*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: How Many Calories Do Cats Need? Resting Energy Requirements Total Energy Requirements Cat Body Condition Score Calculating Portion Sizes How Many Calories Do Cats Need? Most sources state that a typical 4.5kg cat requires 200-250 calories per day - or 20-30 calories per 450g of bodyweight. This is a broad range and largely depends on activity levels, so how do we tailor it to our own individual cat? When it comes to cats and calories, it's important to recognise the many factors that affect their energy levels and requirements. Some of these we can incorporate into our calculations, while others require a more specialist approach. Here are some examples: Age Kittens need more energy and therefore more calories to support growth and development. When feeding commercial food, you'd normally give them a kitten formula to meet these requirements. As cats age, their metabolism and activity levels slow down so they need fewer calories but higher quality protein to help combat muscle wastage. A specialised senior diet can be beneficial and reduce the risk of malnutrition. Pregnancy Pregnant cats require more calories and protein. Throughout the duration of their pregnancy, their food intake increases up to twice the amount of what they'd normally be eating. This increases further during lactation up to six times! Neutered/spayed status A cat's metabolism slows down after sterilisation due to hormonal changes, which means they need fewer calories to maintain their energy levels. It also affects appetite-regulating hormones, so you may notice that they're hungrier than usual. Studies show that male cats eat about 50% more post-operation. They also become less active, which causes many cats to gain weight. Related post: How to Exercise Obese Cats for Weight Loss Exercise Indoor cats are generally more sedentary than those with outdoor access. Likewise, outdoor cats need extra fat during the winter months. You might have seen commercial food tailored to indoor cats with adjusted nutrient contents that take into account inactivity, metabolism and urinary health. Related post: 5 Indoor Cat Foods Rated: Are They Really Worth it? This article is intended for healthy adult cats over 2kg and up to 45kg. It's highly unlikely that you have a cat this heavy, but the formula can be applied to dogs of the same criteria. This formula is not suitable for pregnant or lactating cats. If you have a senior cat or feed a prescription diet, you should consult a vet for advice. For kittens, see the dedicated sections. Resting Energy Requirements Resting energy requirements (RER) refers to the amount of energy that cats require for maintaining basic bodily functions. Simply, RER = kcal/day (how many calories your cat needs per day as a bare minimum). *For the purpose of this article, kcal simply refers to calories. 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. Calculate RER Step 1: Accurately weigh your cat on a pet or baby scale like the one pictured above. You can use normal scales by weighing yourself holding kitty and weighing yourself separately, then deducting the difference. Depending on scale sensitivity, this should give you a rough estimate. Step 2: Calculate RER with the standard formula as used by veterinarians (adult cats only): RER = 30 x (body weight in kg) + 70 Example: Drax weighs 5 kg. 30 x 5 (kg) = 150 150 + 70 = 220 This means that Drax's resting energy requirement is 220 calories per day. Kitten RER The formula for kittens under 2kg (or pets over 45kg) is slightly different: 70 x (body weight in kg) 3^4 OR √√ (BW in kg x BW in kg x BW in kg) x 70 In this example, we'll be using the second formula because it's easier to break down and I prefer it. Mini weighs 1.45 kg. Using a calculator: 1.45 x 1.45 x 1.45 = 3.04 Now type in the following: √√ 3.04 = (1.32) 1.32 x 70 = 92.4 Mini's RER is 92.4 calories per day. Next, we can use these numbers to determine your cat or kitten's total energy requirements. Total Energy Requirements Total energy requirements (TER) can also be referred to as maintenance energy requirements (MER). This represents the adjustments you'll need to make to your cat's daily calorie intake based on variations like age, sex, activity levels, body condition and neutered/spayed status. There are cat calorie calculators online that may factor in some or all of the above, which I'll link down below. As a general guide, you can work out the most common variations using the following formulas: Normal/active neutered or spayed adult cats RER x 1.2 Normal/active non-neutered or non-spayed adult cats RER x 1.4 Underweight adult cats RER x 1.8 Overweight adult cats (where the goal is weight loss) RER x 0.8 Inactive/obese prone adult cats (not overweight) RER x 1.0 Kittens aged 0-4 months RER x 2.5 Kittens aged 4-12 months RER x 2.0 Calculate TER Using the example above, we already know that Drax's RER is 220 calories per day. Drax falls into the category of a normal/active neutered adult cat = RER x 1.2 220 (calories) x 1.2 = 264 Drax's total energy requirements are 264 calories per day. It's important to note that this is just an estimate and doesn't take into account every single variation or the individual cat. Some vets use a more generalised RER calculator as shown in the image below. Image credit: Hill's Pet Nutrition We can see from the table that the RER for a 5kg cat is 234 calories, which is slightly more than the 220 calories using the standard formula. Since these are recommendations only, information will vary from source to source - which is why it's crucial to monitor your cat's weight. If you're worried or unsure about how much to feed your cat, the best person to advise you is a vet who can do a physical examination in order to determine health and body condition. Here are some handy online calculators that are free and simple to use: Purina MER Calculator for Cats UK Pet Food Calorie Calculator for Cats Vetcalculators Caloric Requirements Pet Nutrition Alliance Calorie Calculator Cat Body Condition Score Sometimes it's hard to tell if a cat is under or overweight due to their thick fluffy coats, and many owners don't know how much their cats should weigh. To help with this, you can use what's known as the Body Condition Score, as pictured below. If you decide to use an online calculator for working out calorie intake (TER) then you'll likely need to familiarise yourself with this, and it's useful to know in general. Image credit: APOP The Body Condition Score chart uses a combination of visual checks and touch to assess fat and muscle coverage. This helps to determine whether a cat is underweight, overweight or at an ideal body condition. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention is a great resource and provides a step-by-step guide for owners to follow at home. Calculating Portion Sizes Once you know your cat's recommended calorie intake or TER, you can create tailored portion sizes. In the UK, the calorie content of cat food isn't usually stated on the packaging - this is something else we have to work out. For reference, see this dedicated post: How to Calculate the Calorie Content of Cat Food Example: Drax requires 264 kcal per day. His food contains 350 calories per 100g. First, we need to calculate the calories per gram of cat food. 350 (calories) / 100g = 3.5 So, 1 gram provides 3.5 calories. Since Drax needs 264 kcal per day: 264 / 3.5 = 75.42 Drax should be fed approximately 75 grams of the example cat food. Lastly, divide this number by the amount of meals your cat has per day. If Drax has 2 meals then I'd give him 37 grams per portion. Note that this doesn't factor in treats, which should be deducted from TER and make up less than 10% of a cat's diet. I hope this article has been of use and, remember, your local vet is always on hand to give you more personalised advice regarding your pet's diet. They might also recommend a qualified veterinary nutritionist who can guide you through the process of developing a suitable meal plan. *All calculations are estimates. Actual calorie requirements may vary, but these guidelines are a good starting point for understanding a cat's basic nutritional needs. Drop a comment to let us know if this helped you or your kitty!

