions that we wouldn't normally associate with diet. Skin and eye problems, allergies, urinary tract disease, immune system dysfunction; and those involving internal organs such as the kidneys, heart, liver and pancreas. Free from Additives As mentioned, certain vitamins and minerals may be supplemented in fresh food, but in much lower quantities as the nutritional value is preserved. Products are typically 60-100% meat and contain a healthy dose of amino acids and fatty acids, but cats can easily become deficient in some areas. More importantly, there are no artificial flavourings, colourings or thickeners as seen in gravy-based foods. By-Products If you've ever looked at a cat food label, you might be familiar with the terms "animal by-products", "meat derivatives" or "meat meal". Exactly which parts of animals are used - the nutritious parts or less nutritious parts - is as much a mystery as the livestock itself. That is, how it was sourced and what conditions it lived in prior to being processed - there's that dreaded "p" word again! No Fillers Commercial dry food or kibble is considered to be even lower quality as it's bound together with fillers, which are high in carbohydrates. Grains, cereals and root vegetables all contain starch - this is necessary to make the dough before it's processed at those high temperatures we spoke about. This makes it more digestible for the carnivorous kitty, but the destruction of nutrients is unavoidable. Cats that only eat dry food are also at risk of dehydration, as they require both high moisture and high protein contents. Related post: 5 Best Dry Cat Foods 2026 Carbohydrates To expand on the above, the addition of carbohydrates to a cat's diet is a cause of much controversy in the scientific community. Some veterinary nutritionists argue that they're hard to digest, serve little biological value and contribute to obesity and diabetes. Pet food brands claim they're easy to metabolise, a good source of energy and not linked to obesity or diabetes.... It's a complex subject and must take into account the type of carbohydrates being used and in what quantities - and of course, processing methods. If we're trying to replicate a cat's natural diet, we should view them as what they are: obligate carnivores. In the wild, a cat's diet would typically consist of 55% protein, 43-44% fat and 1-2% carbohydrates, which they obtain from the stomach contents of their pray - a small amount of partially digested plant matter. To put this into perspective, the minimum guidelines as set by the European Pet Food Industry Federation is 26% protein - less than half of what they'd be getting naturally! This is where those extra carbs come in, as the body breaks them down into glucose to provide energy. Yet, cats are able to synthesise their own glucose in the liver. Note that when comparing wet food to dry food, we have to convert percentages to a "dry matter basis" by subtracting the moisture content, which can cause further confusion amongst pet owners. That's why I've made this dedicated post: How to Calculate Carbohydrates in Cat Food and Understanding Dry Matter Basis Shop Premium Cat Food → Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 Some would argue that using carbohydrates as a source of energy saves them from having to make it themselves, but there are other concerns. The heating of seed oils at high temperatures, along with heating fats/proteins and sugar together, produces compounds that cause oxidative stress. This damages the cells and tissues, leading to chronic inflammation, premature ageing and lifelong diseases. The ultimate question isn't whether cats are able to metabolise some types of carbohydrates, or what the potential consequences of consumption may or may not be. Research is limited and doesn't take into account the long-term effects on a cat's overall tissue and organ health. Carbohydrates are simply not necessary - at least, not in the high quantities as seen in commercial pet food - and a cheap alternative to animal protein. Related post: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats? Pros and Cons of a Fresh Food Diet This article is more geared towards the benefits of fresh food rather than the dangers of commercial food, which is another topic in itself. Raw meat isn't entirely risk free, particularly if it's prepared at home; but a reputable fresh food company will have taken every precaution when it comes to food hygiene and safety. Below are a some factors to consider when choosing the right food for your cat. Bear in mind that a poor diet isn't always about obesity; there are many other signs to look out for that might indicate cats aren't getting all of the nutrients they need. Low energy, increased hunger, lack of appetite, smelly or inconsistent poops, skin problems, dandruff, poor coat quality and behavioural issues, to name a few. Pros Cons ✓ Natural ingredients with no preservatives, colourings or flavourings. ✕ Raw food can be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which also carries a risk to the owner handling the food. ✓ Mimics what cats eat in the wild which can help to alleviate digestive issues, allergies and/or intolerances caused by commercial foods. ✕ Some raw meats can harbour parasites such as toxoplasmosis and trichinosis. ✓ A healthy balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients. ✕ Higher costs, particularly as you may need to try many types and flavours to find your cat's preferences. ✓ Usually composed of human-grade food. ✕ Switching a cat's food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if not done gradually. ✓ Cats may have more energy and require less meals since the protein in meat is higher quality. ✕ Don't cater to specialist diets (urinary, diabetic, etc). ✓ Shiner coat due to fatty acids. ✓ As cats are able to use more of what they eat, they'll poop less and it'll be drier - less pong for us! ✓ Transparency regarding ingredients and meat sourcing. Can I Make My Own Cat Food at Home? Homemade cat food recipes are readily available online for both wet and dry food, but most are meant for supplemental feeding only - it's not all about the protein! Cats require a healthy balance of fats, vitamins and minerals that must be obtained from their diet. A lack of taurine, for example, can lead to heart problems and blindness. Homemade recipes usually consist of meat or fish, organs (such as liver), eggs and supplements. Small amounts of vegetables or grains are optional, but to me it defeats the purpose. It is, however, a good starting point for transitioning cats away from commercial food onto a raw or cooked diet - especially where budget is an issue. Pack'n Pride Freeze Dried Cat Treats are made with 100% chicken breast. Feed as a reward, soak in water to get a fresh chicken cube or use as a food topper. No preservatives, grains or by-products and great for sensitive stomachs. The main advantage of using fresh food companies is that you don't have to worry about getting the correct balance of nutrients and/or portions sizes, and they should have some pretty rigorous safety practices in place. Unless you're a veterinary nutritionist, you shouldn't be inventing your own recipes - and be sure to check those you find online. For anyone who is considering taking on the fresh food challenge, I highly recommend Jess at caticles.com for recipes and general advice. What Do Tailor-Made Fresh Cat Food Companies Offer? Whether you're preparing your cat's food at home or using a company, fresh food is an excellent way to maintain control of the ingredients so you know exactly what's going into it. It may come as no surprise that the majority of personalised pet foods are formulated for dogs, but there's a growing number of companies that cater exclusively for felines. By using these companies, you're paying for food that's not only created for cats but customised to your pet's specific health needs and physiology. This is achieved using factors such as age, breed, weight, sex, flavour preferences; and any health concerns, such as allergies. Pet parents are usually required to fill out a questionnaire with all of the necessary information, and the food is made to provide the exact levels of vitamins and minerals they need. As with anything, you want to make sure you're choosing a reputable pet food company - which doesn't necessarily mean looking for the highest prices. Use this handy checklist of what to look for in a quality fresh pet food service. ✓ Food is nutritionally balanced according to the European Pet Food Industry Federation standards (FEDAIF). ✓ Food should be sourced from reputable suppliers and manufacturers. ✓ Companies adhere to the strictest hygiene practices and batch test meat for contamination. ✓ Cat food should be rich in animal protein with a good amount of fat. ✓ Transparency regarding meat contents with no "animal derivatives". ✓ No fillers (grains such as rice and wheat). ✓ A variety of meal options with different types of meats, textures and flavours to suit your cat's preferences. ✓ Cater for a cat's specific requirements with portion guidelines. ✓ Formulas are prepared by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Not all companies will tick off every mark on this checklist, but the most important factor (aside from quality) is the sourcing, testing and handling of the meat itself. Raw fish in particular has a high risk of bacterial contamination and should only be fed to cats in moderation, regardless of how it's prepared. Reviews count too, so check for any customer feedback or refer to Trustpilot where people love to share their opinions. Also search for in-depth blog articles with tried and tested reviews, including original product photos. Checking a company's recall history is wise as it should flag up any cases of contamination, which is particularly concerning if they're serving raw meals. How Much Does It Cost? Pricing for fresh cat food will vary depending on your chosen meal plan and package, but you can expect to pay roughly £50+ per month (per cat) to cover all of their daily meals. As a comparison, the average cost of feeding a cat in the UK is estimated at £36 as of 2025. On a yearly basis, you could be spending £150-£200 more if you wanted to make the transition to fresh food. As mentioned, you could cut these costs by preparing your own cat food at home. Unless you're following a recipe formulated by a veterinary nutritionist and have a good grasp of your cat's specific health needs, it's best to feed homemade food alongside canned food to ensure nutritional needs are being met. Though fresh pet food is in high demand, it's still somewhat of a luxury and makes up a very small percentage of the pet food market. This could change with growing competition and more affordable options, such as a kibble alternative to wet food. Set of 3 cat food bowls made from quality, non-toxic melamine. Bowls have a shallow design and tilted angle to prevent whisker fatigue, with anti-skid silicone pads underneath. With pets becoming a bigger part of our lives and families, naturally, we're spending more money and the food industry will adapt to follow the trends. We've already seen it with things like improved litter, supplements and interactive toys - I want to cry every time I look at my Amazon balance! It makes sense for pet food to follow suit, considering it's the most basic need of any animal. Most companies will offer new customer discounts, regular offers or monthly subscription packages at a slightly lower cost. Not only does this help to save the pennies, but by using a subscription service, you don't have to worry about forgetting to stock up. Make sure it fits your budget and, if not, there are plenty of premium brands on the shelves that are a step up from your bog standard budget ranges. KatKin Fresh Cat Food Company Labelled as the UK's first and leading fresh food brand for cats, it makes sense to use KatKin as an example of what potential customers - and converts - should expect to receive from a tailor-made service (other brands may vary). What does KatKin offer? KatKin is essentially a kitty meal delivery service offering food made from 100% premium quality meat. They create a personalised plan for your feline based on factors such as age, size, weight and health conditions. All recipes are perfectly proportioned for your cat's daily nutritional needs. Ingredients are sourced in the UK and conform to the UK Welfare of Farmed Animal Regulations. Visit How is food prepared? KatKin's meals are prepared in the company's human-grade kitchen in Park Royal, London. Every recipe is tailor-made to your cat's needs by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Meat is steam-cooked to eliminate bad bacteria while preserving nutrition, then frozen to lock those nutrients in. Food is high in moisture, exactly what cats would be getting from natural prey. The nutritional value of KatKin food exceeds the standards set by the FEDIAF. There's also an impressive range of flavours including: fish, turkey, lamb, beef, duck and pork, with a combination of meat and internal organs. KatKin is already ticking off some of the points on that handy fresh food checklist! Benefits At the time of writing this, KatKin is rated 4.6 / 5 based on over 12,000 Trustpilot reviews - another tick. According to the KatKin website, customers report many health improvements to their cats such as: Less poop (and pong!) Return to a healthy weight. Thicker and shinier coats. Restored energy and playfulness. Less digestive issues and diarrhoea. Reduced food allergies. Eliminating gingivitis. Disadvantages KatKin is one of the more expensive fresh food companies, which is to be expected considering their high levels of meat protein. Not suitable for specialist diets. Food Storage Fresh meals need to be stored in the fridge and freezer, unlike commercial foods which are blasted at hot temperatures to make them shelf stable for years. Subscription Process While I haven't purchased KatKin meals for a tried and tested review, I have been through the subscription process to get a feel for ease of use and the like. Filling out the questionnaire was simple and only took a couple of minutes. As well as the standard questions, it was nice to see dropdowns for how fussy an eater your cat is; activity levels and stomach sensitivity. I was pleasantly surprised when KatKin informed me that I could save up to £17 a month in comparison to Drax's standard urinary food. Note that just because this estimate is cheaper for me doesn't mean it will be for you. Specialist or prescription diets are expensive, much more so than your average cat food. Which makes it even more of a shame that fresh foods aren't suitable for my kitty needs! Pricing As taken from the KatKin website, prices start from £1.99 a day which totals a minimum spend of around £60 per month. Currently, you can try the first 14 days with 20% off, which is a good deal to get started. Delivery Food is delivered for free to your door on a 28-day cycle. You can access your subscription from your online account to adjust your cat's menu, change delivery dates, pause your box or cancel the subscription. At this time, KatKin only delivers to England, Scotland and Wales. This is due to the nature of fresh food and because KatKin meals are frozen, they need to arrive on your doorstep within 48 hours. Start your 14-day trial with 20% off → Customer Service KatKin claims that their experts are available seven days a week to help you make the switch to fresh food, offer general advice and answer any questions. I haven't dealt with the company directly but have heard good things about the personalised customer service. For more information about the brand, recipes - and a few home truths about big cat food companies - visit the KatKin website. All things considered, it looks like KatKin sets the bar pretty high in terms of standards, quality and overall service; however, it's not the only option for cat owners in the UK. Whether you're looking for a lower price range, want to try a raw diet or explore a more eco-friendly alternative, there are several other brands that might satisfy your requirements. To help you make a decision, I've put together a brief summary of some highly-rated, UK-based fresh pet food companies. Other Raw and Fresh Cat Food Companies Blink! Choose from a wide range of wet and dry food recipes containing 65% meat and fish fillets, with a blend of vitamins and no cereals or grains. Similar to KatKin, meals are slow cooked to retain nutrition and their prime cuts of meat come with a higher price tag than some other brands. Small boxes start at £30, but you can get a subscription trial pack for just £1! Food pouches are also available in selected stores across the UK. Bella & Duke Meals are made from raw, human-grade meat, bone broth and natural oils. There are no added vitamins or minerals as food is tailor-made to meet your cat's specific dietary needs, then frozen for freshness. Recipes contain at least 94% meat but there are only four flavour options, and starting prices are slightly lower than KatKin. All recipes are developed by nutritionists and checked by vets. Bella & Duke are RawSAFE UK Pet Food certified and were awarded Manufacturer of the Year 2023 by Pet Industry Federation. Poppy’s Picnic The brand started out as a fresh dog food company before launching Purry Power, which makes high-quality raw cat and kitten food that comes in meatball shapes. Their range is limited to three meal recipes and one pack of sprinkles; however, every recipe contains at least 90% meat and animal ingredients. The brand has been featured on Dragon's Den, This Morning and boasts some award-winning meals. Shop smart fountains and automatic feeders → Lovebug Lovebug meals consist of a low-cost, insect-based, dry kibble formula. Food is nutritionally complete and considered to be eco-friendly and hypoallergenic. Although primarily made from natural ingredients, it has been artificially fortified with added vitamins and minerals. It's not as fresh as wet food but a good natural alternative for cats that don't like eating wet/raw food. There are also no flavour or customisation options - one bag suits all. Summary Whatever food you choose for your pets - commercial, homemade, fresh, raw or eco-friendly - I hope this article provides some tips and advice to help you make an informed decision. Cats appreciate variety, so mixing it up will prevent them from growing bored of their food. If you decide to make your own batch of scrumptious meaty goodness, remember to supplement it with commercial foods so cats are still getting all of the nutrients required. The homemade option is a great lower-cost alternative to fresh pet food companies. This is something I'm trying myself, given my notoriously awkward cats. With one on a urinary diet for struvite stones and the other addicted to kibble - both of which would rather starve than look at a piece of fresh meat - it'll be a long road to making any sort of transition! Alternatively, some premium brands like Edgard & Cooper use fresh meat in their recipes, without all of the harsh processing methods, additives and fillers that we usually see. This is a good way to avoid the generic "meat meal", "meat derivates" and "animal by-products" that tell us absolutely nothing about what our cats are eating. While there are hundreds of thousands of cats that live out their days on a commercial diet, that doesn't mean they're healthy. We can see evidence of this in the abundance of prescription diets, supplements and behavioural remedies on the market - not to mention mass obesity. Food is the source of life, from tissues to the bones and vital organs - including the brain. Insufficient nutrients can affect the mind as well as the body! A final important point to note, transitioning cats to new food should always be done gradually to allow an adequate amount of time for their sensitive stomachs to adjust to new nutrients - we don't want any vomiting or diarrhoea. I recommend seeking advice from a vet to make sure it's the right decision for your furry. For more tips on introducing cats to new food, check out this post: How to Change a Cat's Food with 10 Tasty Tips Have you made the transition to fresh food? What are your experiences and, more importantly, did your kitties approve? If you think any other brands are worth a mention, let us know in the comments.