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.

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 → 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?

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. This is an honest review of a free product. All photos are my own. In this article: About the Brand Catnip Queen Toys Testers Review About the Brand The Catnip Queen is on a mission to replace fast-fashion toys with cat couture! The brand's range of luxury, organic catnip toys challenge the throwaway culture of the pet industry, replacing flimsy toys with durable alternatives that are designed to last. Toys are created to be used over and over again, and you don't have to worry about catnip losing its potency with the Royal Elixir Spray - a unique blend of catnip and silvervine that refreshes toys with a single spritz. The Catnip Queen is a UK-based, family business founded by Matt and Aime Anderson - along with their two cats, Princess and Tiger, who were rescued from a cardboard box. As such, the brand donates 1% of every sale to the Feline Care Cat Rescue. With two rescue babies of my own - and spending a small fortune on rubbish cat toys that are met with disinterest - it's a cause I can relate to. These fancy catnip toys aren't only good for your furry royal highnesses; they're good for the planet and, in the long-run, your wallet! Drax inspecting the Count's Moustache Catnip Queen Toys So, what's on offer from this luxury, sustainable cat toy brand? The Catnip Queen's signature Royal Collection includes the Count's Moustache and Designer Clutch, which were generously gifted to me. Also available is the Royal Catch, which as the name suggests, is a rather fancy-looking fish. The purple and gold colour scheme is symbolic of royalty, with tassels and bells for extra enrichment. What makes these toys unique is that they're filled with premium-grade organic catnip and silvervine fruit. This is great news for cats that aren't responsive to catnip - or more specifically, nepetalactone - which accounts for around 30% of the feline population. Drax looking rather stylish with his Designer Clutch By contrast, silvervine contains multiple compounds including nepetalactone, Actinide and dihydroactinidiolide, with the plant's gall fruit containing the highest concentration of active ingredients. Studies show that this potent alternative to catnip is enjoyed by 80% of cats, including those that are immune to catnip! Learn more about the benefits of silvervine here: Silvervine vs Catnip: Which Is Best for Cats? The "royal" theme makes purrfect sense for the feline personality, but I wasn't sure how this would translate to the toys themselves - where else do you see moustaches and clutch bags for cats? You can feel the quality of the toys in their soft but durable material that lives up to the promise of luxury. More importantly, you can smell the catnip and I'm impressed by the level of potency it has. Straight in for a nuzzle! Testers Review Reviewing catnip can be challenging when you have one semi-responsive cat and another that's totally immune - that's if they can be bothered to play at all! Everyone knows that my fussy felines are hard to please in any respect, and I'd usually use other family cats for testing catnip. Since mine have always been more reactive to silvervine, I was curious to see how the toys would be received. You can imagine my surprise when Drax grabbed the moustache out of my hand for a nuzzle, but this was nowhere near as shocking as Simba - who's never responded to catnip in his life - tried to stuff the clutch bag into his mouth. Whaaat?! I have to admit it was entertaining for me, too, as the sight of a cat holding a clutch bag was hilarious. Catnip-immune Simba hasn't played with soft toys since he was a tiny kitten! In all honesty, I'm not sure if Simba was more interested in the tassel than the actual catnip/silvervine factor. I'm always cautious of small dangly bits on cat toys, especially when they contain metal parts like these do. However, the tassel didn't budge, despite Simba's attemps to pull it off. I thought it might get stuck around his teeth or snap, but the elastic is thick and well-stitched. It was only a short burst of interest, but for a cat that won't even look at a soft toy, I still consider it a success! Drax seems to enjoy batting it around, gnawing and nuzzling it - as well as using it as a pillow. Drax can't get enough of his clutch bag. The Count's Moustache has a larger tassel and bell, but they didn't come loose with four rounds of tester cats beating it up. Unfortunately, Simba was scared of the bell as it's quite big and noisy - again, that's not saying much because he's scared of everything! However, one of the other testers was also put off by the sound, which might be something to bear in mind for timid cats. Our most playful tester, Nobby, wasn't bothered by it at all and spent three days rolling around with his new favourite toy - jingly bell and all! Tester, Nobby, cuddling the Count's Moustache. If you do have a wimpy cat then they might prefer the clutch or fish. Likewise, if you have an aggressive kitty and are concerned about small parts coming off, the fish would be the safest option. I didn't experience any wear and tear with the toys, but they could benefit from less metal parts on the tassels by way of an alternative material. These toys were a little large for my cats to carry around like real prey. However, they're the perfect size and weight for grabbing, cuddling, nuzzling and bunny-kicking - which are typically the behaviours that catnip stimulates. If my fussy duo don't mind the unusual shapes and sizes then a normal cat should love them! New favourite toy! Of all the Catnip Queen goodies, it was the Elixir Spray that I was most excited about because I haven't seen anything like it. With my cats preferring silvervine powder over catnip blends, the spray format was something I really wanted to try out. Related post: Silvervine for Cats: Powder and Stick Reviews (Tried and Tested) The all-natural ingredients include catnip herb, silvervine gall fruit, water and natural preservatives. The 50ml spray bottle is compact but provides over 100 applications. A little goes a long way - just one spritz on each side of the toy is enough to provide a refresher to keep cats engaged. It's recommended for use no more than 2-3 times a week to prevent cats becoming desensitised to the catnip. More nuzzles from Nobby. What's more, you can use the elixir to revive any other old toys you have