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. This is an honest review of a free product. I may receive a small commission on purchases made through links in this article, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support my blog and pay the cat taxes - thank you! Is your cat overweight, lazy or sluggish? Do they have stinky toilet habits, a dull coat or dandruff? It could be down to a diet of processed junk, with low amounts of animal-based protein and an excess of grains and fillers. If the food you're buying isn't making your cat happy or healthy, you're not alone. Edgard & Cooper is a young but fast-growing company based in Germany, founded by two friends and their dogs - Edgard and Cooper! The pair made it their mission to create pet food that's not only delicious and healthy, but uses fresh meat in their recipes. After many years of research and partnering with universities, they found the perfect recipes and are now selling healthy cat and dog food in 13 countries. Special delivery from Edgard & Cooper! Since then, Edgard & Cooper has become a leading independent premium pet food brand in Europe. In 2024, it was acquired by US food giant, General Mills, but continues to operate separately. The company was kind enough to send me samples of their cat food range including wet food, kibble and some tasty treats that I can't wait to share with you. Of course, the final verdict lies with our important tester cats - read on to discover their ratings! Shop on the Edgard & Cooper website, Amazon and other online retailers. They also have availability in select stores across the UK, including Pets at Home. Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 In this article: What Can I Expect from Edgard & Cooper? Dry Food Wet Food Treats Final Thoughts What Can I Expect from Edgard & Cooper? Before we get to the juicy stuff, here's a little more about what the company offers and how it differs from many of the brands you'll have seen on the shelves of Tesco. Psst.... in case you missed it, I share my thoughts on commercial food here: The Truth About Commercial Cat Food: What Really Goes into Your Pet's Food? ✓ Fresh, natural ingredients. ✓ Gently cooked to preserve nutrition and flavour. ✓ Sourced from local suppliers wherever possible. ✓ Recyclable packaging. ✓ 1% of sales donated to charity. All in all, Edgard & Cooper is good for pets, good for the planet and, consequently, good for you. If you're interested in learning more, you can read their sustainability plan and impact report. It's important to note that, while Edgard & Cooper uses fresh meat in their recipes, it isn't the same as a raw or fresh food company that uses 100% animal ingredients. It does, however, come with many other benefits that sets it apart from standard commercial cat foods. Edgard & Cooper Other Food ✓ Fresh meat and fish packed with protein. ❌ Overly processed meat and offal. ✓ Herbs, berries and flowers for extra fibre, nutrients and antioxidants. ❌ Unspecified ingredients. ✓ Sweet potatoes, a low-glycaemic carbohydrate. ❌ Low protein content and quality. ✓ Well-balanced, wholesome recipes. ❌ Packed with grains and fillers. ✓ Grain and gluten-free. ❌ High in carbohydrates. ✓ No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. ❌ Harder to digest. Dry Food Overview The entire Edgard & Cooper cat food range is grain-free and gluten-free, which is promising for all cats but especially those with allergies. Their complete dry food contains fresh meat, not meat meal or bone meal. Anything described as "meal" basically refers to powdered animal parts - meat, skin, offal, bone, feet - your guess is as good as mine! To be clear, all meat has to be dried and processed in order to produce kibble. Think of the difference between baking a homemade cake with fresh ingredients and whipping up a packet mix - there's a clear winner in terms of nutrition. Main benefits: Fresh meat/fish to support strong muscles. Salmon oil for healthy skin and shiny fur. Taurine to support the eyes and heart. L-carnitine to promote metabolism. Dried chicory to support a healthy gut. No added sugar. Flossie polishing off the salmon kibble. Packaging The packaging is made from recyclable paper and bioplastic, which is great for the environment but they aren't self-seal bags. This isn't a huge issue as dry food keeps for ages, but if buying this food on a regular basis, you might want to store it in an airtight container for maximum freshness. Flavours Flavour options include: Adult cats: Chicken; Salmon; Turkey & Chicken Kitten: Duck & Chicken Senior: Chicken & Turkey I received the chicken and salmon flavour kibbles for adult cats, let's take a look! Chicken Free-range chicken kibble for adult cats, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Fresh chicken 50%, peas, potato (dried), potato starch, potato protein, pea protein. More Minerals, chicken gravy, chicken fat, linseed, yeasts (dried, natural source of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and beta-glucans) 1.5%, chicory (dried, natural source of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin) 1%, beet pulp (dried), salmon oil 0.5%, cranberries (dried) 0.003%, sage (dried) 0.003%, valerian (dried) 0.003%. 399.4 kcal per 100g Unlike most cat foods, we're not left guessing the calorie content either! Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 30% Protein: 32.60% Fat: 17% Fat: 18.47% Fibre: 2.5% Fibre: 2.71% Ash: 7.5% Ash: 8.15% Moisture: 8% Carbohydrates: 38.04% *DMB = Percentages with moisture removed for a more accurate representation. Salmon Atlantic salmon kibble for adult cats, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Fresh salmon 50%, peas, potato protein, potato (dried), potato starch, pea protein. More Minerals, chicken gravy, linseed, yeasts (dried, natural source of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and beta-glucans) 1.5%, chicory (dried, natural source of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin) 1%, beet pulp (dried), salmon oil 0.5%, basil (dried) 0.003%, cranberries (dried) 0.003%, dill (dried) 0.003%. 403.9 kcal per 100g Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 30% Protein: 32.60% Fat: 18% Fat: 19.56% Fibre: 2.5% Fibre: 2.71% Ash: 7.5% Ash: 8.15% Moisture: 8% Carbohydrates: 36.95% Review Most grain-free cat foods contain vegetables as an alternative energy source, especially potatoes as the starch is used as a binding agent in kibble. What stands out with Edgard & Cooper is that recipes only use sweet potato, which has a lower glycaemic index. This means it's digested slower and results in a smaller sugar spike, keeping your cat's tummy fuller for longer so they're less likely to snack. The inclusion of potato and peas does bump up the carbohydrate content, which I'd expect with bog-standard food; but it's more than I'd like to see in a brand like this. Recipes also contain pea protein which, again, is commonly used as a substitute for animal-based protein; however, it's not a main ingredient. The exact percentages of potatoes and peas are not given, but the amount of carbohydrates gives us a good idea of how many grains or veggies are being added to any particular food. In this case, 36-38% on a dry matter basis is even higher than protein at 32% DMB. The percentage of meat decreases after being cooked due to the evaporation of water, which could explain the heavy use of vegetables. Some might call this a disadvantage of using fresh meat. If you aren't sure how to do the maths then it's very simple and can be found here: How to Calculate Carbohydrates in Cat Food and Understanding Dry Matter Basis What we do know is that the primary ingredient is fresh chicken or fish at 50% - great! Taking a closer look at this, since it's the most important part of a cat's diet, 30% crude protein doesn't sound like anything special, especially since we don't know how much of that is animal-based. However, I'd rather see 30% of labelled, quality ingredients than 50% of crap. The food contains a moderate amount of fat, which cats would benefit from in the wild; but as dry food is more calorie-dense than wet food, portion control is extremely important. The use of chicken fat and salmon oil also reduces the (unnecessary) need for plant-based ingredients. Free-range chicken is an ethical bonus. The percentages of herbs and berries are so minute that I'm not sure they warrant boasting on the front of the packaging, but this is typical of pet food manufacturers - and less is more. The kibble pieces aren't too large or small and quite flat, making them easy to chew for both adults and older cats; although the range does include a separate kibble especially formulated for seniors. For kittens, the pieces are significantly smaller. Simba diving into the chicken kibble - you have to see it to believe it! Tester's Verdict I don’t often use my notoriously picky-eating cats for testing food, especially Simba who'll only entertain a couple of different kibbles (despite my ongoing efforts to get him onto wet food). To my amazement, he took to the chicken flavour without any bribery or encouragement from me whatsoever! If you know my incredibly fussy, incredibly demanding little boy then you'll know that getting the paws-up for.... well, pretty much anything.... is a big win, so I have to give credit where it's due. The bad news? This was the only thing he would eat out of all the goodies on offer, but that's no reflection on the food - just Simba being Simba. If you've never met a cat that rejected every brand of treats available, you have now! The salmon flavour went down incredibly well with the other testers - aka, my nieces and nephew. Kit and Nobby are on the greedier side, but it was fussy Flossie that attempted to break into the bag before the kibble was even poured into a bowl. Nobby isn't sharing! Conclusion Dry food is never going to be the best dietary option for cats, but it's known for being a good cost-effective option. That being said, naturally, you're going to pay more for the fresh meat content of Edgard & Cooper. This alone makes it a big step-up from your basic commercial food - and even some of the so-called premium brands - but the protein and carbohydrate contents are about average. Overall, if you're already paying for the likes of certain "premium" brands and your cat isn't on a prescription diet, then you might as well use that money for something that actually gives pets the nutrition they need, which this dry food does marginally better. Unfortunately, we can't escape those carbohydrates, whether they come in the form of grains or vegetables, but some are worse than others - and different cats will tolerate different ingredients. Related post: 5 Best Dry Cat Foods 2026 Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 There's tons of information on the brand's website, and it's refreshing to see a pet food manufacturer that cares about feline nutritional needs enough to promote wet food as a healthier choice - or at the very least, a mixture of wet and dry. As well as the generic feeding directions provided on the packaging, which applies to both sterilised and unsterilised cats, each product page on the website includes a feeding calculator so you can work out the correct portion size for your specific cat. I tested this against my own calculations and it's fairly accurate. Perhaps most importantly, both kibbles passed the furry palettes of two of our most pickiest eaters. Wet Food Overview Edgard & Cooper's wet cat food range (complete) offers a selection of chunks in sauce and pâté. Fillets are available as a complimentary snack. Main benefits of chunks in sauce and pâté: Packed full of protein with meat/fish and nutritious offal (the good by-products like muscle tissue, organs and bone). Taurine to support the eyes and heart. No added sugar. Packaging All of Edgard & Cooper's wet food cans are made from metal, which is not only recyclable but has natural preservative properties to keep those important nutrients locked in. Food lasts for up to 24 months, helping to reduce waste and spoilage. Flavours Flavour options for chunks in sauce and pâté include: Adults: Chicken; Turkey & Chicken; Lamb & Chicken; Salmon & Chicken Kittens: Duck & Chicken; Codfish & Chicken Seniors: Chicken & Turkey Flavour options for fillets include: All ages: Tuna; Tuna & Chicken; Tuna & Shrimp; Tuna & Squid I received all flavours of the chunks in sauce and pâté; as well as the tuna and tuna & chicken fillets. Let's take a look! Chunks in Sauce Chicken Free-run chicken pieces in sauce for adult cats, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Chicken 46%, beef 7%, minerals, sage (dried) 0.02%, turmeric (dried) 0.02%, cranberries (dried) 0.01%. 83.9 kcal per 100g Lamb & Chicken Juicy lamb and free-run chicken in sauce for adult cats, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Chicken 40%, lamb 7%, beef 6%, minerals, sage (dried) 0.02%, turmeric (dried) 0.02%, cranberries (dried) 0.01%. 83.9 kcal per 100g Kit diving in - literally! Salmon & Chicken Tandem of salmon from an MSC-certified sustainable fishery and free-run chicken in sauce for adult cats, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Chicken 37.5%, MSC* salmon 8.5%, beef 7%, minerals, basil (dried) 0.02%, dill (dried) 0.02%, cranberries (dried) 0.01%. 83.9 kcal per 100g Turkey & Chicken Free-run turkey and chicken in sauce for adult cats, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Turkey 26%, chicken 20%, beef 7%, minerals, sage (dried) 0.02%, turmeric (dried) 0.02%, cranberries (dried) 0.01%. 83.9 kcal per 100g The analytical constituents for all of these wet foods are the same, as shown in the chart below. Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 9% Protein: 50% Fat: 5% Fat: 27.77% Fibre: 0.2% Fibre: 1.11% Ash: 2.5% Ash: 13.88% Moisture: 82% Carbohydrates: 7.22% Happy cats and full tummies. Review This wet food provides a good balance of protein and fat that's much closer to a cat's natural diet than the dry food variety - and not a pea or potato in sight. Notice how this lowers the carbohydrate content to less than a quarter of that in the kibble, and it contains significantly less calories. With nothing but fresh meat, offal and a small percentage of herbs and berries, this is purrfect for the carnivorous kitty. These recipes claim to use "free-run" chicken and turkey which, technically, isn't the same as free-range, as animals are still confined within a barn rather than having outdoor access. However, the company is very open about their mission to push for higher welfare - more on this can be found in the ethics and sustainability section at the end. I appreciate a short, clear ingredients list with no nasties hidden under umbrella terms like "meat meal", "vegetable derivatives" or "cereals" - which, let's be honest, has become the unacceptable norm. The only thing I'd like to see here is named offal, just to confirm that it is indeed the nutritious parts of animals being used. Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 The crude protein is at 50% - again, not a huge increase from what we're used to seeing - but the fresh meat and absence of fillers makes it a worthy trade-off. It's also worth mentioning that all of these recipes contain 7% beef, hence the importance of checking the label. All products on the brand's website include an allergy section, which is helpful when choosing the best food for your kitty. These meals don't look particularly appetising, but that's the point. No artificial colours or flavours to create that overpowering "meaty" smell - just simple chunks in a light sauce, which is all you really need. Cats don't rate their plates like humans do; in fact, those bright caramel gravies are more for your eyes to tempt you into buying the product. Gobble gobble gobble. Tester's Verdict I’m equally surprised to report that the chunks in sauce went down reasonably well with Drax who, as you may know, is on a urinary diet, but we don't want him feeling left out - a little treat never hurts! I did mash up the chunks because he has an aversion to the texture, but I have to do the same with his urinary food. If your cat prefers shredded or flaked meat then you can use a fork to mash it up. I didn't have to do the usual mixing old food with new food or follow him around for half a day in the hopes that he'd try it. He only ignored it the first couple of times, which for Drax is quite the achievement! While he didn't lick his bowl clean, I'm certain it's a brand he could get used to as the occasional treat. Since he can't have much of this food, I only gave him the lamb & chicken flavour. The remaining tins were devoured by Nobby and Kit, who chased their mum around demanding more. Flossie doesn't eat wet food and is no closer to changing her mind - we tried! Pâté Chicken Silky soft pâté with free-run chicken for adult cats, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Chicken 59%, minerals, cranberries (dried) 0.02%, sage (dried) 0.02%, valerian (dried) 0.02%. 93.2 kcal per 100g Salmon & Chicken Silky soft pâté with tandem of salmon from an MSC-certified sustainable fishery and free-run chicken. For adult cats, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Chicken 49%, MSC* salmon 10%, minerals, basil (dried) 0.02%, cranberries (dried) 0.02%, dill (dried) 0.02%. 93.2 kcal per 100g The analytical constituents for both of these pâtés are the same, as shown in the chart below. Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 9.5% Protein: 48.71% Fat: 6% Fat: 30.76% Fibre: 0.4% Fibre: 2.05% Ash: 2.5% Ash: 12.82% Moisture: 80.5% Carbohydrates: 5.64% Lamb & Chicken Silky soft pâté with lamb and free-run chicken for adult cats, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Chicken 49%, lamb 10%, minerals, cranberries (dried) 0.02%, sage (dried) 0.02%, valerian (dried) 0.02%. 91.3 kcal per 100g Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 9.5% Protein: 50% Fat: 6% Fat: 31.57% Fibre: 0.4% Fibre: 2.10% Ash: 2.5% Ash: 13.15% Moisture: 81% Carbohydrates: 3.15% Turkey & Chicken Silky soft pâté with free-run turkey and chicken for adult cats, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Turkey 31%, chicken 28%, minerals, cranberries (dried) 0.02%, sage (dried) 0.02%, valerian (dried) 0.02%. 99.1 kcal per 100g Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 9.5% Protein: 46.34% Fat: 6.5% Fat: 31.70% Fibre: 0.4% Fibre: 1.95% Ash: 2.5% Ash: 12.19% Moisture: 79.5% Carbohydrates: 7.80% Review Looking at the dry matter basis, there isn't much difference between these recipes in terms of nutrition. Lamb & chicken has the highest amount of protein and the lowest carbohydrates, but only by a few percent. I usually find pâté to be a little mousse-like in texture with an unpleasantly strong smell, but this was firmer and didn't require a peg on my nose. I didn't go as far as tasting it, but you can see the quality in its appearance. The salmon used in the salmon & chicken flavour pâté is MSC-certified, which means it's wild-caught and sustainable, helping to prevent overfishing. In comparison to the chunks in sauce, neither is particularly better or worse than the other; although the pâtés contain more calories. They both have meat as the primary ingredients, with the pâté slightly higher at 59% (chunks in sauce 54%); followed by a small amount of herbs and berries. Kit sampling some chicken pâté. The pâté also comes in a fair bit cheaper per tin, which will save the pennies if you're on a budget. The main difference is texture, and the best choice will be whatever your cat prefers. There are two kitten pâtés, which is a good option when weaning them off milk onto solid food; and a senior formula for easy chewing. Also in this range are a selection of organic pâtés. Tester's Verdict Drax isn't too keen on pâté and, unfortunately, this wasn't enough to sway him. All flavours were gobbled up by Nobby and Kit without hesitation. Fillets The fillets are a 100% natural complimentary food that can be given alongside any other complete food as a fishy snack. Feeding directions advise giving cats no more than one tin per day. Personally, I'd limit any kind of fish to once a week. Tuna & Chicken Shredded tuna topped with chicken pieces in a mouthwatering broth for cats over eight weeks old, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Tuna 60%, chicken 4%, fish broth. Analytical Constituents: Crude protein 18.5%, crude fat 0.7%, crude fibre 0%, crude ash 1.3%, moisture 78.9%, carbohydrates 0.6%. 86.4 kcal per 100g Tuna Shredded tuna in a mouthwatering broth for cats over eight weeks old, including sterilised ones. Ingredients: Tuna 60%, fish broth. Analytical Constituents: Crude protein 17.4%, crude fat 0.6%, crude fibre 0%, crude ash 1.2%, moisture 80.2%, carbohydrates 0.6%. 