lying around, as well as scratchers and cat trees to encourage interaction. This makes it especially beneficial for those carpet clawers (I'm looking at you, Simba!) and sofa destroyers. I initially thought I'd have to give the toys a good spritz for Drax to show an interest. Simba, I wasn't sure about either way, because all he's ever done is lick silvervine. The fact that they were both interested in the toys without the spray speaks volumes about the potency of ingredients. A spritz with the Royal Elixir has got Drax excited. Since my cats are easily bored, I sprayed the toys after a day and Drax went back to nuzzling the moustache and throwing the clutch bag around. I can't say that it's as effective as pure silvervine, but that's down to the individual cat and what they best respond to. It was actually Simba that surprised me, yet again. I noticed that he kept gravitating towards the area where I'd sprayed the toys and taking a snooze. I tested this by spraying a patch of carpet and, sure enough, he found it and settled down for another nap! I'm not quite sure what he likes about it so much, but catnip is known to have a relaxing effect on some cats. It's never happened with any other catnip products, so there must be something special about the Royal Elixir. Miss Flossie enjoying some catnip magic. At around £10-£12 per toy, it's quite a luxury product; but one that should last a long time, especially when used with the spray. You can also buy toys in bundles which would make a lovely gift set. Whether you're a cat parent yourself or know someone with their own catnip-obsessed fluffballs, Christmases and birthdays are made easy with the Catnip Queen! Browse the full range of products on the brand's website, Amazon or eBay. Related post: 15 Best Catnip Toys, Blends and Sprays Do you have a royal fluffball that would enjoy these catnip-silvervine toys?

This is an honest review of a free product. Sponsored by Untamed. In this article: About the Brand What Can I Expect from Untamed Cat Food? Wet Food Dry Food Treats Final Thoughts About the Brand Any discerning cat parent will have noticed that leaders in the pet food industry have found a cheaper way of filling cats' bellies, which means less meat and more junk. It's no coincidence that the market for prescription diets has also increased since the mass introduction of fillers like grains and vegetables - from gut problems and allergies to serious health conditions. What if this could be solved by better quality, species-appropriate food? As the name suggests, Untamed prides itself on creating food that cats will "go wild for". Just like their ancestors, domestic cats are obligate carnivores and require specific nutrients that only meat can provide. Untamed does exactly this, delivering recipes with real, human-grade meat that's packed with the nutrients that your little predator would eat in the wild. One founder of the UK-based brand experienced first-hand the consequences of sub-par food after their own cat fell ill, and so Untamed was born. A small, independent but passionate team co-founded by owners, Ben, Lenny and Marco. Since then, Untamed has served more than 60 million meals to cats nationwide. The company sent me some free samples of their wet cat food range, without knowing that Drax already has a secret addiction to their Wild Tuna in Jelly! Read on to find out how it went down with the other important tester cats. You can buy Untamed direct from the brand's website on a subscription basis, which includes a personalised meal plan based on your cat's age, build, preferences and any allergies. The cost will depend on your meal plan. The price for a cat eating 2 tins per day is currently around £2 - and the more you order, the better the prices get. Untamed cat food is also available in select supermarkets across the UK. Drax tucking into his favourite Wild Tuna in Jelly meal. What Can I Expect from Untamed Cat Food? There are a few things that make Untamed stand out from your average commercial food - and in the healthiest of ways. Let's see how it compares in the table below. Untamed Other Food ✓ Fresh, whole meat and wild fish. ✕ Unknown animal derivatives and by-products. ✓ Human-grade ingredients. ✕ Low-quality scraps. ✓ Cooked low and slow to preserve nutrients and vitamins. ✕ Heavily processed under extreme temperatures. ✓ Grain-free. ✕ Cheap grains and plant fillers. ✓ No added sugar, artificial preservatives or colourants. ✕ Frequently contain added sugars, artificial preservatives and colourants. Untamed claims that 87% of their customers see health improvements in their cats after feeding. These include: Healthy skin and shiny fur due to appropriate protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Better gut health and a less stinky litterbox from a high-protein, low-carb diet. Natural weight control with food that cats can effectively metabolise, with no empty calories. Untamed only uses human-quality meat in their recipes that's gently cooked - no meat meal, mysterious "by-products" or overly processed mush. Ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible. As far as tinned cat food goes, it's amongst the closest resemblance to human food that I've seen. This already puts it into the category of food that I'm excited to share. If you want to go a step further, and if it's within your budget, you might want to check out a raw or fresh food company that uses 100% animal ingredients for ultimate freshness. Wet Food Overview Untamed wet food range for adult cats is designed to suit cats' individual preferences with a variety of flavours and textures to choose from. The gravy and pâté meals are complete, while the jelly and broth recipes are complimentary (to be offered as a snack or treat). Main benefits: Packed full of nourishing muscle meat and offal (the good by-products like organs). Contains twice as much protein as some supermarket brands. Human-quality whole cuts of named meat only. Flavours Flavour options for gravy: Chicken Breast Chicken Breast with Ham Chicken Breast with Beef Ocean-fresh Fish Wild Tuna Wild Tuna with Salmon Shrimp Topped Tuna Flavour options for pâté: Chicken breast Wild Tuna Wild Salmon Flavour options for jelly: Chicken Breast Chicken Breast with Duck Chicken Breast with Beef Wild Tuna Wild Tuna with Salmon Ocean-fresh Fish Shrimp Topped Tuna Flavour options for broth: Chicken Breast with Red Tuna Chicken breast with Smoked Tuna. I received a selection of gravy and jelly recipes, as well as both broths. Let's take a closer look at some of the ingredients. Chicken Breast with Ham in Gravy (Complete) Delicious chicken with rich, sweet-smokey ham slices steamed and simmered in its own nutrient-rich juices. Ingredients: Chicken breast 58%, Chicken broth 33%, Ham 5%, Sunflower oil, Tapioca 1%, Vitamins & Minerals. More NUTRITIONAL ADDITIVES (per kg): Vitamin A 10,536 IU, Vitamin D3 494 IU, Vitamin E 165 mg, Taurine 461 mg, Zinc Sulphate 132 mg, Iron Sulphate 48 mg, Copper Sulphate 7.9 mg, Manganese Sulphate 6.6 mg, Potassium Iodide 0.7 mg, Tricalcium Phosphate 5,207 mg Calcium Carbonate 1,736 mg. 91.8 kcal per 100g Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 16.5% Protein: 75% Fat: 2.5% Fat: 11.36 Fibre: 0.5% Fibre: 2.27% Ash: 2% Ash: 9.09% Moisture: 78% Carbohydrates: 2.27% *DMB = Percentages with moisture removed. Testers, Nobby and Kit, inspecting the meaty goodness. Review The first thing I look for on a cat food label is a short, transparent ingredients list with high amounts of animal protein - and this is exactly what you're getting with Untamed. The bulk of the food is fresh chicken breast, and with 75% protein (DMB) you can say goodbye to grains and greens. Carbohydrates are minimal, as they should be! Ham is added as a tasty topper in just the right amount. While store-bought or deli ham is a strict no-no for cats due to high salt and fat contents, you don't have to worry about all of the unnecessary additives and processing with Untamed. There's enough to add flavour but not to overpower. In fact, it's not until you open the tin and see the food for yourself that you realise there's no need for pet food to be blasted under such extreme temperatures that it turns to sloppy, chewy mush. The chicken looks like chicken, ham looks like ham, and it doesn't stink of you know what. For me, this is the most impressive thing about Untamed. Both cats diving into a healthy meal. The fat content is a little lower than similar brands, which likely explains the use of sunflower oil in the complete recipes. While sunflower oil provides essential fatty acids, I'd prefer to see an animal-based fat source, since plant and seed oils can cause inflammation in excess. Tapioca is usually added as a thickening agent. There doesn't appear to be a lot of offal in Untamed recipes - only the Chicken Breast in Gravy and Chicken Pâté are labelled as containing chicken liver. This doesn't mean they're lacking in nutrients, since 96% of the food is animal based; but as a personal preference, I do like to see some organ meats thrown in. More, please! Tester's Verdict My niece and nephew were most excited by their Chicken Breast with Ham - so much so that they'd have readily eaten it out of the tin. The other flavours were devoured with no leftovers or tummy upsets afterwards. Unlike his cousins, Drax is a very particular boy and switching brands is no easy task. I'd already been giving him the tuna-based meals as a weekly treat because he's on a urinary diet but loves tuna. So as not to feel left out, I offered him the Ocean-fresh Fish expecting it to be ignored. To my surprise, he dived straight into the bowl! Trying to tempt him with the meaty flavours was more challenging, but he did have a few nibbles which is a start. All of the fishy meals were approved without any persuasion from me. Wild Tuna with Salmon in Jelly (Complementary) Silky slivers of salmon in juicy tuna flakes served in moisture-rich jelly. Ingredients: Tuna whole meat 55%, Fish broth 37%, Salmon 5%, Tapioca 1%. More NUTRITIONAL ADDITIVES (per kg): Vitamin E 150 mg, Taurine 380 mg. 66 kcal per 100g Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 16% Protein: 84.21% Fat: 0.8% Fat: 4.2% Fibre: 0.5% Fibre: 2.63% Ash: 2% Ash: 10.52% Moisture: 81% Carbohydrates: 0% Review The Wild Tuna with Salmon contains slightly more protein than the gravy recipe at 84.21% DMB, which is almost unheard of for tinned food. The ingredients are short and simple - fish, broth and a small amount of tapioca for thickening. The jelly itself is light with a smooth consistency. This meal contains a tiny amount of fat, but the jelly recipes are for complimentary feeding only so it's not much of an issue. I always say if it looks good enough for human consumption then it's good enough for my cats, and if you were to place this food next to a tin of tuna, you'd hardly notice the difference. Yes, that includes the smell - which, again, doesn't make you want to peg your nose like a lot of fishy cat foods. If you're fed up of your cat's stinky litterbox then you should take a closer look at what you're feeding them. The tuna and salmon combo is too tempting for Drax. Tester's Verdict Drax took to the Wild Tuna and Salmon just as well as the other fishy flavours, and his bowl was always licked clean. I suspect he prefers jelly over the gravy meals because he scoffs them faster, but remember that these are for complimentary feeding only. Nobby and Kit were also fans of the jelly recipes, leaving nothing to waste. Chicken Breast with Red Tuna in Broth (Complementary) This flavour-packed broth pairs tender cuts of chicken breast with rich red tuna for a deep, meaty hit. Ingredients: Chicken Breast (56%), Broth (38%), Red Tuna (2%), Tapioca, Seaweed, Yeast (source of prebiotic MOS), Chicory root (source of prebiotic inulin). More: NUTRITIONAL ADDITIVES (per kg): Vitamin E 100mg, Taurine 400mg, Zinc (Zinc sulphate, heptahydrate) 200mg. 77.63 kcal per 100g Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 18% Protein: 90% Fat: 0.1% Fat: 0.12% Fibre: 0.5% Fibre: 2.5% Ash: 2% Ash: 10% Moisture: 80% Carbohydrates: 0% Review As another complimentary food that's almost pure protein (90% DMB) and virtually zero carbohydrates, you can rest assured that your cat is getting a healthy, juicy snack with this mouth-watering chicken and tuna broth. It contains a small amount of plant matter, including seaweed, for extra nutrients, fibre and gut health. These are not fillers - even wild cats would get some vegetation from the stomachs of their prey. The meat is of the same quality as the complete foods, shredded into finer pieces with a small (2%) tuna topping. If you're introducing your cats to Untamed and they're put off by the texture, the broth is a good starting point as a tempting treat. The broth is another hit with Nobby and Kit. Tester's Verdict Both flavour broths had a 100% approval rate across all testers, especially Nobby who went mad for it. While Drax wasn't completely taken by the meaty meals in gravy or jelly, I offered him some of this broth in the hopes that the smell of