80.9 kcal per 100g Drax loves his tuna fillets! Review As a complimentary food, the analytical constituents aren't overly important for these fillets but I've included them as given on the label. All we need to know is that they're high in animal protein and moisture with minimal carbohydrates. Edgard & Cooper only use skipjack tuna in their fillets, as this species is not endangered and richer in flavour. Upon opening the tin, it appeared no different to human food - in fact, I dare say it looked better! Tester's Verdict These pink, fresh, juicy fillets were scoffed in one go by Mr Drax after diving headfirst into the bowl. None of the other cats got a look in, what more can I say? Treats Overview Edgard & Cooper treats offer a selection of pillows, crunchies and rolls for cats over six months old. Main benefits: Made with fresh meat/fish. Grain-free. No added sugar. Packaging All treats come in plastic packaging that's resealable for freshness. They're designed for recycling in many areas but it depends on your local collection. Flavours Flavour options include: Pillows: Chicken; Salmon; Turkey Crunchies: Chicken; Salmon Rolls: Chicken & Turkey; Salmon & Chicken I received the chicken pillows, chicken crunchies and salmon & chicken rolls. Let's take a look! Drax guarding his chicken pillows. Chicken Pillows Delicious rewards that are crunchy on the outside with a soft, creamy centre. Ingredients: Pea starch, chickpeas (dried), fresh chicken 14%, chicken fat, sweet potato (dried), pea protein, lignocellulose, chicken gravy, minerals. Analytical Constituents: Crude protein 17%, crude fat 16.5%, crude fibre 5.5%, crude ash 5.9%. 373 kcal per 100g (less than 2 kcal per treat) Chicken Crunchies A variety of shapes with a hint of catnip for playing and relaxing. Ingredients: Fresh chicken 30%, potato starch, pea starch, pea protein, potato protein, chicken fat, chicken gravy, lignocellulose, catnip 1%, minerals. Analytical Constituents: Crude protein 33%, crude fat 10%, crude fibre 2.7%, crude ash 5% 378 kcal per 100g Kit hoovering up the salmon & chicken rolls. Salmon & Chicken Rolls Soft, meaty rolls for hunting and chasing. Ingredients: Chicken 76%, salmon 10%, potato flakes, minerals, psyllium seed husks, yeasts. Analytical Constituents: Crude protein 31%, crude fat 21%, crude fibre 2%, crude ash 7%, moisture 27%. 345 kcal per 100g Flossie can't get enough of the chicken crunchies with catnip! Review This is a fun variety of treats for different occasions, with good flavour and texture options for the particular pussy cat. The pillows and crunchies are like standard treat biscuits and contain fresh chicken, as well as potatoes and peas, as main ingredients. The rolls are softer and "meatier", as well as being healthier in terms of nutrition and having the fewest calories per 100g. The pillows are described as containing less than 2 kcal per treat, but there's no saying how this compares to the others. Since treats should be limited and make up less than 10% of a cat's diet, the nutritional specifics aren't too much of an issue, and we still have a healthy dose of fresh meat in there. Which, compared to the usual "meat derivatives" and "vegetable by-products", is worth the extra pennies. Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 Tester's Verdict Drax is a big fan of pillow treats and, as expected, he took to Edgard & Cooper's chicken pillows after a thorough inspection. They're a little harder than his usual brands, but he didn't seem to mind the extra crunch of fresh meaty goodness. The chicken crunchies took a little more convincing but eventually disappeared when I wasn't looking - he only went and broke into the bag! Unfortunately, the salmon & chicken rolls were rejected but quickly snatched up by the remaining tester cats. Even Flossie went crazy for them, which is a first. Flossie checking her order. Final Thoughts I’m not exaggerating when I say that I'm shocked at how well Drax and Simba responded to this food, as we all know my fussy felines are less than ideal testers. In my opinion, this only confirms the positive feedback I received from the other kitties. Absolutely nothing went to waste and there were no tummy upsets after eating. I'll almost certainly be purchasing a few favourites in the future! There aren't many cat food brands using fresh meat in their recipes that are available in the UK, and of those that exist, you'll likely find meals containing higher amounts of protein - whether they're as tasty, only your cats will tell you. However, there are many other reasons to invest in Edgard & Cooper. Kit trying to muscle in on Nobby's meal. Ethics and Sustainability The company's ethical practices are impressive to say the least. They do a lot for the pet community, animals and the planet - from charity work to sustainability and the careful sourcing of ingredients. Of course, we can never be sure that suppliers are doing everything they say they're doing, but this is part of Edgard & Cooper's mission. As a vegetarian myself, I wanted to share this important statement from the brand's website: “We’ve been pushing industry norms: 93% of our meat, fish and offal is of EU standard, where the Five Freedoms are a legal requirement, and we frequently go further than this with higher welfare ingredients in 52% of our products (organic, MSC, ASC, Initiative Tierwohl, plant-based)." All bowls licked clean! Along with tracing their ingredients and pushing for better animal welfare, Edgard & Cooper have a Zero Pawprint Plan. They're one of the only pet food brands that print the carbon score of their products onto the packaging. It's this level of transparency that helps customers to compare options and make informed decisions about the food they're buying. No cat food is perfect, but I wouldn't recommend any product that I didn't believe had some value - and I certainly wouldn't feed it to my cats. If you're looking for better quality food than what you're currently feeding or want to try something different, Edgard & Cooper is a safe option - especially their wet food, which is more nutritionally balanced in my opinion. If you need help transitioning cats to new food, this post has you covered: How to Change a Cat's Food with 10 Tasty Tips More queues for the treats. Customer Feedback At the time of writing this, Edgard & Cooper has a rating of 4.6 / 5 stars on Trustpilot. This represents a great experience amongst pets and owners alike. Positive feedback includes: Good variety of products for cats and dogs, including those with allergies. Pets love the taste of food, including picky eaters - which I can 100% agree with! Improved health and wellbeing. Fast delivery and easy-to-use website with subscribe and save plan available. Good customer service. Option of donating loyalty points to animal shelters. Only 4% of reviews are less than 3 stars and usually report issues with delivery. There appears to be minimal gut problems or other adverse reactions to this food, and pets rarely dislike it. The company has replied to 99% of negative reviews and frequently offers a solution. Head over to the Edgard & Cooper website to browse their large range of cat and dog food, or check out their blog for some pawsome posts. Don't miss out on getting 20% off your first order over £20 with my exclusive code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 (only valid on the official Edgard & Cooper website). Have you tried this brand? Did your kitties approve? Share your experiences and feedback in the comments.

In this article: How to Calculate Carbohydrate Content Dry Matter Basis Summary How many carbohydrates are in your cat's food? You won't find the answer on a packaging label, or anywhere for that matter. Since carbohydrates aren't necessary in a cat's diet, manufacturers aren't required to disclose this information, despite most dry foods containing an average of 30-40%. Sources of carbohydrates like veggies and grains are cheaper than using animal-based protein. A wild cat gets everything it needs from the meat, organs and bones of prey - including a very small amount of plant matter from the stomachs of animals. This would already be partially digested and therefore easier for a cat's body to break down. The ingredients in commercial food must be heavily processed, which proves the point that carbohydrates are unsuitable for cats. They're mainly used as fillers to bulk out food and can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, allergies, urinary tract disease and other health issues. Carbohydrates are a highly debated topic, but if you want to learn more then it's all broken down in this eye-opening post: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats? Visit Regardless of opinion, we should be aiming to feed our cats as close to a natural diet as possible, which means paying attention to those carbohydrate levels. Once we know that, we can work out the total calorie content. There's nothing wrong with contacting the manufacturer to get the carbohydrate/calorie contents of food - in fact, it's recommended for the most accurate information - but you could be waiting a long time for a response. With a few simple calculations, we can smash through this lack of transparency and discover the truth about what we're feeding our cats to make more informed decisions. *Manual calculations are estimates only, since there are many other unknown variables. How to Calculate Carbohydrate Content Let's look at the formula for working out carbohydrates per 100g of cat food. Step 1: Look for the "analytical constituents" section on your cat food label or packaging and note the percentage of protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. Technically, moisture only has to be listed if it's greater than 14%. This won't be a problem with wet food, but if dry food doesn't state the moisture content then you can either contact the manufacturer or assume it's between 8-10%. Step 2: Once you have these numbers, add them all up and subtract the total from 100. IAMS Advanced Nutrition Indoor Dry Cat Food Using the image above as a reference: 36.5% (protein) + 12% (fat) + 6.9% (fibre) + 6.4% (ash) + 8% (moisture) = 69.8% 100 - 69.8 = 30.2 So, the carbohydrate level in this dry food is 30.2%. It’s important to learn how to compare this to wet food as the results will appear significantly different. Gourmet Mon Petit Meaty Variety Wet Food Using the same formula: 12% (protein) + 2.6% (fat) + 0.05% (fibre) + 1.7% (ash) + 81.5% (moisture) = 97.85% 100 - 97.85 = 2.15 The carbohydrate level in this wet food is 2.15%. By contrast, it seems as though wet food has a lower amount of protein, fat, fibre and ash due to the higher moisture content. The percentages shown on a cat food label are "as fed" which gives us the nutrient values with moisture included. For a true comparison, we have to remove the moisture to find what's known as the "dry matter basis" or DMB. Shop Premium Cat Food → Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 Dry Matter Basis Use the following formula for calculating food on a DMB. For reference, I'm using the same wet food as pictured above. Step 1: Subtract the moisture content from 100. 100 - 81.5% = 18.5 This means the total percentage of food that isn't moisture is 18.5%. Step 2: Divide the "as fed" percentages shown on the label by the dry matter percentage we've just calculated (18.5%) then multiply the result by 100. *Results rounded to the nearest whole number for ease. Protein: 12% / 18.5 = 0.64 x 100 = 64 The amount of protein on a DMB is 64%. Fat: 2.6% / 18.5 = 0.14 x 100 = 14 The amount of fat on a DMB is 14%. Fibre: 0.05% / 18.5 = 0.002 x 100 = 0.2 The amount of fibre on a DMB is 0.2% Ash: 1.7% / 18.5 = 0.09 x 100 = 9 The amount of ash on a DMB is 9% Carbohydrates: 2.15% / 18.5 = 0.11 x 100 = 11 The amount of carbohydrates on a DMB is 11% The same formula can be used on dry food, which is why it's beneficial to find out the exact moisture content if possible. You can see the results displayed in the table below, which gives us a fairer comparison of wet and dry food. Dry Food Wet Food Protein: 39% Protein: 64% Fat: 13% Fat: 14% Fibre: 7% Fibre: 0.2% Ash: 6% Ash: 9% Carbohydrates: 32% Carbohydrates: 11% *Percentages as DMB If you'd prefer a quicker option, there are plenty of carbohydrate and/or dry matter basis calculators online; but it never hurts to understand the mathematics so you can double check if necessary. I like this carb calculator from Caticles that's simple to use, with helpful instructions and feeding tips. For converting nutrients to a dry matter basis, you can use this calculator from the Feline Nutrition Center. To learn more about your cat's energy needs and requirements, check out this helpful post: How Many Calories Does My Cat Need? Summary While there are lots of factors to consider when choosing a quality cat food, from vitamins and minerals to additives and preservatives, this should give you a basic understanding of the key nutrients that are essential for a cat's survival. Commercial pet foods are formulated to be nutritionally balanced according to guidelines set by the FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry) or AAFCO in the States. However, don't be fooled into thinking these guidelines are designed for cats to thrive at peak health. Rather, they're the minimum requirements to maintain basic bodily functions. As a reference point, the FEDIAF guidelines for a complete food for adult cats are: Protein: 26% (DMB) Fat: 9% (DMB) Fibre: no minimum requirement for carbohydrates. Compared to a natural diet in the wild, which consists of approximately: Protein: 55% Fat: 43-44% Fibre: 1-2% These numbers vary slightly depending on source but, nevertheless, it explains why commercial food is so carb heavy. Grains and vegetables are used to make up for the substantial lack of animal protein and fat, which is a greater energy source than any other nutrient. If you need more convincing, remember that a mouse is made up of 70% water. Cats restricted to a dry food diet are at serious risk of dehydration, on top of other deficiencies caused by low animal protein substituted with an excessive amount of carbohydrates. For a more natural and species-appropriate diet, you might consider raw feeding or a fresh cat food company like KatKin. Find out more here: Fresh Raw and Cooked Cat Food: Tailor-Made Nutrition Sent to Your Door! Did you find this carb calculator helpful? Has it changed the way you feed your cats?

In this article: Pet Food Companies Commercial Cat Food vs Natural Food Recalls Prescription Diets Summary Pet Food Companies Imagine the pet care aisle at your local supermarket, the shelves stacked with eye-catching cans, sachets, boxes and bags of kibble. At first glance, the unlimited choice can be overwhelming and it's hard to know where to begin if you're a new parent. Let's take a closer look.... Some of these brands might sound familiar: Whiskas, Sheba, Royal Canin, Cesar and IAMS. Did you know that they're all owned by the same company - Mars Petcare? Yes, I am talking about the same Mars that brings us the chocolatey likes of Maltesers, Milky Way, Galaxy and others. Here are some more brands that you'll probably have heard of: Felix, Go-Cat, Gourmet and Purina. These fall under Nestlé Purina Petcare, the same guys that bring you your morning coffee. As of 2012, Purina had a 23.1% share of the global pet food market; while its largest competitor, Mars, had a 23.4% share. That's almost half of the pet food market swallowed up by two companies. To really put into perspective the scope of these businesses, Mars and Nestlé are amongst the ten companies that control almost every large food and beverage brand in the world! (Source: Wikipedia) I'm not here to bash commercial cat foods - well, not entirely - as they've allowed me and millions of others to keep cats in our homes for over a hundred years, not to mention those rescued by shelters. It's also fair to say that the quality of some brands is better than others, and we're seeing a lot more natural and grain-free options on the shelves. However, it's often the case that grains are replaced with vegetables which, in theory, doesn't make them any better. The problem is that while times have moved on, the quality of food has deteriorated - both human and animal - largely due to modern processing methods and factory farming. In order to keep pet food shelf-stable, it's heated to extreme temperatures numerous times, causing the destruction of vital nutrients - not to mention the overload of additives and preservatives. Shop Premium Cat Food → Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 Fortunately, people are more informed than they were a decade ago, and with some major pet food recalls during that time, it's sparked a new wave of fresh food for cats and dogs. What perhaps began as a fad has proven popular with owners, who report major improvements to their pet's overall health. Many are starting to make the transition to fresh food, which consists of high-content meat recipes that can be served raw or gently steamed. However, there remains a lot of confusion about what is and isn't the best diet for our feline fur babies. Related post: Fresh Raw and Cooked Cat Food: Tailor-Made Nutrition Sent to Your Door! Commercial Cat Food vs Natural Food Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat to survive. Typically, a wild cat's diet from natural prey would consist of 55% protein, 43-44% fat and 1-2% carbohydrates. Why is it, then, that the minimum guideline for protein set by the European Pet Food Industry Federation is a measly 26%? Added to this, most standard pet foods don't specify which parts of an animal they contain, with terms such as "meat derivatives" or "animal by-products" commonly used on packaging labels. I've seen actual meat contents as low as 4% - which begs the question, what's the rest made up of? By-Products By-products are simply the leftover bits from human food production and can either be named or unnamed. Pet food manufacturers will happily rave about their "chicken liver" by-products, which are highly nutritious for cats; but they're less forthcoming about the cost-saving chicken heads and feet. It's like the difference between a pink juicy breast out of your fridge and a bag of frozen chicken nuggets. The European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF) is the trade body that represents the pet food industry in Europe - yes, Mars PetCare and Nestlé Purina Petcare have their fingers in this pie, too, as company members. Manufacturers in the UK are often legally required to follow the FEDIAF's guidelines and code of practices to ensure materials meet the high safety and quality criteria, as well as providing all of the nutrients our pets need. It clearly states that "members must use by-products of the human food industry that come from animals slaughtered under veterinary supervision". This includes beef, lamb, poultry, pork, fish, rabbit and game. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is the USA equivalent to the FEDIAF, with a few differences. The AAFCO requires that all ingredients used in pet food must be safe and suitable for consumption - the "clean" parts of "slaughtered" animals. So, does this mean we can disregard reports of pet food manufacturers using roadkill; restaurant and supermarket refuse; unwanted cats and dogs from animal shelters; dying or diseased farm and zoo animals; and worst of all, euthanised pets from veterinary clinics? Recalls Evanger's In February 2017, a US pet food company, Evanger's, recalled five dog products after traces of pentobarbital - a drug used by veterinarians to euthanise cats and dogs - was found in the food. A total of four Pugs were affected, one of whom sadly died. Related article from AlterNet: There Could Be Dead Dogs and Cats in Your Pet's Food While the source of the contamination remains "unknown", Evanger's blamed their meat supplier and subsequently cut ties. The Food and Drug administration (FDA) investigated but no legal action was taken because, technically, no laws were broken. In fact, the FDA published this article which implies that small amounts of pentobarbital in pet food is no big deal: Report on the Risk from Pentobarbital in Dog Food How is that possible when our pets are protected by the AAFCO and FEDIAF? Because, pet mums and dads, the regulations put in place to ensure your pet's food is safe to eat, free of contaminants and truthfully labelled aren't legally binding! It turns out that there are a lot of loopholes that manufacturers can use to get around these rules, which you can read more about here: Pet Food Regulations Don’t Protect Dogs (or cats!). The FDA did state, however, that the meat from Evanger's supplier didn't bear an inspection mark from the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, and so wouldn't be considered human-grade - despite Evanger's claiming otherwise. Upon further inspection of two of Evanger's production facilities, the FDA reported several issues including mould and condensation dripping into open cans of meat; and no refrigeration storage for raw meat. This wasn't the first time the pet food manufacturer had been pulled up for unsanitary conditions. According to reports, problems began as early as 2006 when local residents complained of unpleasant odours emanating from one of the company's facilities. A health inspector is said to have observed open containers of chicken as well as flies, maggots and refuse. Later in 2011, testing found that a lamb and rice mix contained beef rather than lamb; and a duck-based product had no duck at all. I'd like to say that the February 2017 pentobarbital case was a wake-up call for Evanger's; however, in that very same month, horse DNA was discovered in tested samples of their Hunk of Beef canned dog food. Could this explain exactly how pentobarbital seems to be working its way into pet food? From Gizmodo: “For pentobarbital, or any barbiturate, to get into pet food it means that animal products are being included that do not come from carcasses that entered USDA-inspected slaughterhouses. The carcasses must have been killed using barbiturates (or possibly treated with barbiturates shortly before being killed). This would be most common for ‘pet’ animals, particularly horses. There are renderers that will pick up dead animals from farms and basically cook them down to make new products. It’s a way of recycling, albeit a somewhat distasteful one.” Problems aren't limited to the quality of food either. The owners of Evanger's were arrested twice between 2010 and 2013 due to accusations of utility theft and bribery! The list of disgraces from this company is an endless one, but you don't have to take my word for it. The lawsuit is available online for all to see: Village of Wheeling v. Evangers' Dog & Cat Food Co., 2012 Unfortunately, this is only one pet food company that has been named and shamed out of hundreds more. In fact, the drug pentobarbital has been found in over 27 brands of pet food. Manufacturers, suppliers and regulatory bodies are failing our pets and the animals that are being slaughtered to feed them. Here in the UK, we may have some rigorous safety laws in place, but that doesn't prevent the importation of low-grade meat and/or food products from overseas manufacturers. The use of genetically modified crops, for example, is prohibited by many nations - yet they still allow GMO animal feed to be imported. Visit Fold Hill Foods In June 2021, a number of cat food products sold by Sainsbury's, Pets at Home and Amazon were recalled following an outbreak of pancytopenia, a severe reduction in major types of blood cells that affected over 500 cats. More recent research is thought to have linked this to high concentrations of mycotoxins, produced by certain moulds that grow on animal feed or the grains that are used to produce it. The Food Standards Agency was unable to confirm a link between the outbreak and Fold Hill Foods, but investigations are "ongoing". AVA Pets at Home recalled four specific products of their own range of dry cat food, AVA, after three cats became ill, although more reports began circulating. Clinicians at the Royal Veterinary College in London suspect the cats became ill as a result of thiamine deficiency (a B1 vitamin). This can cause seizures, twitching, imbalance and nausea in cats. If you're seeking more proof of negligence, here's some detective work that will turn your stomach. Viewer discretion advised! Watch on YouTube: What's REALLY In Your Pet's FOOD?? Fillers Aside from dodgy meat and mysterious by-products, pet food is almost always bulked out with carbohydrates in the form of grains, cereals, vegetables and corn - also known as fillers. This is particularly the case with dry food (kibble) and can make up almost half of the formula. Some research suggests that cats are able to metabolise certain types of carbohydrates, if processed correctly, to an efficiency of 90-100% in most cases. It's further stated that an upper limit of 50% calories from carbohydrates in a healthy cat's diet is acceptable. Related post: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Food Bad for Cats As a society, we rely on science for almost everything - which means we're inclined to believe it. What if the people behind this research are the very people who are selling you the less than nutritious slop on the shelves of your local supermarket? Mars Veterinary Health is composed of pet healthcare services and provider networks. The Companion Fund, to which they've invested hundreds of millions of dollars, focuses on pet technology and pet care. What does this mean? Simply, the companies providing our cats with sub-par foods are the same companies that formulate extortionate "prescription diets" to treat health conditions that have been caused or exacerbated by those sub-par foods. Moreover, Mars owns the largest chain of veterinary clinics and hospitals, making it easier than ever to recommend their own products. If you thought recalls stopped at meat, you may want to check out this Midwestern Pet Foods recall that affected five brands of cat and dog food products. Food was believed to be contaminated with fatal levels of aflatoxin mould, which forms on corn, grains and legumes. It can cause serious illness or death. Prescription Diets Also called specialist diets, these are especially formulated for cats with health conditions and contain a slightly different balance of nutrients to standard foods. They're used as a support or treatment for digestive problems, urinary health, food sensitivities, kidney care, diabetes and many others. Hill's, Purina and Royal Canin are leading brands in the UK for prescription diets - two of which we've already covered. Dr Michael W Fox, BVetMed, PhD and DSc Animal Doctor, gives an eye-opening glimpse into the subject here: Pet Food and Feeding Issues The article relays an account from feline specialist veterinarian, Fern B Slack: "The pet food industry currently owns a substantial portion of the veterinary industry worldwide.... Veterinary hospitals are not profitable. Prescription diets are.... If a pet food company manufactures a specific brand of prescription diet AND owns a veterinary hospital cooperation, they can control which prescription diets are sold or recommended." As for the poor quality food ingredients: "The pet food industry, because of its extreme profitability, has a huge incentive to justify the use of such ingredients and the financial means to do so, through a frightening number of channels." Some of these channels include: advertising, sponsorships and discounts to companies, vets and breeders that use their products. Vets don't have much in-depth training when it comes to nutrition and are heavily influenced (even trained!) by the pet food industry. As mentioned previously, pet food companies can afford to support nutritional research. This means they can control the questions that are asked and filter the answers that are allowed to be published to both the public and veterinary world. Feline specialist veterinarian, Fern B Slack, continues: "A number of veterinary researchers who were developing data that would support the concept of a prey-model diet have, in the past few years, begun to receive funding from pet food (companies). Some subsequently stopped work on prey-model diets, and some began to promote a nutritional approach exactly opposite to the one they had been developing." "Since my hospital opened 5 years ago, and began teaching people to feed prey-model diets, our experience has been amazing. We do not have a single diabetic patient in the practice. Very few overweight cats. Minimal gut disease." "Vets seem to remain blind to the ethical failings of the pet food industry for the simple reason that nearly all hospitals sell food. This creates a significant income stream, which is a direct conflict of interest. A much larger and much more insidious conflict of interest is created when the very foods sold by vets create disease states that bring the pets back into the hospital for more diagnoses and treatments." It's important to recognise that my aim isn't to turn anyone off feeding their cats a diet that was prescribed to them. I would never encourage anyone to go against the advice of a vet - although you have every right to raise your concerns - nor am I suggesting that prescription diets are no good. What they are, it seems, is a solution to a problem that (in many cases) could just as easily be solved - if not avoided completely - by a more species-appropriate diet than the one that's shoved in our faces through TV, the media and supermarkets. I can use my own experience as a perfect example of this. Wild Freedom Freeze-Dried Cat Snacks made from 100% animal protein. Choice of flavours include Chicken Heart, Beef Liver and Lamb Lung. Completely natural with no additives. Drax transitioned to a urinary diet a little over a year ago after the vet found that he had crystals in his pee. Dry food is the biggest culprit, as cats require high amounts of moisture in their diet. Dehydration causes a build-up of waste materials in the bladder, which can ultimately turn into stones that require surgical removal. Other contributing factors include changes to the pH of urine, obesity and stress; but it wasn't until completing my Diploma in Feline Nutrition that I learned about another potential cause. Drax loves fish, in fact it's the only fresh food that he'll entertain (in moderation). At the top of his favourite meals list is the Seriously Good Fish a la Carte in Jelly range from Pets at Home. Apart from the jelly, this stuff looked and smelled like human-grade fish, but the quality wasn't the problem. Crystals, also called struvite stones, are composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are high in magnesium and phosphorous - precisely what I'd been feeding Drax. Whole grains are also high in these minerals, which are used as fillers in a lot of pet foods. Dr Michael W Fox highlights some of these issues in his article on GMO Pet Food Ingredients: "Corn can cause cystitis - bladder inflammation - in cats, even epilepsy in dogs; and soy causes gas and indigestion in many dogs and cats.... The high cereal content in pet foods contributes to dogs and cats developing stones or calculi in their lower urinary tracts." Another type of bladder stone found in cats are calcium oxalate stones. While struvites can often be dissolved by prescription diets, calcium oxalates need to be surgically removed. These are usually seen in cats with high blood and urine calcium levels, and chronic kidney disease. They can also develop in urine that's highly acidic - which is concerning, given that urinary food is formulated to lower pH levels in order to dissolve struvites.... Could this be why cases of calcium oxalate stones in cats have risen from 10% to 40% in recent years? Even more concerning, if you look at the majority of urinary diets, every brand uses salmon as a main ingredient. Another issue for cats with bladder stones is excess calcium. The bones in fish are small and soften when cooked, which is why you might spot a few mixed into fish-based cat foods. Fish is also a common allergen and has a high risk of bacterial and environmental contamination. Of course, the ultimate goal isn't to remove every trace of these minerals from a cat's diet as they have many important functions. The focus should be on providing a nutritionally balanced, high-quality diet and only using supplements for the purpose they're intended, rather than a substitute for the loss of vitamins and minerals during processing. I can't think of a single reason why prescription diets should be as expensive as they are. You're not paying for better quality, you're paying for the same bog-standard food with adjusted nutrient contents and the word "prescription" slapped on the packaging to make it seem more justifiable. This is merely an example of how prescription diets work and, more importantly, how they might be avoided. There are many other health conditions that can be triggered by a poor diet, particularly gut-related issues such as inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease. More on this topic can be found in an article by Dr Lisa Pierson: Prescription/Therapeutic Diets To summarise, prescription diets can be lifesaving for cats with chronic illnesses or disease. It's not always possible to reverse or treat conditions by feeding natural food alone, as much as I wish that was the case. Animals, just like humans, can become sick for any number of reasons: age, genetics, abnormalities and pure bad luck. If your cat has an underlying health condition - like crystals - then you should only consider changing their diet under the guidance of a vet, who can monitor their health to check they're not deteriorating. I'd also advise working with a veterinary nutritionist, if possible, to get the perfect balance of nutrients for your individual kitty. Just because someone tells you that a particular condition is "common" amongst cats, or any animal, doesn't mean to say it's "normal". Visit Summary If all of this has left you with the urge to empty your cupboards and throw every last sachet, can or bag of kibble into the bin, it's probably the best thing you can do for your cat. The biggest issue for most is budget, particularly in the current climate. Depending on kitty's stubbornness levels - an issue I can relate to - transitioning to new food can be expensive as well as time-consuming. Here are a few pointers to get you started: First and foremost, no more kibble for kitty! Try swapping out the carb-loaded junk with a quality wet food or check out these 5 best dry cat foods. Research different brands on their websites. Keep up to date with recalls from the FSA (UK) or FDA (US). "Premium" is just a label - check instead for "human grade". Ensure animal protein is the first ingredient listed. Only choose products with named meat/by-products (e.g., beef, chicken liver). Minimum (ideally zero) fillers such as wheat, corn, soy and gluten. What's your take on commercial pet food for cats and dogs? Have you made the transition to a fresh diet? Share your stories and experiences in the comments!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. This article is based on extensive research into products, brands and customer feedback. 5 Rated Indoor Cat Foods: Royal Canin Indoor 27 Dry Cat Food Purina ONE Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food (Turkey) IAMS Advanced Nutrition Indoor Dry Cat Food (Chicken) Kattovit Vital Care Indoor Wet Cat Food (Chicken) Royal Canin Indoor Sterilised in Gravy Indoor cat food is one of the newer additions to specialist diets, but what does this actually mean? More importantly, is it worth paying potentially more money? This isn't one of those "best cat food" articles - let's face it, pet food manufacturers are less than transparent about their recipes. We often have no idea what we're purchasing, even when the ingredients list reads like a novel. Cat food labels can be difficult to understand, leading parents to grab whatever is advertised as the most suitable option for their cat. Food is any living creature's most basic need, so if you're going to invest in something then this should be it. The question is, what are you investing in: quality nutrition or marketing tactic? Visit As an advocate of fresh food for cats, and if it's within your budget, I wholeheartedly recommend it over commercial foods on the basis that it's shown to alleviate most of the issues mentioned in this article and prevent long-term conditions that go unseen. By closely replicating what cats would eat in the wild - also known as a prey-model diet that consists of meat, organs and bone - fresh food companies are worth the investment for happier, healthier cats. Learn more in this informative post: Fresh Raw and Cooked Cat Food: Tailor-Made Nutrition Sent to Your Door! What Is Indoor Cat Food? As a parent of two indoor cats, I've spent a lot of time researching all of the ways to enrich their lives and keep them active. Which isn't to say that just because cats live indoors means they're going to be inactive, although this is often the case. Even energetic cats that have access to outdoor space will move significantly less than if they were able to run free, climb, hunt and explore the wilderness. A sedentary lifestyle leaves more time for sleeping (lack of exercise); eating (obesity/weight gain) and lengthy grooming sessions (hairball formation and vomiting). A sluggish digestive system and sub-par diet can also contribute to those loose, stinky poops that gas the house out! Diets that have been adapted to the requirements of indoor living target three main areas: Weight management. Hairball control. Easy digestion. To further understand how this differs to standard wet or dry food, let's take a look at five brands available in the UK. It's important to note that specialist formulas may have adjusted vitamin and mineral contents, but ingredients will be the focus here. Indoor Cat Foods *Pet foods sold or manufactured in the UK may differ to other countries due to regulations and other factors. Always check ingredients and use your own discernment. Royal Canin Indoor 27 Dry Cat Food Royal Canin is probably most well known for its specialist diets that address specific health issues for cats of all ages and breeds. Amongst their extensive range you'll find wet and dry food that's tailored to support urinary, renal, diabetic, digestive and gastrointestinal health. For this reason, it's highly recommended by vets and considered a premium brand, as reflected in the pricing. However, opinions are mixed on the quality of ingredients. Royal Canin uses a lot of grains and unspecified animal by-products, and the exact nutritional percentages appear to be top secret. Cat food should have minimal grains, if any at all, as they're packed with carbohydrates - exactly what we don't need when tackling or preventing obesity. Claims Royal Canin Indoor 27 has been specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of indoor cats aged 1-7 years with the following benefits: Reduces stool volume and odour with highly digestible L.I.P proteins. Helps to maintain an ideal weight with moderate fat content. Minimises furball build-up with natural fibres to regulate digestion. Aids urinary tract health with adapted mineral content for an ideal pH value in the urine. Improves dental hygiene by reducing the build-up of tartar. Supports natural immunity with an antioxidant complex and vitamin E. Other varieties of Royal Canin Indoor include 7+, Long Hair and Appetite Control. Ingredients Poultry protein (dried), rice, wheat, maize, vegetable protein isolate*, animal fat, animal protein (hydrolysed), wheat flour, lignocellulose, dried beet pulp, yeast and its derivatives, soya oil, minerals, fructo-oligosaccharides, fish oil, psyllium (seeds and husks: 0.5%). Additives (per kg): NUTRITIONAL: Vitamin A (13,500 IU), vitamin D3 (700 IU), E1 [iron] (42mg), E2 [iodine] (4.2mg), E4 [copper] (13mg), E5 [manganese] (55mg), E6 [zinc] (164mg), E8 [selenium] (0.09mg). TECHNOLOGICAL: Clinoptilolite from sedimentary sources (10g), preservatives, antioxidants. Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 27% Protein: 28.57% Fat: 13% Fat: 13.75% Fibre: 4% Fibre: 4.23% Ash: 7% Ash: 7.40% Moisture: 5.5% Carbohydrates: 46.05% *DMB = Percentages with moisture removed for a more accurate representation. The first red flag here is that the ingredients list tells us very little, so we'll have to work with what we've got. While dried poultry protein is the primary ingredient, the exact percentage is a mystery; and it's followed by a string of grains and vegetables that contribute to the exceedingly high carbohydrate count. I'd expect to see a much lower number for indoor cats, but this could be to make up for the reduced fat as an energy source. Dried beet pulp is often used to boost fibre intake. "Animal fat" and "animal protein" leaves us guessing in regards to the sources, but it's still preferable to plant-based ingredients. Unfortunately, Royal Canin Indoor 27 has the lowest amount of protein (28.57% DMB) across all products mentioned - and a lot of that is cereal. It also contains artificial additives and preservatives. What Customers Say The general customer experience is positive in regards to cats enjoying the taste of food, which could be down to flavour enhancers that are used to make it more palatable. Junk food is as addictive to cats as it is to humans! Some mention that it reduces litter odour and cats have shinier coats. Opinions on digestibility are mixed, with some owners claiming that it caused vomiting and diarrhoea. I definitely wouldn't recommend this for cats that are overweight due to the carbohydrate content. Before I knew anything about feline nutrition, I tried Simba on a few varieties of Royal Canin because it was the only brand he'd eat as a kitten. It did nothing for his waistline, even with reduced calories, and his poops were hard as bullets. With carbohydrates at a whopping 46.05% - almost half of the total food - Royal Canin should rebrand itself as "Royal Cereal". Royal Canin Indoor 27 is on the pricier side and not always available in supermarkets, thankfully. ✓ Dried poultry protein as the main ingredient. ✕ Rice, wheat and maize as primary ingredients. ✓ Animal fat and fish oil. ✕ High in carbohydrates. ✓ Urinary health. ✕ Contains preservatives. ✕ Expensive. Purina ONE Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food (Turkey) Purina is one of the largest companies in the cat food industry and owns some of the most well-known brands in the UK: Felix, Go-Cat, Gourmet and others. Purina is considered mid-to-premium quality, depending on the brand and type of food, as some are made with better ingredients than others. PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets is Purina's line of prescription diets for specific health needs including dental health, urinary care, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues and allergies. Purina's Indoor Formula falls under the Purina ONE brand. From Purina website: "Combining years of pet care innovation from our leading nutritional experts, the PURINA ONE cat food range is prepared with tasty, high-quality ingredients and provides advanced nutrition that helps support your cat's health today and tomorrow.” Visit Claims Purina ONE Indoor Formula is especially formulated to provide the right balance of nutrients for indoor cats. Turkey is the number one ingredient, a high-quality meat protein source that's light and easy to digest; while Bifensis Dual Defence formula supports a cat's natural defences to keep them healthy from the inside out. A mix of natural fibres makes sure any swallowed hair is easily transported through the digestive system. According to Purina research, their Indoor Formula has been scientifically proven to: Reduce hairball formation by eliminating twice as much hair from the stomach in 14 days. Contributes to firm stools with 24% less odour in 14 days. Other benefits: Maintains lean and healthy muscles due to adapted protein-to-fat ratio. Contains chicory to improve gut microbiome balance and reduce litter box pongs. Supports healthy skin and a glossy coat with omega fatty acids and zinc. Promotes a healthy urinary tract with balanced minerals. Free from artificial additives. Ingredients Turkey (17%) (including bone, meat, skin), wheat (16%), dried poultry protein, corn, soya meal, wheat gluten, corn protein meal, animal fats, dried beet pulp, dried vegetable fiber, dried chicory root (2%), minerals, digest (with added heat treated Lactobacillus Delbrueckii and Fermentum powder 0.025%), Yeasts. Additives (per kg): NUTRITIONAL: Vitamin A (33500 IU), vitamin D3 (1100 IU), vitamin E (400 IU), vitamin C (140mg), taurine (700mg), iron (II) sulphate monohydrate (Fe: 110), calcium iodate anhydrous (I: 1.7), copper (II) sulphate pentahydrate (Cu: 11), manganous sulphate monohydrate (Mn: 41), zinc sulphate monohydrate (Zn: 100), sodium selenite (Se:0.12), antioxidants. Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 36% Protein: 39.13% Fat: 13% Fat: 14.13% Fibre: 5.5% Fibre: 5.97% Ash: 8% Ash: 8.69% Moisture: 8% Carbohydrates: 32.08% It's always good to see animal protein at the top of an ingredient list, even better with labelled sources of meat and by-products. Turkey makes up 17% of the total food, with an unspecified amount of dried poultry protein. It's disappointing to see soya meal, wheat gluten and corn protein meal as cheap protein substitutes, but at least they're not the first ingredients. This indoor formula contains whole grains, which are more nutritious than refined grains but can be less digestible. However, there are much healthier whole grains than corn - and the rest are refined anyway, so "whole grains" are barely worth mentioning. There are also a few vegetable-based ingredients thrown in, but since the food is tailored to indoor cats, it can help to increase fibre intake. The carbohydrate content is much less than Royal Canin and it has more protein (39.13% DMB) - of which not all is good, but the animal sources appear to be better quality. For a more premium brand, there should be a lot less fillers. What Customers Say Feedback is mostly positive, with customers mentioning that their cats returned to or maintained a healthy weight. Cats seem to enjoy the taste and appreciate the small kibble pieces. It's said to be easy on the stomach and reduces hairballs. Like a lot of specialist diets, customers complain that Purina ONE Indoor Formula is becoming harder to find in stores and is expensive for what it is. ✓ Turkey (bone, meat and skin) as the main ingredient. ✕ Wheat, corn and soya meal as primary ingredients. ✓ Dried poultry protein. ✕ Wheat gluten and corn protein meal. ✓ Animal fat. ✕ High in carbohydrates. ✓ Urinary care and gut health. IAMS Advanced Nutrition Indoor Dry Cat Food (Chicken) IAMS prides itself on providing tailored nutrition for cats' individual needs by crafting recipes for specific life stages and activity levels. IAMS is more budget-friendly and opinions are mixed on the quality of ingredients. Their range includes IAMS Naturally, which focuses on highly digestible ingredients; IAMS Delights, a variety of rich food that combines high-protein levels and a great taste; and Advanced Nutrition for addressing a cat's specific requirements. Shop smart fountains and automatic feeders → Claims IAMS Advanced Nutrition Indoor Cat Food (1+ years) is tailored for indoor cats to help with litter odour, hairballs and weight control. Food is wheat-free and made with 88% animal protein *of the total protein value, including fresh chicken; and selected plant and animal ingredients. It's enriched with omega fatty acids, prebiotics to support digestion and antioxidants for a healthy immune system. Other benefits: Helps to maintain a lean and healthy body condition. Supports digestion and prevents hairballs with insoluble fibre that binds to the hair to help it pass through the system. Supports the urinary tract by promoting a lower urine pH. Reduces stool odour with yucca. No fillers, artificial colours, flavours or GMOs. Ingredients Dried chicken and turkey (39%, of which 23% chicken, a natural source of taurine), maize, fresh chicken (10%), millet, dried sugar beet pulp (4.3%), cellulose powder (4.3%), pork fat, chicken sauce, fructo-oligosaccharides (0.68%), fish oil, potassium chloride, yucca (0.025%). Additives (per kg): NUTRITIONAL: Vitamin A (50,000 IU), vitamin D3 (1438 IU), vitamin E (124mg), copper [as cupric sulphate pentahydrate] (7mg), iodine [as potassium iodide] (0.9mg), manganese [as manganous sulphate monohydrate] (32mg), zinc [as zinc oxide] (80mg). Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 36.5% Protein: 39.67% Fat: 12% Fat: 13.04% Fibre: 6.9% Fibre: 7.5% Ash: 6.4% Ash: 6.95% Moisture: 8% Carbohydrates: 32.84% Interestingly, the protein content (39.67% DMB) is higher than both Purina and Royal Canin. As described, 88% of that value is animal-based - not 88% of the total food - and includes some fresh chicken. Dried chicken and turkey are the main ingredients at 39%, and with 10% fresh chicken on top of that, almost half of the food is meat. By comparison, Purina has 17% turkey and some dried poultry protein; while Royal Canin contains an unknown percentage of dried poultry protein. IAMS also has more fibre and less fat, with a carbohydrate content of 32.84% - only slightly more than Purina. What lets it down for me is maize as the second ingredient, which is just another word for corn. Overall, it would seem as though this product ticks more boxes than its dry food competitors - all at a lower cost. There's no saying whether the meat in IAMS is better or worse quality than others mentioned; however, this wheat-free recipe has minimal grains (despite the "no fillers" claim) and no artificial colours or preservatives. What Customers Say Feedback is generally very positive, with many customers using IAMS Advanced Nutrition Indoor as a more affordable alternative to premium brands. Even fussy cats love the taste, and noticeable health benefits include shinier coats and full tummies with less regular feeding. Opinions are mixed on stomach sensitivity to this food. ✓ Dried chicken and turkey as the main ingredients. ✕ Maize and millet as primary ingredients. ✓ 10% fresh chicken. ✓ Pork fat and fish oil. ✓ Contains prebiotics. ✓ No artificial colours, flavours or GMOs. Kattovit Vital Care Indoor Wet Cat Food (Chicken) Kattovit is a less well-known brand in the UK, and one you're unlikely to find in local stores. The family-run business is based in Germany and has over 40 years experience in the production of high-quality animal feed without unnecessary additives. Every recipe has to pass through the critical palates of their own cats to ensure that products combine nutrition with a great taste. Kattovit doesn't provide a huge range of cat food but offers both wet and dry options. Specialist diets are available for a variety of health issues, and their new Vital Care range provides nutrient-rich food for every day care. Varieties include Hair & Skin, Digestive, Sterilised, Anti-Hairball and Indoor. Claims Kattovit Vital Care Indoor with Chicken has been specially created for indoor cats and is characterised by a low-fat content (4%) which helps cats to maintain optimal weight. It has a balanced recipe with all of the vital nutrients and highly digestible ingredients that support your cat's normal metabolism. Other benefits: Balanced formula with vitamins and minerals. Source of taurine for normal vision and cardiac function. Tender pieces of tasty chicken served in a delicious sauce Pre-portioned meals. Ingredients *Analytical constituents of wet food will differ from dry food as they're smaller portions and contain a higher moisture content. For a fairer comparison, please refer to "dry matter basis" charts where percentages are calculated and shown with the moisture removed. Meat and animal by-products (incl. 24% chicken), vegetable by-products, oils and fats, minerals. Additives: NUTRITIONAL: Vitamin A (1.040 IU/kg), vitamin D3 (125 IU/kg), vitamin E [as all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate] (20 mg/kg), iron [as iron(II) sulphate, monohydrate] (40 mg/kg), Zinc [as zinc oxide] (28 mg/kg), Copper [as copper (II) sulphate, pentahydrate] (1.2 mg/kg), Manganese [as manganese (II) sulphate] (1 mg/kg), Iodine [as potassium iodide] (0.6 mg/kg), Taurine (1.000 mg/kg), L-carnitine (50 mg/kg). Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 8% Protein: 44.44% Fat: 4% Fat: 22.22% Fibre: 0.5% Fibre: 2.77% Ash: 1.5% Ash: 8.33% Moisture: 82% Carbohydrates: 22.24% The main issue with Kattovit is those unspecified by-products, as we have no idea which parts of animals are going into the recipe - apart from 24% chicken in this particular food. We can also see an increase in the total protein value (44.44% DMB) in comparison to kibble. Naturally, wet food has less fibre than dry food due to less fillers (grains and vegetables) which isn't a bad thing. Plus, the higher moisture content is essential for preventing constipation, aiding urinary health and other issues that indoor cats face. It still contains more fibre than a standard wet food pouch. You'll also notice that it has significantly less carbohydrates than dry food, which is a major benefit. This means the fat content is higher, but for a product that's advertised as being low-fat, it's surprisingly higher than competitors. The source of fat is unknown. What Customers Say As this product is part of Kattovit's new Vital Care range, there isn't a lot of feedback to go off; however, their specialist foods are generally well-received by customers, particularly regarding value for money. I have tried their urinary food with Drax, and while he wasn't keen on the taste, it was tolerated by his sensitive stomach. Availability is extremely limited which can lead to high import costs. The best place to purchase Kattovit in the UK is Zooplus where it comes in a little cheaper than similar brands. This may be due to a dip in quality, since the meat is a little more rubbery than what I'm used to. Nevertheless, with such a small selection of indoor cat foods across the UK, it's a good cost-cutting option. ✓ Meat as the main ingredient. ✕ Unspecified by-products, fats and oils. ✓ High protein and moisture content. ✕ Higher fat content than other brands. ✓ 24% chicken. Royal Canin Indoor Sterilised in Gravy The wet version of Royal Canin's indoor cat food is available as chunks in gravy or jelly. It's described as a complete wet food for sterilised indoor cats over the age of one year. Claims Royal Canin Indoor Sterilised in Gravy has been specially developed to help cats maintain a healthy weight and support a sluggish digestive system. It also supports urinary health. Tender meaty chunks in a delicious gravy to improve fluid intake. Supports the urinary tract with a tailored mineral content. Contains L-carnitine to boost fat metabolism. Ingredients Meat and animal by-products, grains, vegetable by-products, minerals, oils and fats, yeasts. Additives: NUTRITIONAL: Vitamin D3 (50 IU), iron (2mg), iodine (0.28mg), copper (2.2mg), manganese (0.8mg), zinc (8mg). TECHNOLOGICAL: Clinoptilolite from sedimentary sources (2g). Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 9.7% Protein: 50% Fat: 3.3% Fat: 17.01% Fibre: 0.9% Fibre: 4.63% Ash: 1.8% Ash: 9.27% Moisture: 80.6% Carbohydrates: 19.09% Unfortunately, Royal Canin is no more transparent about the ingredients used in this product than the dry food variety. Sources of meat, by-products and vegetables are unavailable, and it contains grains as the second ingredient. The only real comparison we have to other brands are the analytical constituents. As you can see from the chart, this wet food has the highest amount of protein and the lowest amount of carbohydrates. It also contains less fat than Kattovit, but does this mean it's the better option? Personally, I struggle to forgive Royal Canin for their lack of transparency regarding meat sourcing. While it's preferable to their dry food, I can't recommend a product when I have no idea what that product is made from. It makes me appreciate Kattovit's 24% chicken a whole lot more! Transparency can add a lot of value to brands, and we shouldn't have to go searching for answers to simple questions. What Customers Say Cats seem to enjoy the taste of Royal Canin Indoor Sterilised in Gravy, and it's reported to be well tolerated by fussy eaters and sensitive stomachs. The price comes up again as an issue for some, and it's not as easy to find in stores as the dry food version. ✓ Meat as the main ingredient. ✕ Mysterious meat source. ✓ High protein and moisture content. ✕ Unspecified by-products, fats and oils. ✓ Less carbohydrates than other brands. ✕ Contains grains. ✓ Urinary health. ✕ Expensive. Summary In regards to the original question: are indoor cat foods worth paying more for? Evidence suggests not! Of course, these are just a few examples. I understand there's a lot more variety depending on region but, hopefully, this article gives some idea of what to look for if you've been scratching your head and are determined to feed your cat an indoor recipe. Even so, dry foods are not the best option for indoor cats - or any cat, for that matter - which you can read more about here: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats? If you are sticking with dry food and want better quality than what you're already feeding, here are some premium options: 5 Best Dry Cat Foods 2026 Biologically, there's no difference between a cat that lives indoors and one that has outdoor access. Below are some tips for selecting an appropriate diet and caring for indoor cats. Unless your vet has prescribed a urinary diet or your cat is prone to stones, infections and such, the high moisture in wet food should help to maintain urinary tract health. Grains have also been associated with feline lower urinary tract disease, which are more prevalent in kibble. Ingredients and ingredient quality are more important for keeping cats healthy than the claims made on food packaging. Low fat doesn't necessarily mean low carbohydrates, and high protein doesn't always refer to meat. There's no excuse for not exercising your cat with a variety of toys and enrichment. Activity is just as important as diet for weight and/or hairball control, and playing with your cat will cost you nothing but time. Regular grooming is essential for reducing hairballs, along with a diet high in fibre. Cat poos shouldn't stink out your house like a sewer, and there's nothing special about expensive food that claims to reduce stool odour. If your vet has ruled out illness or disease, this is simply the result of a poor diet. Shop Premium Cat Food → Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 As mentioned at the beginning of this article, rather than paying extortionate prices for processed junk, you may be better using that investment on a fresh food company. Alternatively, you could make your own homemade recipes, as long as they're from a reputable source and formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. If your budget doesn't stretch that far or you're not comfortable with the homemade option, you can start by introducing fresh food into your cat's diet a few times a week and supplement the rest with a high-quality wet food like Edgard & Cooper. That way, you're saving costs while ensuring they get a healthy dose of meaty goodness. *If you're unsure of what to feed your cat or want to make sure that switching diets is safe then I recommend seeking veterinary advice. Some diets may not be suitable for cats with certain health conditions, particularly in the case of raw food. Information is accurate from February 2026 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating. Do you have an indoor kitty? Have you considered food that's tailored for indoor cats or do you think it's nothing more than a marketing tactic? Share your thoughts in the comments.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on extensive research into products, brands, customer feedback and my own reviews wherever possible. 5 Best Dry Cat Foods: ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe thrive PremiumPlus Chicken Complete Dry Cat Food Lily's Kitchen Chicken with Veggies Dry Food Cosma Air-Dried Dry Food Salmon & Chicken Purizon Adult Grain-Free Chicken with Fish Most Recommended View ⇨ ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb 🥇 Premium Choice View ⇨ thrive PremiumPlus Chicken 🥈 Best Budget The "best dry food" for cats is a little misleading because there's no such thing, and my opinion on this heavily debated subject hasn't changed. If you're new here, this post goes into a lot more depth: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats? Cats that eat wet food will get most of their water intake from their diet, just like a wild cat gets moisture from prey. A mouse is 70% water, while dry food is typically between 5-10%. Domestic cats evolved from desert cats which contributes to their low thirst drive, so it's easy to become dehydrated. The average cat eating dry food only will need to drink approximately 200-300ml of water per day to stay hydrated - that's about a standard glass for humans! Dehydration can be a factor for numerous health conditions, particularly concerning the urinary tract and kidneys. Dehydration isn't the only risk with dry food. There's a lot of conflicting information about the often excessive use of grains and vegetables, along with unspecified by-products and sub-par ingredients. Equally concerning are heavy processing methods and the destruction of vital nutrients. Related post: The Truth About Commercial Cat Food: What Really Goes into Your Pet's Food? These recommendations will focus on a combination of quality, natural ingredients; high animal protein and gentle processing. While I don't advise feeding cats dry food, if circumstances require it, I'd rather parents were choosing the best of what's on offer. Some reasons you might want to feed dry food include: On a temporary basis while transitioning cats to wet or fresh food. Budget, since dry food is generally cheaper and doesn't spoil. Although some experts advise that a cheap wet food is more species-appropriate than a premium dry food. An extra stubborn kitty! I can resonate with the latter, having a picky-eating kitty that shrinks away from the tiniest pinhead of wet food - and meat in general. If I'd known several years ago what I know now then I never would have offered dry food as an option. Parent to parent, your cat doesn't need "snacks" no matter how much it tries to convince you otherwise! *Pet foods sold or manufactured in the UK may differ to other countries due to regulations and other factors. Always check ingredients and use your own discernment. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe About the Brand *ZIWI Peak was acquired by Chinese equity firm, FountainVest Partners, in 2021 but continues to operate in New Zealand. ZIWI Peak was founded in 2002 by Peter Mitchell, who had the goal of producing pet food that combines the nutrition of a raw diet with the convenience of ready-to-serve dry food for cats and dogs. Today, they export to over 25 countries around the world. The company's range of wet and dry food delivers ethically-sourced meats, organs and seafood from pure New Zealand to provide complete, balanced nutrition tailored to a cat's carnivorous diet. It's suitable for all life stages and is free from unnecessary additives. ZIWI Peak dry food comes in air-dried or steamed and dried formulas: Air-dried is crafted from 96% raw meat, seafood and New Zealand green muscles, then gently air-dried using low temperature. It's designed to provide a raw diet in a convenient, nutrient-dense format. This method protects vitamins and nutrients that are often destroyed in food that's cooked at high temperatures. It's described as having a firmer, jerky-like texture than traditional kibble and can be fed as a complete meal or a topper, depending on your cat's preferences. Steam and dried is crafted from 85-90% raw meat, organs and seafood with added fruits and vegetables, and is processed with gentle steaming and air-drying. This delivers a light, palatable texture for fussy eaters. The inclusion of fruit and vegetables is claimed to provide "a more holistic and inclusive diet". Personally, I find this unnecessary; however, it's a more affordable option than air-dried and there's a wider flavour variety. Other flavours: Venison (air-dried) Chicken with Whole Mackerel (steam and dried) Wild South Pacific Fish (steam and dried) Beef with Southern Blue Whiting (steam and dried) Visit Food and Ingredients In this complete air-dried recipe, wild, whole blue mackerel from the remote waters around New Zealand are perfectly paired with North Island grass-fed, free-range lamb. It's suitable for cats of all ages. Other benefits: Green muscles - high in omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin. Tripe - a natural source of probiotics and fatty acids to support healthy digestion and sensitive stomachs. Kelp - a source of trace vitamins that your pet's body can't produce naturally. Free from grains, potatoes, glycerin and rendered meat or meat meals. Ingredients: 58% Lamb and Lamb Organs (including Lamb, Tripe, Lung, Heart, Liver, Kidney, Spleen, Bone, Cartilage), 35% Whole Mackerel, 3% New Zealand Green Mussel, Lecithin, Chicory Inulin, Dried Apple Pomace, Minerals, Dried Organic Kelp. More: ADDITIVES (per kg): Vitamin D3 458 IU, Zinc (as Zinc Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 27 mg, Copper (as Copper (II) Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 2.9 mg, Iron (as Iron (II) Chelate of Glycine Hydrate) 22 mg, Manganese (as Manganese Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 3.3 mg. TECHNOLOGICAL ADDITIVES (per kg): Antioxidants (tocopherol extracts from vegetable oils). 450 kcal/100g Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 48% Protein: 52.74% Fat: 27% Fat: 29.67% Fibre: 1% Fibre: 1.09% Ash: 9.5% Ash: 10.43% Moisture: 9% Carbohydrates: 6.04% *DMB = Percentages with moisture removed for a more accurate representation. Evaluation, Pros and Cons ZIWI Peak Mackerel and Lamb has a whopping 96% animal ingredients, including organs which you rarely see in mainstream "premium" brands - you know which ones I'm talking about! The bulk of the food is made up of lamb, lamb organs and seafood, with a total protein content of 52.74% DMB and minimal carbohydrates. The transparent ingredients list is refreshing to see. There is a small handful of plant-based ingredients, which are selectively chosen for their health benefits. Chicory provides fibre for healthy digestion and kelp is a good source of vitamins. Even in the wild, cats would be getting a small amount of plant matter from the stomachs of their prey. What's great about ZIWI Peak is that their gentle processing methods ensure that these important vitamins and nutrients are preserved - as much as is possible for anything less than a natural diet. It would be a shame to see so many quality ingredients go to waste! This is a brand that cares about the sourcing of ingredients and states that their animals are "ethically raised" and "sustainably sourced". This refers to free-range, grass-fed beef and lamb; local poultry and wild-caught seafood. By purchasing ZIWI Peak, you're supporting ethical farming practices. This dry food is high in calories because it's so nutrient-dense, so you might need to feed smaller portions than other foods. This is something to bear in mind if you have a cat that's prone to obesity. There's a helpful feeding calculator on the brand's website. It's not surprising that food of such high quality and standards comes at a price, so it may not be suitable for all budgets. You can save a few pennies by purchasing one of the steamed and dried varieties of dry food, which typically contain less protein and more carbohydrates. Customer Reviews Many customers praise the quality and ingredients of ZIWI Peak. Some owners noticed that their cats are more active with shinier coats, and it's said to be easy on sensitive stomachs. Since this air-dried food has a different texture and smell to standard kibble, some cats might not eat it straight away. You can introduce it gradually, start by using it as a meal topper or purchase a small bag to trial it. Unfortunately, ZIWI Peak isn't easily available in the UK, but you can buy it direct from the brand's website and a few select online stores. The price receives mixed feedback, with some considering it too expensive for what it is. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 1,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ 96% raw meat, seafood and offal. ✕ High in calories. ✓ High protein and low carbohydrates. ✕ Expensive. ✓ Gently air-dried. ✓ Ethical brand. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ thrive PremiumPlus Chicken Complete Dry Cat Food About the Brand *Thrive was acquired by Petbuddy Group (PBG) in 2024, a consortium of eight super-premium pet food brands based in Stockholm, Sweden. Thrive started out making food for humans, with over 30 years experience before turning to pet food in 2000. The UK-based brand prides itself on using "real food" with human-grade cuts of meat and no animal derivatives. Recipes are made with gentle processing methods to preserve the nutritional value of food. Thrive makes pet food for both cats and dogs. Their cat food range includes wet and dry foods, treats and toppers. Treats are made with 100% chicken or fish and either freeze-dried or air-dried. The brand has built a devoted customer base of pet owners and you can find it in veterinary surgeries, supermarkets, pet stores and online in over 20 countries around the world. Thrive states that they're fully committed to using ethically-sourced ingredients and work closely with suppliers to ensure that animals are raised humanely and their welfare is never compromised. Despite having facilities in Thailand and China, thrive is one of The Good Shopping Guide's top-rated ethical brands. Dry food comes in self-seal bags and packaging is recyclable, wherever possible. Other flavours: Chicken with Turkey Salmon and Herring Food and Ingredients Made with 90% chicken, thrive claims that their PremiumPlus Chicken has the highest meat content of any dry cat food in the world. It provides a balance of high-quality chicken, easily digestible sweet potato and potato; and the essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, for skin and coat health. It's a complete meal suitable for cats of all ages. Other benefits: Single protein - only contains chicken to make the food easy to tolerate. Contains taurine - an essential amino acid that cats need from their food for a healthy heart, vision and immunity. Salmon oil - healthy skin and coat. Hypoallergenic. Free from soya, rice, grains, gluten, wheat and dairy. Contains no GM ingredients or artificial flavourings, colourings or preservatives. Ingredients: Dried Chicken Meat (64.5%), Fresh Chicken (16.5%), Chicken Fat (6%), Sweet Potato, Potato, Chicken Gravy (3%), Vitamins and Minerals, Salmon Oil. More: VITAMINS (per 100g): Vitamin A (21,635 IU/kg), Vitamin D3 (1,730 IU/kg), Vitamin E (82 IU/kg). MINERALS (per 100g): Calcium (1.6g), Phosphorus (1.3g), Potassium (0.71g), Sodium (0.38g), Ca/P ratio (1.23). TRACE ELEMENTS: Sodium Selenite (0.64 mg/kg), Ferrous Sulphate Monohydrate (240 mg/kg), Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate (19 mg/kg), Manganous Sulphate Monohydrate (90 mg/kg), Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate (267 mg/kg). AMINO ACIDS: L-Carnitine (480 mg/kg), DL-Methionine (1865 mg/kg), Taurine (2385 mg/kg), Potassium Iodide (3.6 mg). 409 kcal/100g Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 54% Protein: 58.06% Fat: 18% Fat: 19.35% Fibre: 1.5% Fibre: 1.61% Ash: 10% Ash: 10.75% Moisture: 7% Carbohydrates: 10.21% Evaluation, Pros and Cons Thrive boasts a high meat content with 90% chicken (of which 16.5% is fresh) and a total protein content of 58.06% DMB, which is way more acceptable than some other premium brands. Even more impressive to me is the small amount of carbohydrates at 10.21% - this is practically unheard of for the likes of Royal Canin and Purina. The recipe uses low-sugar sweet potato, which is easier for cats to digest than potatoes - although some potatoes are included - but they're only used because the starch is necessary for binding proteins in order to make the kibble pieces. It doesn't have a high amount of fresh meat, but the other benefits make up for this. Thrive leaves out everything that doesn't belong in a premium food, as we can see from the concise ingredients list. It comes in at a fair price and, though not what you'd call a budget cat food, it's the most cost-effective option on this list. I transitioned Simba to thrive from Royal Canin, which he developed an unhealthy addiction to as a kitten. The first noticeable improvement was in the consistency of his poops, which were borderline constipated from the high cereal content of Royal Canin; and his energy levels increased for a lazy indoor cat. Prior to thrive, he refused almost every brand of dry food! If, like me, you're facing the difficult challenge of getting a fussy cat off dry food without breaking the bank, thrive is a good temporary solution. The low-fat, low-carbohydrate formula is suitable for indoor cats, too. Related post: 5 Indoor Cat Foods Rated: Are They Really Worth it? Customer Reviews Customers purchase thrive for its high meat content and low carbohydrates and say its excellent value for money. Interestingly, while many cats tolerate the food - which is often used to correct issues like IBS - some owners report vomiting and diarrhoea, but this can also happen if new food is introduced too quickly. The smell of thrive has mixed reactions, with some cats not wanting to eat it. Having purchased this food myself, I can say that it's no more offensive than any other brand of kibble. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 1,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ 90% chicken. ✕ Smaller amount of fresh meat. ✓ Chicken fat and salmon oil. ✕ Contains potatoes. ✓ High protein and low carbohydrates. ✓ Affordable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lily's Kitchen Chicken with Veggies Dry Food About the Brand *Lily's Kitchen was acquired by Nestlé Purina PetCare in 2020, the UK's leading producer of "premium" wet and dry foods for dogs and cats. Lily’s Kitchen was named after border terrier, Lily, who fell ill and suffered with sore skin over 10 years ago. Her owner, Henrietta, tried various remedies and struggled to find a pet food made with natural ingredients, so she started to cook her own from scratch. Lily was back to full health within 2 weeks, so with the help of expert vets and pet nutritionists, Henrietta set out to create "proper" food and treats for cats and dogs. Meals are made with freshly prepared meat and offal - no meat meal - and naturally nutritious ingredients. Lily's Kitchen is taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and 100% of their packaging is recyclable. They donate 200,000 meals to pet charities every year. They also partner with Dog's Trust and London Inner Kitties charities. Other flavours: White Fish with Salmon (adult) Chicken with White Fish (kitten) White Fish with Turkey & Trout (senior) Food and Ingredients This delicious dry food recipe is made with 65% freshly prepared chicken and 5% chicken liver, along with natural ingredients and added vitamins and minerals to nourish cats from the inside out. It's a complete meal for adult cats over 6 months old. No meat meal or rendered meat. Grain-free with no artificial ingredients or additives. Other benefits: Chicken liver - a rich source of essential vitamins, iron and copper. Eggs - for extra protein. Prebiotics - supports a healthy gut. Ingredients: 70% Chicken: Fresh Chicken (65%), Chicken Liver (5%). Potatoes (21%), Egg, Chicken Gravy, Flaxseed, Cellulose, Minerals, Prebiotic (Fructooligosaccharides 0.7g/kg), Italian Cheese, Seaweed, Carrots (0.02%), Cranberries (0.02%), Bilberries (0.02%), Parsley (0.02%), Fenugreek Seeds (0.01%). More: VITAMINS (per kg): Vitamin A 16,000 IU, Vitamin D3 1,200 IU, Vitamin E 180 IU, Taurine 900mg, L-Carnitine 250mg. TRACE ELEMENTS (per kg): Zinc (as Zinc Chelate of Amino Acids Hydrate) 100mg, Manganese (as Manganese Chelate of Amino Acids Hydrate) 10mg, Copper (as Copper (II) Chelate of Amino Acids Hydrate) 9mg, Selenium (as Organic Selenium S. cerevisiae CNCM 1-3060) 0.2\mg, Iodine (as Calcium Iodate Anhydrous) 0.5mg. 392 kcal/100g Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 27% Protein: 29.03% Fat: 17% Fat: 18.27% Fibre: 3% Fibre: 3.22% Ash: 7% Ash: 7.52% Moisture: 7% Carbohydrates: 41.93% Evaluation, Pros and Cons Lily's Kitchen isn't a perfect cat food, but it makes the list due to the fresh meat content of 65% and 5% chicken liver, which is highly nutritious. What does "fresh" actually mean in terms of dry cat food? Naturally, all kibble undergoes processing so it isn't technically fresh, but it is prepared using fresh meat rather than meat meal (dried and powdered). Large pet food brands argue that meat meal is a more concentrated - and therefore cheaper - source of protein, but when you consider the difference between an off-the-shelf packet mix and a homecooked meal, I know which one I'd rather eat! Despite the food containing 70% chicken, surprisingly, the protein content is only 29.03% DMB. Furthermore, it has the highest amount of carbohydrates of all brands listed at just under 42%, which is likely down to the potatoes. The recipe also contains Italian cheese, which isn't ideal for the lactose-intolerant feline but does make it more palpable. Fruits and vegetables add extra nutrients and fibre. You might want to compare this dry food to a very similar brand, Edgard & Cooper, who also use fresh meat in their recipes. Meals typically have slightly more protein and fewer carbohydrates than Lily's Kitchen, but at the cost of less meat and the inclusion of peas. However, Edgard & Cooper is a reputable brand and my fussy tester cats 100% approved. Read a full review here: Edgard & Cooper Cat Food Review (Tried and Tested) Visit Customer Reviews Customers find Lily's Kitchen to be a quality cat food with wholesome ingredients and a high meat content. They appreciate its health benefits, such as healthier coats, and cats generally enjoy the taste. A few owners reported that their cats stopped eating this food after inconsistencies were observed in the smell, appearance and texture of kibble. This seems to be after the company was bought by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which doesn't surprise me at all. You can find a list of alternative brands at the end of this article. Value for money receives mixed reviews, with some considering the food to be expensive and others saying it's worth paying extra for the fresh meat content. While Lily's Kitchen is pricier than standard dry food, it comes in at around the same cost as mainstream premium brands - with better ingredients. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 1,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ 70% fresh chicken. ✕ Contains potatoes. ✓ Chicken liver. ✕ High carbohydrates. ✓ Egg. ✕ Expensive. ✓ Contains prebiotics. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cosma Air-Dried Dry Food Salmon & Chicken About the Brand Cosma is produced by the German pet food manufacturer, Matina GmbH, founded in 2005 with the aim of creating delicious, species-appropriate food for cats, dogs, birds, horses and small pets. Other well-known Matina cat food brands include Purizon, Concept for Life, Smilla and Wild Freedom. These are available exclusively through online retailers, zooplus and bibita. Cosma only uses fresh meat, fish or seafood in their recipes, which have been carefully processed with either broth or plant-based gelling agents. They use the same criteria for their cat food that are used for the manufacture of human foods. There isn't much specific information about how or where ingredients are sourced. Cosma dry food is complete, but they also sell a variety of wet food, soups and snacks as supplemental feeding only. Dry food formulas are either air-dried or extruded, which uses the same high-heat cooking methods that we're trying to avoid. Extruded foods contain a lower meat quantity, but these drops in overall quality makes them more cost-effective. Other flavours: Lamb and Chicken (air-dried) Tuna and Chicken (air-dried) Beef and Chicken (air-dried) Duck and Chicken (air-dried) Duck (extruded) Salmon (extruded) Chicken (extruded) Beef (extruded) Food and Ingredients Cosma Salmon & Chicken contains 80% fresh meat and offal, with tasty salmon and succulent chicken as its two main protein sources. These are claimed to "provide all of the essential amino acids needed to support your cat's muscle development and maintenance", and the gentle air-drying process preserves extra nutrients so your cat is fully nourished. It's a complete food for adult cats of all ages and breeds. Grain-free with no artificial preservatives, colours or flavours. Other benefits: Prebiotics - supports nutrient absorption. Salmon oil - supports healthy skin and coat. Suitable for cats with sensitive digestive systems or allergies. Ingredients: Chicken (50%, consisting of Chicken Meat, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Livers, Chicken Stomachs), Salmon (26%), Beef (4%), Potato Starch, Chicken Fat, Vegetable Glycerine, Minerals, Cellulose (dried), Broccoli (1%), Blueberries (1%), Salmon Oil (0.8%), Crude Lecithin, Dried Brewer's Yeast [source of mannan-oligosaccharides and β-glucans], Chicory Inulin. More: According to the manufacturer, this product contains no additives and is made using exclusively natural, high-quality raw ingredients. 381.8 kcal/100g Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 38% Protein: 41.30% Fat: 18% Fat: 19.56% Fibre: 3% Fibre: 3.26% Ash: 8% Ash: 8.69% Moisture: Unknown Carbohydrates: 27.17% *The moisture content of this food is unavailable so dry matter basis is estimated. Evaluation, Pros and Cons The bulk of this Cosma dry food is made up of 50% chicken, including meat, hearts, livers and stomachs; and 26% salmon. Other animal-based ingredients include beef, chicken fat and salmon oil. There are some fruits and vegetables, such as dried broccoli and cellulose for added fibre; and potato starch. The overall protein content of 41.30% DMB isn't the highest we've seen, which is surprising - and just a little disappointing - considering that 80% of the food is meat, offal and fish. This suggests there may be a higher quantity of plant-based ingredients than what is immediately obvious on the label, especially considering the moderate amount of carbohydrates. The recipe also contains 4% beef, which is something to bear in mind if your cat has an allergy to beef. It has the lowest calories per 100g in comparison to other brands listed, which may be beneficial for overweight cats. Cosma air-dried food has a slightly crumblier texture than traditional kibble and the pieces are larger. I received a free sample bag with my regular cat food order and it smelled like gravy granules, which was a pleasant surprise. Drax wasn't interested at first, but once he got a taste for them, the bag didn't last long! Cosma has limited availability, and the easiest place to buy it in the UK is zooplus. You can search your local zooplus or bibita sites to see availability across Europe. On the plus side, there's a wide range of flavour options to suit every cat. Customer Reviews Cosma's dry cat food range receives rave reviews from owners, with many cats loving it as a regular meal or treat - even picky eaters enjoy the taste. The smell and composition of food is also praised, and there are very few reports of tummy upsets or cats refusing it. The only negative point appears to be the price, which is around the same as Lily's Kitchen. Cosma has the added benefits of higher protein, lower carbohydrates and gentler processing methods. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 / 5 Based on 30+ zooplus reviews. ✓ 80% fresh meat and offal. ✕ Potato starch. ✓ Chicken fat and salmon oil. ✕ High carbohydrates. ✓ Air-dried. ✕ Expensive. ✓ Range of flavour options. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Purizon Adult Grain-Free Chicken with Fish Purizon, also manufactured by Matina GmbH, is developed to suit the needs of the carnivorous cat, with a high proportion of animal ingredients at 70%. All recipes are grain-free and contain a careful selection of fruits and vegetables. This tasty combination is stated to ensure "excellent acceptance and digestibility". Purizon dry food comes in several varieties including adult, sterilised adult, large adult, kitten and single meat (for allergies). It should be noted that all food comes with feeding directions for neutered and unneutered cats, regardless of whether it's tailored for sterilised or not. Some recipes have recently been changed to include less meat and the inclusion of peas or pea protein, which suggests a drop in standards. Be sure to check the label or description to see if it's an old or new recipe before purchasing. Other flavours: Lamb with Fish (sterilised adult) Turkey & Chicken (sterilised adult) Chicken & Fish (sterilised adult) Wild Boar with Chicken (adult) Beef with Chicken (adult) Lamb with Fish (adult) Chicken & Fish (large adult) Salmon with Cornflower Blossoms (single meat) Chicken with Chamomile Blossoms (single meat) Food and Ingredients Purizon Chicken with Fish is a high-quality complete dry food for adult cats. It's protein-rich with 70% meat and fish, ideal for a cat's digestive system. It contains fruit and vegetables as a natural source of vitamins and fibre. Other benefits: Grain-free. Omega-3 and omega-6 - essential fatty acids for supple skin and shiny fur. Suitable for neutered cats with adapted feeding directions. Ingredients: 30% Chicken, 28% Chicken Protein (dried), Sweet Potato, 7% Chicken Fat, 1% Egg (dried), 1% Boneless Herring, 2% Herring Protein (dried), 1% Herring Oil), 11% Hydrolysed Animal Protein, Pea Fibre, Carrots (dried), Alfalfa (dried), Inulin, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Yeast Cell Walls (source of mannan oligosaccharides), Pomegranate (dried), Apple (dried), Spinach (dried), 0.3% Psyllium, Blueberries (dried), Sodium Chloride, Brewers Yeast (dried), 0.2% Turmeric, 0.12% Glucosamine, 0.09% Chondroitin Sulphate, Margold Extract, Aloe Vera (dried), Green Tea (dried), Rosemary (dried). More: NUTRITIONAL ADDITIVES: Vitamin A 18,000 IU, vitamin D3 1,200 IU, vitamin E 600mg, vitamin C 300mg, niacin 150mg, calcium-D-pantothenate 50mg, folic acid 1.5mg, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 20mg, vitamin B1 (thiamine mononitrate) 10mg, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) 8.1mg, biotin 1.5mg, beta-carotene 1.5mg, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) 0.1mg, choline chloride 2,500mg, zinc (zinc chelate of the hydroxy analogue of methionine) 163.8mg, manganese (manganese chelate of the hydroxy analogue of methionine) 64.6mg, iron (ferrous glycine chelate hydrate) 58.3mg, copper (copper chelate of the hydroxy analogue of methionine) 15.8mg, selenium (selenomethionine from Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3399 (inactivated selenium yeast)) 0.88μg, DL-methionine 5.000mg, taurine 4,000mg, L-carnitine 300mg. *406.01 kcal/100g (estimated) Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 44% Protein: 47.82 % Fat: 20% Fat: 21.73% Fibre: 1.8% Fibre: 1.95% Ash: 8.5% Ash: 9.23% Moisture: Unknown. Carbohydrates: 19.23% *The moisture content of this food is unavailable so dry matter basis is estimated. Evaluation, Pros and Cons It's not clearly specified on the label whether the meat used in this food is fresh, only that it contains 30% chicken and 28% dried chicken. Sweet potato is high up on the ingredients list at number three, but the carbohydrates aren't excessive; and protein counts for almost half of the total food. Pea fibre is also included, though it's not a main ingredient so shouldn't be much of an issue. Other plant-based ingredients like carrots, spinach and a handful of fruits are added into the recipe. I usually prefer a shorter ingredients list and there seems to be a lot of additives. However, with 70% of the food being animal-based; no meat meal and the use of sweet potato instead of potato, it's more deserving of a premium label than what we're used to seeing on the shelves. It would be nice to see more information regarding meat sourcing and processing methods, since it's hard to find out exactly where ingredients are coming from. Both Purizon and Cosma fall under the Matina GmbH umbrella. Pruizon varies in price depending on the formula: for example, their adult sterilised cat food is more expensive than the standard adult versions. You can buy packs in bulk at a lower cost on zooplus but availability is often limited. Shop smart fountains and automatic feeders → Customer Reviews Purizon is a favourite amongst UK and European cat owners for the high meat content and absence of fillers, as seen in lot of premium offerings. There's a good choice of flavours and cats love the taste. The food is said to contribute to optimum health and weight. Long-term users of Purizon claim that cats have stopped eating food after the recipe changes and it's caused some digestive issues. This could indicate a dip in quality or simply cats adjusting to different nutrients than what they're used to eating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 / 5 Based on 40+ Amazon reviews. ✓ 70% chicken and fish. ✕ Sweet potato. ✓ Herring oil and chicken fat. ✕ Pea fibre. ✓ High protein. ✕ Additives. ✓ Range of flavour options. Summary I hope you've found something on this list that your kitty approves of, or at the very least, it gives you some idea of what to look for in a premium dry food. While these options are grain-free, I don't necessarily advocate a grain-free diet, since vegetables contain as much - if not more - carbohydrates than rice and other cereals. However, there are less known health issues associated with potatoes and vegetables. Grains and cereals have been linked to hyperthyroidism, impaired protein absorption, cystitis and struvite stones in cats. The heating of seed oils at high temperatures can cause them to become toxic, which is a risk with the heavy processing methods used to create kibble. If you opt for a grain-inclusive diet, stick to small amounts of unrefined grains like brown rice or whole grain oats. Again, this is a controversial topic with a lot of conflicting evidence that can be hard to navigate. You should make your own judgments on feeding cats dry food based on the research available. Below are some similar brands to those mentioned: ORIJEN - Made from 90% animal ingredients, including raw or fresh meat and offal. Food has a long list of plant-based ingredients. Similar to ZIWI Peak or Cosma. Meowing Heads - At least 70% meat or seafood, including fresh meat. Contains grains. Scrumbles - 75% meat or seafood, including fresh meat. Contains grains. Wild Freedom - High meat content, including fresh meat. Contains potatoes and peas. Crave - A combination of fresh and dried meat or seafood. Contains peas or lentils. Cost-effective. Do you feed your cat any of these dry foods or think you've found a better option? Share your feedback or recommendations for other cat parents.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: Types of Carbohydrates Carbohydrates and Energy Grains and Veggies Carbohydrate Digestibility Dry Cat Food Grain-Free Diets More Other Health Conditions Summary Example Cat Foods Are carbs good or bad for cats? Do carbs cause obesity and diabetes? Can cats eat grains and veggies or are they just cheap fillers? The old carbs debate is getting kind of.... old.... but pet food manufacturers and veterinary nutritionists are no closer to reaching an agreement. Why? Feline nutritional needs aren't as extensively researched as the domestic dog, which has been around for an estimated 30,000 years longer than cats and represent a larger share of the market. Cats are obligate carnivores with unique dietary requirements - this doesn't mean they can only eat meat, but they do need meat to survive. Many studies are carried out or financed by pet food companies, plus they own a large portion of the veterinary industry. Based on these factors, I wonder how transparent they are in relation to the answers they provide to the public? Nevertheless, there seems to be a lot of focus on carbohydrate digestibility and metabolism rather than the actual benefits. Not to mention the long-term health effects, which is what we'll be covering in this article. Take a deeper dive into commercial pet foods and the companies behind them in this eye-opening post: The Truth About Commercial Cat Food: What Really Goes into Your Pet's Food? Types of Carbohydrates While the carbohydrate debate is ongoing, one thing everyone can agree on is that there are "good" carbs and "bad" carbs. Sugars (sucrose, fructose, glucose) are known as simple carbohydrates, such as those found in fruit. Cats struggle to digest sugars, therefore they're considered to hold no biological value. Fibre, an indigestible complex carbohydrate, can aid digestive transit and the excretion of hairballs. Wild cats would get fibre from the bones, fur and partially digested plant matter from the stomachs of their prey. Starch is another complex carbohydrate that the body converts into glucose to provide energy to the cells. It's easier to digest than sugar, and starch is necessary in dry foods as it acts as the "glue" that holds the ingredients together. It gets a little more complicated because starch can be broken down further into types that are beneficial for cats and those that are less so. Regardless of ingredients, the key word is "moderation". Carbohydrates and Energy “Carbohydrates are one of the three categories of macronutrients, alongside fats and protein, included in diets for animals and act as the main energy source for pets.” - Royal Canin We already know that isn't strictly true, given that cats would be getting as little as 1-2% carbohydrates from prey in the wild. In fact, fat provides twice as much energy per gram as carbohydrates and protein, hence why it makes up a fair chunk of their natural diet. Premium dry cat food with 80% fresh meat and offal. Kibble is gently air-dried to preserve nutrients. The grain-free recipe contains a small amount of fruit and vegetables, with no preservatives, colourings or flavourings. The main purpose of starch is to provide energy in the form of glucose. Yet cats are very special in the sense that they can synthesise their own glucose in the liver - given enough protein, of course. Some would argue that the addition of carbohydrates allows cats to conserve protein for other vital functions, but it still seems unnecessary when they're efficient at utilising fat as one of their primary energy sources. The domestic cat has adapted in many ways, but their physiology remains the same. No amount of studies have proven otherwise, as we explore in the next example. Grains and Veggies “Grains, commonly referred to as ‘cereal grains’ are the edible seeds of specific grasses and include wheat, corn, rice, barley, oats and rye. To expose the most nutritious, digestible elements of grains or cereals, the raw ingredient is ground and heated in the manufacturing process. This removes the less digestible outer shell and leaves the nutrients that cats and dogs need.” - Royal Canin This is a perfect example of refined grains that have been processed to remove most of the fibre, vitamins and minerals. Pet food companies use them because they're more easily digested by cats, which further emphasises that they have a limited ability to digest carbohydrates. Unrefined grains (whole grains) are those that haven't been processed or stripped of the nutritious parts, which you've likely seen advertised as a healthier option. Some whole grains that veterinary nutritionists approve of include: Brown rice. Whole grain oats. Whole pearled barley. Whole grains may provide more nutrients and fibre but are generally less digestible. The main reason for this is due to a low activity of the enzymes, amylase and glucokinase, that cats use to break down carbohydrates. Cats have a short digestive tract that's designed to process animal protein quickly and efficiently. Visit Another factor to consider is the processing methods. While refined carbs are better digested, it involves heating ingredients at high temperatures. This can be problematic for a number of reasons: Degradation of those "high-quality" nutrients, hence the mass supplementation used in commercial foods. This is in addition to the processing that kibble has to go through during manufacturing, which also helps to prolong shelf life. Heating fats and proteins together with sugar produces compounds known as AGE's (advanced glycation end products) that can cause oxidative stress. This damages the cells and tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and lifelong diseases. The heating of seed oils, which are high in polyunsaturated fats, has a similar effect. All things considered, it would seem as though unrefined grains are both a healthier and safer option - provided your cat tolerates them. However, they tend to be high in magnesium and phosphorous which can contribute to bladder stones. Carbohydrate Digestibility Not all studies on carbohydrate digestibility disclose which processing methods are being used or whether they are, in fact, feeding test cats the same food that they're putting on the shelves. In Royal Canin's digestibility chart below, we can see that they're using dehydrated meat and meat meal as a comparison against wheat gluten and soy, neither of which replicate a cat's natural diet. As both are heavily processed, it's simply the worst of two evils. These results don't mean that plant proteins are more digestible than animal protein. It shows that processed plant protein is between 3-11% more digestible than processed animal protein in this particular study. Claims like this mislead owners into thinking the food is better for their cats than a natural diet. More to the point, we have zero information about how many cats were tested or the age, breed and health status of each cat involved. Carbohydrate studies have been criticised for deficiencies in the methods used, with small sample sizes and reliance on pet owners' observations on health and body condition. The duration of studies is important as it can take a long time to see the effects of nutritional deficiencies and accompanying health conditions. Dry Cat Food Carbohydrates and Protein Dry food has a much higher carbohydrate content than wet food at around 30-40% - not that you'll find this information on the packaging. Since cats don't need carbohydrates in their diet, there's no legal requirement for them to appear on the label. Find out everything you need to know about calculating carbohydrates in this step-by-step guide: How to Calculate Carbohydrates in Cat Food and Understanding Dry Matter Basis Protein can be as low as 26% according to pet food regulations set by the FEDIAF, which is just enough to maintain basic bodily functions. This is less than half of what cats would be getting in the wild, so while it may seem as though your kitty is surviving on commercial food, that doesn't mean it's thriving as much as it could be - or that it won't have a shortened lifespan due to years of unseen damage. Even worse, it's not always specified how much protein comes from animals as opposed to plants. These numbers speak to the excessive use of carbohydrates in pet food. Pack'n Pride Freeze Dried Cat Treats are made with 100% chicken breast. Feed as a reward, soak in water to get a fresh chicken cube or use as a food topper. No preservatives, grains or by-products and great for sensitive stomachs. Contaminants Dry food is often contaminated with bacteria; mycotoxins from fungi/mould that grow on grains; and storage mites. These little critters and their faeces can cause allergic reactions in cats. There are many more pet food recalls involving dry food than wet food - just look at the 2021 mycotoxin case that was linked to the deaths of over 500 cats in the UK. To make things worse, regulating bodies allow a certain level of mycotoxins to be present in food (both animal and human) with so-called "safe limits". Since pets are fed the same food on a daily basis, they're more susceptible to illness than humans. Processing Dry food is processed using heat pressure, whereby fat and moisture are extracted from the dough that makes up kibble. Remember, fat is a source of energy so it has to be replaced with carbohydrates. Additionally, a layer of fat may be sprayed over the kibble pieces, along with preservatives and flavour enhancers to improve palpability. If you have a kibble addicted kitty, this is probably a huge reason as to why! More about how dry pet food is made can be found on the FEDIAF website. The fat sources used in commercial pet foods are vaguely mentioned, if at all. As with protein, we often have no way of knowing whether they're animal or plant based. Vegetable oil is commonly used for its omega-3 fatty acids, but cats are unable to convert the omega-3 found in plant sources to the usable form found in animal sources (DHA). Ingredients Let's look at the ingredients from the Royal Canin digestibility chart. Soy Like all legumes, seeds and grains, soy contains phytic acid (or phytate) which may reduce the absorption of nutrients and block the enzymes needed to digest protein, leading to potential liver damage. Another disease that's thought to be related to soybean is hyperthyroidism, which causes an increase in a cat's metabolic rate. Symptoms include increased appetite, weight loss and restlessness. Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease of cats in the USA, and while the exact cause is unknown, evidence from studies suggests that diet plays an important role. Wheat Gluten and Corn Gluten Gluten is a protein found in certain grains that bumps up the overall protein content of food, further disguising the lack of animal protein. Corn has been linked to inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract, also known as cystitis. While there are many non-dietary causes of feline lower urinary tract disease, studies show that the high cereal content in pet food is a contributing factor for cats and dogs developing bladder stones. Grain-Free Diets Based on the information above, it's no surprise that many opt for a grain-free diet under the assumption it's healthier. However, "grain free" doesn't necessarily mean "carbohydrate free". The grains used to bulk out cat food are usually replaced with vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and peas; lentils and berries. This means they can contain as much, if not more carbs than grains. Potato protein and pea protein are commonly used to supplement animal-based protein, which is an important factor to consider when reading a cat food label. Make sure these aren't a main ingredient, as this shows a high content of plant-based ingredients. Most veterinary nutritionists argue that grain-free diets are little more than a marketing tactic, but perhaps the most significant benefit is avoiding those dietary allergens. Wheat, corn, gluten and soy are common culprits; although some would argue that the biggest factors influencing digestibility are ingredient quality and processing methods. Learn more here: Grain-Free vs Grains Cat Food: Which is Better? Other Health Conditions Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Certain conditions require a low-protein diet to limit the amount of work the kidneys have to do, in which case carbohydrates are necessary. Vets may prescribe a renal diet for cats with CKD, although these are questionable, and some experts suggest feeding a higher quality animal protein to compensate for the reduced amount. If cats don't consume enough from their diet to fulfil their daily protein calorie needs, they start to break down their own muscle mass, resulting in muscle wastage and weight loss. If you have a kitty suffering from CKD then this article by Dr Lisa Pierson is essential reading: Feeding Your Cat: Kidney Disease It's also important to feed cats wet food, as hydration is essential for proper kidney function. Kibble isn't a direct cause of kidney disease, but it can contribute to conditions that increase the risk. Dehydration Cats are not driven to seek out water because they should get most of it from prey. If your cat is on a dry food-only diet then you might notice that it's persistently thirsty. Even if they consume a lot of water, they still won't be getting as much as if they were eating wet food as well. Related post: Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain Reviews (Tried and Tested) Shop smart fountains and automatic feeders → Inadequate water intake can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to dietary allergens and digestive problems. As mentioned, UTI's and bladder stones are common in male cats, but there's another reason why kibble may not be the best choice. Carbohydrates are alkaline which creates a perfect environment for struvite stones to form, whereas meat is acidic. If, like me, you have a kitty on a urinary diet, you may know that food is designed to be more acidic in order to dissolve struvites! Periodontal Disease Pet food companies claim that the abrasive surface of kibble helps with dental hygiene, but since when have crumbly biscuits been good for anyone's teeth? They're more likely to get stuck around the gums and cause a build-up of plaque and tartar. Compare this to chewing on flesh and bone, it's not hard to see which is the better toothbrush. Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS and IBD (irritable bowel disorder) can be related to food that's hard to digest, and there are many reports of cats showing improvement with the removal of dry food. Stinky poops are not normal, but this doesn't necessarily mean your cat is in need of a special diet. There are other, more serious causes of gut problems - it's important to keep a record of symptoms so your vet can perform the necessary tests to make an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes the cause is unknown, so changing a cat's diet (under the guidance of a vet or veterinary nutritionist) may be a good option. Wild Freedom Freeze-Dried Cat Snacks made from 100% animal protein. Choice of flavours include Chicken Heart, Beef Liver and Lamb Lung. Completely natural with no additives. Impaired Protein Absorption High amounts of carbohydrates causes food to move through the digestive tract faster than normal, decreasing protein digestibility. Furthermore, refined carbohydrates feed the "bad" intestinal bacteria, which creates an overgrowth in the colon. This bacteria breaks down dietary protein, leading to the production of ammonia which puts pressure on the liver to eliminate. In relation to intestinal bacteria, remember those smelly poops we talked about? This can be due to the overpopulation of bad bugs diminishing the good bugs' ability to survive. The result being flatulence, cramping, vomiting and diarrhoea - which over time can lead to inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions. Obesity and Diabetes Obesity is often associated with carbohydrates, yet pet food companies state that these conditions are more likely a result of inactivity or overfeeding. There's an element of truth here, but it could be argued that low energy levels are a result of low-quality food - at least in part. The consumption of glucose from carbohydrates leads to a spike in blood sugar, which in turn causes high insulin levels - more than the pancreas (the insulin-producing organ) can handle. This extra pressure on the pancreas can lead to degenerative conditions like diabetes over time, which is precisely the issue I raised at the beginning of this article. Furthermore, the overconsumption of carbohydrates causes fat cells to convert glucose into fat and store it for later use, eventually leading to weight gain. Conversely, low insulin levels signal fat to be taken out of storage and used as energy, the result being that reducing carbohydrates has shown to lose weight in both animals and humans. Shop Premium Cat Food → Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 Special weight loss foods and those tailored to indoor cats are usually lower in fat and higher in protein to maintain lean muscle mass. However, the increased protein is either marginal or plant-based, which bumps up the carbs and so the cycle continues. Alternatively, cats may end up losing weight as well as muscle mass, which makes owners think the food is "working". I found this out the hard way with my own chunky monkey, and the only thing that lost weight was my wallet. To avoid making the same mistake, here's some advice from a professional: Feline Obesity: An Epidemic of Fat Cats Some studies suggest that carbohydrates aren't a risk factor for cats developing diabetes, but in what quantities are test cats being fed and for how long a duration? Surely it'd be more viable to study the effects that a natural diet has on diabetic cats to see if the condition is reversed - which it often is, according to this revealing article by Dr Lisa Pierson: Feline Diabetes When considering the different types of carbohydrates, it can be helpful to know their effects on blood glucose as not all will be the same. Starches with a high glycaemic index raise blood sugars quickly and are considered to be even worse than sugar! Potatoes and refined grains are examples of starches with a high GI. Sweet potatoes are slightly better, or you can look for low-GI ingredients such as broccoli, carrots, spinach, legumes and whole grains. These are digested slower and result in a smaller increase in sugar, yet we know that whole grains come with their own set of problems. Summary So, the ultimate question is: do grains and fillers deserve their bad rep? It's fair to say that carbohydrates can provide a source of energy and fibre in moderation; however, this is nothing that can't be offered by a prey-model diet that doesn't need to be processed or contain a bunch of harmful ingredients that potentially lead to disease states. The benefits of a high-moisture, high-protein diet for cats are unquestionable. We don't need studies to tell us what biology shows us. By comparison, all of the information we have on carbohydrates is mixed, uncertain and extremely limited. Perhaps the real question you should ask yourself is, why risk it? Visit Prey-model diets refer to fresh food consisting of 100% animal products including meat, muscle tissue, organs and bone. There are currently a limited amount of fresh pet food companies that cater to felines, which is just as well because we can't all be board-certified nutritionists! The biggest issue for most is budget, as meat is far more costly than plants. If fresh food isn't an option then you can try supplementing commercial food with a homemade recipe once or twice a week, as long as it's formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. For a lot of pet parents, commercial food is more affordable and convenient. While it's not perfect, wet food is much closer to what cats should be eating, with high moisture and protein levels; and usually a small amount of carbohydrates. Once cats start eating kibble, it can be hard to transition them to anything else. Related post: How to Change a Cat's Food with 10 Tasty Tips Other Feeding Tips A high-quality recipe should be made with a named source of animal protein (poultry, beef, fish) as the primary ingredient, including a portion of fresh meat for premium foods. Animal fat further reduces the need for plant-based products. Look for chicken fat and salmon oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Gentle processing methods such as air-dried kibble is more nutrient dense since it isn't blasted under extreme temperatures. This prevents a lot of the issues around the heating of seed oils, too. When it comes to commercial cat food, there are pros and cons to everything, hence why a varied diet is best - as well as monitoring what individual cats best tolerate. Since low-carb diets tend to be higher in fat and therefore higher in calories, portion control is extremely important. That's why I've come up with this helpful guide: How Many Calories Does My Cat Need? Below are some examples of what to look for on an ingredients label. If you decide to stick to a dry food diet, check out this post for some premium recommendations: 5 Best Dry Cat Foods 2026 Example Cat Foods *Carbohydrate contents are estimated based on calculations from the crude amount of protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. Lily's Kitchen Chicken Casserole Dry Food Ingredients: Fresh chicken (65%), chicken liver (5%), potato (21%), egg, chicken gravy, flaxseed, cellulose, minerals, prebiotic (fructoligosaccharides 0.7g/kg), Italian cheese, seaweed, carrots (0.02%), cranberries, bilberries, parsley (0.02%), fenugreek seeds. Analytical Constituents: Protein: 27% Fat: 17% Fibre: 3% Lily's Kitchen is a great example of what we want to see on a pet food label, with fresh chicken and chicken liver as the first ingredients, and at a whopping 70%. The carb-loaded potato comes in at number three (21%) with a small amount of herbs, fruit and vegetables. The recipe does contain cheese, which isn't great for our lactose-intolerant cats. Lily's Kitchen comes with a high price tag due to the fresh meat content, which is rare to see in dry foods. Yet there's a catch: if we look at the guaranteed analysis, the overall protein content is only 27%. This is an important factor to consider when reading a cat food label. Carbohydrates are around 36-38% but the high meat content makes it a good trade off - if you can afford it! Whiskas 1+ Chicken Ingredients: Cereals, meat and animal by-products (including 4% chicken in the light brown kibbles*), oils and fats, vegetable by-products, minerals, vegetable protein extracts, various sugars, vegetables (including 0.5% dried carrots, equivalent to 4% carrots, in the orange kibbles and 1% dried peas, equivalent to 4% peas, in the green kibbles*). Analytical Constituents: Protein: 30% Fat: 12.4% Fibre 1.8% Whiskas is pretty bog-standard and makes a great comparison to Lily's Kitchen in terms of transparency. The first ingredient is cereal - not meat - so I'd avoid it straight away. None of the animal-based ingredients are named, apart from a measly 4% chicken (which only applies to the light brown kibbles). This is followed by more unspecified oils, fats and vegetable by-products. While the overall protein level in the guaranteed analysis is higher than Lily's Kitchen (30%) there's no way of knowing how much is animal based vs grains and vegetables, let alone what those mysterious "by-products" are. Carbohydrates are an estimated 37-40% but, again, we're left guessing what that actually consists of. PURINA ONE Adult Chicken Dry Cat Food Ingredients: Chicken (17%) (including bone, meat, skin), dried poultry protein, wheat (16%), corn, soya meal, wheat gluten, animal fat, corn protein meal, dried chicory root (2%), corn grits, minerals, digest (with added heat-treated Lactobacillus Delbrueckii and Fermentum powder 0.025%), yeasts. Analytical Constituents: Protein: 34% Fat: 14% Fibre: 2.5% Purina has a wide range of products that cater for all budgets and dietary needs. It places emphasis on its high-quality ingredients and is considered a mid to premium brand, which makes this product all the more disappointing. We get off to a good start with 17% chicken (bone, meat and skin) and dried poultry protein; however, this is succeeded by a string of wheat, corn, soy and gluten - everything we don't want to see! Considering the price tag, there are much better ingredients that could have been used. The 34% protein content and animal fat is a plus, although some of the protein comes from grains, and it has an equal amount of carbohydrates at 34%. Have you got a kibble-addicted kitty that you want to transition to wet or fresh food? Have you witnessed any carb-related health issues? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments.

Essential Resources for Cats: Beds Food and Water Bowls Litter Trays Scratch Posts Cat Trees Hiding Places Are you new to cat parenting? Whether you're expecting a new addition, bringing another cat into a single-cat household or want to minimise stress in existing residents, a safe and comfortable environment is what all owners should be striving for. Cats are known for their territorial natures, and rather than treating it like a problem, we should accept them for the highly intelligent and perfectly developed species that they are. It all starts with viewing the world through the eyes and behaviours of your kitty companion. Let's explore some key resources and their ideal placement in your home. This guide covers everything from where to put litter trays and scratchers to the best hiding spots, ensuring a cosy, cat-friendly environment. Beds Quiet Rooms While many cats enjoy sharing a bed with their human guardians, it's a good idea to provide a variety of sleeping areas, especially in multi-cat homes. Spare rooms, studies or anywhere they can retreat for some peace and quiet will greatly improve their sleep quality - as we know, cats love their naps! Baskets, cushions, blankets or something as simple as a pile of old clothes gives them plenty of options when beds are occupied by other cats. Related post: 10 Best Types of Cat Beds Shop Pet Furniture → Elevated Surfaces An elevated area such as the top of a wardrobe, drawers or cat tree offers both privacy and a good vantage point, as cats feel safe when they can observe their surroundings. Make sure it's accessible by placing a chair or other item of furniture next to it, especially for older cats that find it difficult to climb. Away from Doors and Windows Doors are heavy traffic areas that come with a lot of noise, and windows are the perfect opportunity for surprise encounters with outdoor cats or passing dogs. Beds should be in a safe, secure space away from distractions. Food and Water Bowls Quiet Rooms or Areas A lot of owners put food and water bowls in the kitchen because it's convenient, but that doesn't mean it's convenient for your cat. Kitchens are high-traffic areas with potentially multiple people coming and going to collect food, drinks and snacks; washing dishes, laundry and other tasks. This can result in cats running away and leaving their food or, conversely, scoffing it as quickly as possible. A dining area is better, or other less used rooms with space for a food and water station. Providing multiple bowls and/or fountains in different areas allows cats to access them at all times and prevents squabbling if one is being used by another cat. Related post: Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain Reviews (Tried and Tested) Some experts recommend that cats in multi-cat households are fed in separate areas that are out of sight from each other. The exception being when cats are being introduced for the first time or going through the separation and reintroduction process. Visit Not Overlooked Cats don't like being overlooked by other animals or people, so you should avoid placing food and water stations in the centre of a room or near doors and windows. Cats Protection advise placing them slightly away from the wall with enough space for cats to sit in between, allowing them to keep an eye on their surroundings from all angles. Elevated Surfaces Raised surfaces are a good idea if children are in the house to keep little fingers out of bowls, and it allows cats to eat undisturbed. It also prevents greedy cats from stealing other cats' food - if they're on the fatter side then they might not be willing to climb. Shop smart fountains and automatic feeders → Away from Litter Trays As obvious as it sounds, keep food and water away from litter trays - or at the very least, across the other side of a room. No one wants to eat where they poop, and you don't want your cat ingesting any stray litter. Separate Food and Water Bowls Cats tend to prefer having their food and water bowls in separate locations, since they'd typically hunt away from water sources in the wild. Litter Trays Privacy As with food and water stations, cats need to be able to see what's going on around them, and toileting is when they're most vulnerable. Litter trays should be in a private, accessible place away from doors, windows and busy traffic areas. Bathrooms Conveniently, bathrooms are the perfect location and most hygienic for everyone - animal and human. They're quiet, private and secluded from eating and sleeping areas. Upstairs landings are also a popular spot, but this won't be possible in every home. It's only natural to want to tuck litter trays out of sight - no one wants them stinking out their living room, and this isn't an ideal place for cats either. However, in small apartments where space is limited, it may be the best place. You should consider putting the interests of your kitty before your own. Multiple litter trays placed around the home reduces stress and accidents, as well as territorial behaviour between resident cats. Scratch Posts Doors, Windows and Cat Flaps Cats have scent glands between the pads of their paws, which they use when scratching as a form of territorial marking. Wild cats would scratch trees for the same purpose, as well as leaving visual markings to warn off intruding parties. Providing scratching opportunities at entry and exit points may help to prevent territorial behaviours like urine spraying or aggression towards other household cats. Remember, aggression isn't always physical: blocking, staring and ambushing are just a few intimidation tactics that cats use to protect and defend their turf. Visit Beds and Sleeping Areas Cats like to stretch their limbs and sharpen their claws when they wake up from a nap. Placing a scratch post or mat nearby sleeping areas may prevent them from doing it elsewhere! Related post: Cardboard and Sisal Cat Scratcher Reviews (Tried and Tested) Cat Trees Favourite Areas The great thing about cat trees is that they double up as beds and hiding places, hence why they're an essential piece of kitty furniture. You can place them in your cat's favourite resting or play areas to encourage use, as long as there's enough space; and away from human traffic like doorways and halls. Make use of corners that are a bit more private, especially in living rooms so they can interact with and observe the family while having their own designated safe place. Windows While it's generally not advised to place sleeping areas near windows, cat trees offer a great vantage point which enhances safety and security. Most cats love observing the outdoors and it's particularly stimulating for house cats. If you have strays or other four-legged visitors in the area that upset your resident furries, an upstairs window means they're less likely to come face to face. Hiding Places Elevated Surfaces The wildcat uses height to escape predators and keep a lookout for threats and food, which you can replicate at home with things like floor-to-ceiling cat trees, shelves and wardrobes. As always, make sure areas are accessible and easy to climb. Dark Spaces Underbed spaces, cupboards and wardrobes make great hidey-holes around the home. Make sure any doors are left open so cats can get in and out without being trapped. Private Rooms Unused or quiet rooms away from noisy areas of the house helps to reduce fear and stress by allowing cats to retreat and escape other cats. Summary The best locations for a cat's resources can vary depending on who you ask, and while there are certainly "good" and "bad" places, it also comes down to personal preference - and I'm not talking about yours! If kitty seems happy with the way things are, or you've had the same layout for years without any problems, then switching them around can do more harm than good. My boy, Simba, was most upset when I tried moving his food bowl out of the living room - the noisiest area of the house - to the less used dining room. The guidelines in this article mainly apply to new cats or those that have started displaying behaviours that are out of character. One of the first solutions you can try is modifying their environment by moving resources to a more suitable area of the home. For example, if your cat starts toileting in areas other than the litter tray and a vet has ruled out illness, it's most likely a stress-related problem. Likewise, if cats are fighting over or around food stations then you should reconsider placement and whether there's enough space around the bowls so cats never have to turn their back on a potential threat. Related post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats It's important to observe your kitty, as well as its behaviour around other kitties, in order to minimise stress and insecurity that could lead to deeper behavioural issues. And remember the golden rule: one resource per household cat, plus one extra (two cats = three litter trays and so on). Spreading resources around the home can help to satisfy a cat's natural desire to explore, as well as increasing exercise. Resources go way beyond eating, sleeping and toileting; they also need plenty of enrichment and stimulation, including toys and play. Do you follow any of the guidelines above? Share your home layout in the comments!