tuna would be enough to tempt him. To my amazement, he slowly but surely polished off the entire tin. I'm not sure if he thought he was eating fish rather than chicken but, nevertheless, it's a rare occurrence for my fussy feline. As much as he likes other meats, he always knows when I try to sneak in something different to his usual food! If your cat loves fish then, again, the broth may be ideal for transitioning them to the meatier flavours. Nobby's favourite tester meal. Dry Food Overview Untamed complete and balanced dry food for adult cats provides the ideal amount of protein, fat and nutrients to keep your cat nourished. It's perfect for grazing between Untamed tins or alongside a fresh bowl of water. Dry food is available in 800g and 2kg bags with a choice of poultry or fish flavours. Benefits: High meat content with 77% animal-based ingredients. Salmon oil for healthy skin and coat. Contains pre and postbiotics, vitamins and micronutrients. Kit checking for leftovers. I haven't tried this dry food so can't give it the tester's approval, but it compares well to similar brands. The chicken kibble has a high amount of animal-based protein, including chicken liver, which is rare to see; and a moderate fat content. Carbohydrates are 20.21% DMB, with the bulk coming from potatoes - as is standard in grain-free kibble. This is a little higher than we'd like, but still much lower than many leading brands that are more plant than animal based. You could have the best quality veggies on the planet going into your food, but it's pretty redundant for an obligate carnivore. Related post: 5 Best Dry Cat Foods I've included the ingredients and analytical constituents below for reference. Poultry Packed Coated Kibble 77% chicken and duck dusted in a scrumptious freeze-dried chicken coating. Ingredients: Chicken (60%), Potato, Chicken Fat (9%), Duck (4%), Chicken Liver (3.5%), Beet Pulp, Linseed, Freeze Dried Chicken (1%), Minerals, Yeast (0.8%, a natural source of MOS and beta-glucans), Salmon Oil, Dried Chicory (0.5%, a natural source of FOS and Inulin), Joint Support Blend (Glucosamine hydrochloride) (0.01%). Chondroitin sulphate (0.01%), Herbs, Yucca. Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 43% Protein: 45.74% Fat: 23% Fat: 24.46% Fibre: 1% Fibre: 1.06% Ash: 8% Ash: 8.51% Moisture: 6% Carbohydrates: 20.21% Treats Overview Untamed offers two varieties of treats: lickable and freeze-dried. Lickable Nutritious purée loaded with high quality cuts of human-grade meat or fish, with natural flavourings and no hidden nasties. Lickables are a great way to bond with your cat while satisfying their killer instincts between meals. Flavours include: Salmon; Tuna; Chicken; Chicken Hairball Helper Freeze-Dried 100% natural treats are made with freeze-dried chicken or fish to lock in the good stuff - no other ingredients or additives. Yes, it's really that simple! Flavours include: Fresh Chicken; Fresh Salmon Untamed treats are a great healthy snack, particularly for kitties that are susceptible to allergies. You can't get much better than pure meat! More approvals from Nobby. Final Thoughts The high-meat content of Untamed cat food speaks for itself, and it's a good low-fat option for kitties that are watching their waistlines. What sets it apart from other brands, for me, is the gentle processing methods (in fact, I'd use the word "cooked" rather than "processed". There's no unidentifiable mush, no gloopy jellies or pools of synthetic-looking gravy. It's just a step down from fresh pet food companies that are delivered chilled or frozen. Lots of cat food manufacturers claim to use human-grade meat, but here you can physically see and smell the quality - if I wasn't vegetarian, I'd be tempted to eat it myself. This might cause an initial aversion for cats that are used to eating overly-processed junk, since it's very different in texture and smell. Cats lead with their noses, and most commercial foods are designed to appeal to that with artificial enhancers. Yuck. For picky eaters, there's a good choice of texture options but the flavours are limited, since chicken or fish are the primary protein sources - and not all meals are complete. This excludes cats that prefer meat like beef, turkey and lamb; as well as those that are allergic to chicken or fish. For help transitioning your cat to new food, use this helpful guide: How to Change a Cat's Food with 10 Tasty Tips Nobby eying up Kit's dinner. Personally, I wouldn't feed my cats a fish-only diet due to it being high in magnesium and phosphorus. Having a kitty with urinary issues, I've become more cautious about anything that increases the risk of bladder stones. Tuna has a higher risk of toxins from environmental pollution; however, Untamed does state that they only use younger species like skipjack tuna, which are classified as low-mercury fish. Information on the sourcing of ingredients is limited on the website, and the brand could do more to push their story. It's not always necessary, but many pet parents invest in the brand before they'll invest in the food. With the amount of sub-par labels and junk food cluttering up the shelves, I'd like to see more high-quality, independent companies get the attention they deserve. Overall, Untamed is a worthy investment for healthier cats - if you can afford it. Some of the wet food is available in supermarkets if you're not ready to commit to a subscription. Perhaps we'll see more flavour options in the future to satisfy the pickier palates. Drax breaking his fussy habits by trying something new! Ethics and Sustainability Untamed is a B Corp-certified company and rated by the Good Shopping Guide as one of the top 200 ethical businesses in the UK. All meat and fish is sustainably sourced and ethically farmed, and the brand is opposed to animal testing. Packaging is made from 100% recyclable tins and cardboard. By purchasing this food, you're supporting sustainable practices that will help to preserve the planet for future generations. Fighting for the last scraps! Customer Feedback At the time of writing this, Untamed has a rating of 4.7 / 5 stars on Trustpilot. This represents a great experience amongst pets and owners alike. Positive feedback includes: Quality food with natural ingredients and no rubbish. Wide variety of textures. Easy to subscribe and order. Prompt customer service. There appears to be minimal adverse reactions to this food, but some cats may take a while to get used to the new textures and flavours. Some feel that it's too expensive and would like more options to manage their subscriptions and included meals. The company may benefit from a loyalty scheme to keep customers coming back. When it comes to Untamed, you get what you pay for. If budget is an issue, you can lower costs by feeding alongside a cheaper wet food or adding a complementary Untamed meal into your cat's diet. Head over to the Untamed website to browse their range of delicious cat food and start your trial box now. Have you tried this brand? Did your kitties approve? Share your experiences and feedback in the comments.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: Why Do Cats Scratch? Stress and Scratching Reward vs Punishment Types of Scratchers Training Cats to Use a Scratcher Deterrents Summary Why Do Cats Scratch? Scratching is a perfectly natural cat behaviour but can quickly become destructive when it involves your carpets, furniture and doing Tarzan impressions on the curtains. To understand this behaviour, we need to look at some of the reasons why cats scratch in the first place. To stretch their limbs and spine, work their muscles and aid flexibility. Sharpen and maintain their claws by shedding the outer sheaths. Scent marking using glands between the pads of their paws to deposit pheromones. Enrichment. You might be wondering why domestic cats need to sharpen their claws, since they don't need to defend themselves from predators or capture prey. This survival instinct is deeply embedded into their psychology, and declawing cats for any reason isn't only inhumane but often has severe impacts on their behaviour. When cats aren't provided with scratching opportunities, they use anything from household items to clothing, shoes, blankets and wallpaper. The problem is more widespread for indoor cats since there are no trees, fences and other hard surfaces. Therefore, cats might be scratching due to a lack of resources; inadequate stimulation; boredom or attention seeking. Related post: Cat Enrichment Ideas and Boredom Breakers for Indoor Cats More worryingly, scratching can be a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. Any one of the above examples could be a trigger for stress, but those experiencing chronic stress often have deeper underlying issues. Stress and Scratching Signs of acute stress in cats are evident in their body language, such as flattened ears and dilated pupils caused by a loud noise or unfriendly encounter with a stray cat. Chronic or long-term stress usually manifests as behavioural changes. These will vary from cat to cat but may include scratching, urine marking, excessive vocalisation, overgrooming and, in extreme cases, self-mutilation. Get to know the signs and symptoms of stress in this in-depth article: Signs of Stress in Cats, Causes and Treatment Shop Pet Furniture → As mentioned, cats scratch to mark their territorial boundaries, leaving a combination of scent and visual markings to alert other cats. It's wise to pay attention to the location of scratching, particularly in multi-cat homes where competition might be a factor. Around food and water bowls, litter trays and other resources. In doorways, halls and narrow spaces where cats are likely to encounter one another. Near windows, external doors and cat flaps where outside cats might be spotted. Related post: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources All of these scenarios can indicate territorial insecurity or aggression, particularly if bullying or fighting is present. Cats also use scent marking to boost comfort and security. With a sense of smell that's fourteen times stronger than a human's, and as their primary form of communication, the slightest whiff of something unfamiliar is going to set off those kitty alarm bells. Consider all of the smells that are being held in the fabrics of your home. If you've had other cats, pets or people using the same sofa or treading the same carpets over the years, then your kitty's nose is going to be in overdrive. While it's not ideal to replace the entirety of your home, sometimes a thorough clean can make all the difference. Be sure to use a pet-safe disinfectant or enzymatic cleaner like Simple Solution to remove those stubborn odours. Reward vs Punishment Punishing a cat for unwanted behaviours won't solve the problem, but it will make it worse. It's easy for parents to fall into the trap of believing discipline works when kitty stops whatever it's doing or flees whenever you yell the word "no", but this is simply a fear response. If cats really understood that what they're doing is wrong then why do they keep on doing it? In fact, we can't even describe the behaviour as "wrong" because, from a cat's perspective, all it's doing is what comes naturally. Yelling at your cat incites fear, and cats react to fear by flight or defensive aggression. This can damage the cat-human relationship, creating distrust and making it even more difficult to retrain them. More importantly, it can elevate a cat's stress levels and the problem escalates. Cat Scratcher Hammock with a solid wooden frame and comfortable curved design. Features a natural sisal pad that's durable and resistant to fraying. The large size is suitable for scratching and sleeping. Another mistake, which I've fallen into myself, is rewarding cats for unwanted behaviour, essentially turning a negative into a positive. If you're lifting your cat off the sofa twenty times a day, that's twenty times you're giving them attention that they wouldn't ordinarily be getting were they not engaging in the behaviour. Talk about mixed messages! Experts agree that the best course of action is to determine the cause and redirect behaviour to a more appropriate outlet, such as scratch posts and mats instead of furniture. Furthermore, using rewards to create positive reinforcement will encourage cats to do more of the desired behaviour. Types of Scratchers Thankfully, there are many different types of scratchers available to suit your kitty's preferences, including mats and boards for those that like to scratch horizontal surfaces. If you only have posts in your home then this could be why they prefer to use your nice fluffy carpet. Here are some options to consider: Tall, vertical posts with a sturdy base to prevent toppling. Ideally, posts should be a minimum of three feet to allow cats to stretch out their bodies, using both the front and rear claws to climb. You can also get scratch posts with attached toys like feathers and dangly balls. Cat trees for climbing and exercise. Sisal mats for horizontal scratchers and carpet destroyers. Corrugated cardboard scratch boards and baskets. Some of these double up as beds, making them a great multifunctional option. Need more inspiration? Check out these tried and tested reviews: Cardboard and Sisal Cat Scratcher Reviews (Tried and Tested) Training Cats to Use a Scratcher Placement As obvious as it sounds, you should start by placing scratchers in areas where cats like to scratch. If they're focusing on one particular area of the carpet, cover it with a mat and see if they use that instead. Most cats enjoy a full body stretch after they wake up from a nap, so placing a post near beds or resting areas are also good options. As mentioned, providing scratching opportunities near external doors and windows allows cats to mark their territory for extra comfort and security. This is also the case for cats that urine spray as it allows another, more hygienic way for cats to scent mark. In multi-cat homes, placing scratchers at entrance and exit points has the same effect. In theory, you can add as many scratchers around the home as you want. As a bare minimum, you should aim for one scratcher per cat, plus one extra. Keep things interesting by providing a mixture of posts, mats and boards with different textures. Training Training cats to use scratchers can be challenging since you need to catch them in the act to be able to move them from the undesired area to the dedicated scratcher. If your cat is tolerant then you can physically place their paws onto the post or mat. Reward usage with treats, petting or whatever brings your cat the most motivation. This must be done immediately for cats to associate the reward with the desired action. Consistency is key, whether it takes a week or a month. Over time, you can start reducing rewards as it becomes a natural behaviour. Cat Scratcher Bed is multifunctional for scratching and napping. Made from high-density corrugated cardboard with a textured surface to maintain claws and withstand vigorous scratching. If your kitty needs a little more convincing, use these handy tips and tricks: Sprinkle or spray catnip onto the scratcher to encourage interaction. Arrange toys around the scratcher to turn it into a play area. You could dangle bits of string or feather wands over it so kitty will catch its claws while swatting and realise, hey, this is kinda fun! Use your own cat's scent to mark the scratcher as a familiar object, as they'd do naturally when rubbing their faces and lips over furniture and resources. Gently wipe a soft cloth over kitty's cheeks to collect the facial pheromones and rub it onto the scratcher, which they'll detect upon inspection. Alternatively, you can use a good pheromone spray like Feliway Classic. Deterrents There are various products and training aids designed to deter cats from scratching. Double-sided adhesive or anti-scratch tapes will make the area less desirable, and sprays like Woyamay Cat Repellent contain natural scents that cats are averse to. Scrubbing and washing problem areas will help to get rid of the scent that's already there, making cats less likely to go back to it. If you suspect that stress is a factor, pheromone sprays and diffusers have been clinically proven to reduce many problem behaviours associated with anxiety; however, you shouldn't rely on them without making other changes as described in this article. Related post: 10 Best Cat Calming Treats and Pastes PETEPELA Cat Scratcher House has a 2-tier design for single or multiple use. Cats can lounge on the top or nap inside, and recycled corrugated card provides scratching opportunities on all sides. Summary Excessive scratching needs to be addressed, as stress can lead to long-term health issues. It's advisable to speak to a vet who may prescribe medication if any health conditions are discovered or refer you to a behaviourist. This is someone who can help with modifying your environment; behavioural training therapy and other necessary changes. Lastly, keeping your cat's claws trimmed may help to reduce their need to scratch by promoting shedding of the dead husks so that new, sharper claws can grow naturally. How often trimming is required depends on your cat: those that are young and active with outdoor access will need less maintenance than an inactive indoor cat. Be sure to use clippers designed for cats, or if you're not comfortable then make an appointment with your local vet. Recommended Products Cat Scratch Sticky Tape NATUYA Cat Scratch Furniture Protector Mat Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post Conlun Cardboard L-Shaped Cat Scratcher TRIXIE Scratching Board SOL Cat Scratch Mat Conlun Cardboard Cat House with Scratching Board Do you have a serial carpet clawer at home? Let us know in the comments if these tips helped!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Tips for Keeping Cats Cool in Summer: Limiting Outdoor Access Creating a Comfortable Home Environment Keeping Cats Hydrated Grooming Cats and Heatstroke Summary With temperatures soaring in the UK, it can only mean one thing: we're well into summer! As descendants of the African wildcat, our kitty companions have evolved to adapt to desert temperatures in spite of their fluffy coats. In fact, their fur acts as a barrier from the sun's rays as well as insulating them in winter. Cats have a higher body temperature than humans at 37.2-39.2 °C, so they're natural sunbathers. However, they only have sweat glands on hairless areas of the body like the paw pads, nose and anus. Cats cope with heat by looking for shade, stretching out their bodies, lying on cool surfaces, resting, panting and grooming. When their saliva evaporates off the fur, it helps them to cool down. But how hot is too hot? Extreme and prolonged heat exposure can elevate a cat's body temperature to over 40 °C, putting them at risk of heatstroke. To help avoid an emergency scenario, follow these practical steps to keep cats cool during the hottest days of the year. Limiting Outdoor Access Avoid Peak Hours Cats are known for being crepuscular, meaning they're most active at sunrise and sunset. This is optimal hunting time and helps wild cats to avoid daytime hours. If your cat has access to outdoor space, early mornings and late afternoons will typically be cooler for them (before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.). Shaded Areas Create a shaded area if there are no trees or bushes to lounge under, which you can do using umbrellas or tarps. Make sure any shed or garage doors are left open to prevent cats getting trapped inside as they often like to sneak away for a nap. Water should be available at all times. Consider setting up an outdoor enclosure or catio that provides shelter and safety while allowing cats to enjoy the fresh air. You can also walk your cat if it's harness trained so they're still getting exercise when outdoor time is limited. Creating a Comfortable Home Environment Ventilation Keeping the home cool and ventilated is particularly important for indoor cats. Air conditioning may be standard in countries with hotter climates, but if it's unavailable then consider these alternatives: Open windows to maintain a good air flow, although experts advise keeping them closed during peak sunshine hours to prevent more heat getting inside. Be sure to cat proof windows using safety locks, screens or netting so cats are unable to jump out. Use fans if possible, but I speak from experience when I say that not all cats will appreciate a whirring monster blasting cold air at them! Maintain Optimal Temperatures Close curtains and blinds to keep windows shaded during the day, especially those facing the sun. You can also get self-adhesive films that reflect UV rays or tinted options to prevent any glares. Cats enjoy sitting or lying on cold surfaces such as tiles and laminate flooring. You can create a similar effect with self-cooling gel mats like the Bravpet Pet Cooling Mat, or by wrapping ice packs in a towel. Frozen water bottles are great for cats to lean against if they so desire. Since cats naturally seek out cool, shaded areas, you might want to set up a "cool spot" in a quiet and accessible part of the home. The addition of a water bowl or fountain creates an appealing retreat that encourages cats to drink while escaping the heat. Keeping Cats Hydrated Provide Fresh Water Hydration can be a problem for cats in any season as they're not programmed to seek out water. Wild cats get most of their moisture from prey; after all, a mouse is made up of 70% water. Wet food is more species-appropriate diet than dry food, but fresh water should always be available. For cats that only eat kibble, try soaking it in water for a mushier consistency. Warm water enhances the aroma of food, which is effective for picky eaters. PawPoll Wireless Cat Water Fountain is a large-capacity, stainless steel fountain that can be placed anywhere in the home. It has a quadruple filtration system and three flow modes: sensor, timer and continuous. Here are some tips for encouraging cats to drink more: Place multiple water bowls around the home, particularly if you have more than one cat to limit competition. Some cats prefer to have their food and water bowls in separate locations rather than next to each other. As they're natural hunters, they wouldn't normally drink where they eat. Studies show that cats are more likely to drink flowing water than from a bowl, which explains why my two come running whenever they hear a tap. There are lots of cat fountains available on the market, from wireless to motion activated. The movement and trickling sound of water may be more appealing to a cat's curious nature. Offer a variety of drinking containers such as bowls, dishes, pans and wide-rimmed cups. Glass, ceramic or metal is more hygienic than plastic and won't contaminate the taste of water. Make sure containers are filled to the top to prevent irritating a cat's sensitive whiskers. Chill water in a fridge and keep containers topped up with cold water. Since cats are often seen drinking out of puddles, create an artificial one by burying a shallow dish in grass or soil so cats can drink from ground level. Flavour water with a small amount of low-sodium broth or water from a can of fish - not brine. Frozen Treats Turn hydration into a fun experience by freezing small pieces of wet cat food or broth in an ice cube tray. You could leave ice cubes for cats to bat around the floor or place them onto a baking tray, providing enrichment on days when it's too hot to let them outdoors - just remember not to slip on any puddles! If your cat doesn't get enough water, they can become dehydrated. Signs to look out for include: Lethargy. Constipation. Dry or tacky gums. Cold paws. Poor skin elasticity (doesn't snap back into place when gently pinched). Grooming Brushing Cats Since cats self-groom to help cool themselves down, they risk swallowing more hair than usual. Regular brushing removes excess fur and prevents matting. For more grooming tips and brush recommendations, check out this detailed post: How to Groom a Cat and Best Brushes to Use If your cat is tolerant, you can dampen a small towel and dab it over their fur or try stroking them with wet hands. This will have a similar cooling effect to saliva. In cases of extreme heat, it can be beneficial to consult with a groomer about getting a summer haircut for cats with longer or thicker coats. Shaving cats is debated by some, but a professional can discuss the best options for your particular breed of cat. Cats and Heatstroke Signs of Heatstroke It's crucial to monitor cats for signs of heatstroke so you can respond quickly to the situation. Symptoms include: Restlessness. Low energy. Drooling. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Excessive panting. Collapsing. Seizures. Bright red or pale gums. The faster your cat is cooled down, the better the chance of recovery. Cats that are more susceptible to heatstroke include: Long-haired cats. Obese cats. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) cats like Persians. Seniors and young kittens. Cats with heart and lung disease. First Aid From the PDSA website, first aid for heatstroke in cats should consist of: Step 1: Move your cat indoors to a cool room or into shaded area. Step 2: Start cooling them by slowly pouring cold water over their body, keeping away from the nose and mouth so they don't inhale it. Step 3: Create a breeze by turning on a fan or opening doors and windows. Step 4: Offer your cat a drink of cold water (but don't force them). Step 5: Put them on top of a cold, soaking wet towel. Don't cover or cuddle them as this can make them even hotter. Step 6: Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen veg in a tea towel and place it in between their legs. Step 7: Call your vet or take them to the nearest clinic. Turn on your vehicle's air conditioning or drive with the windows slightly open. If possible, bring someone with you to continue the cooling process. Heatstroke or heat exhaustion aren't the only dangers for cats in hot weather. Some areas of the body like the ears and nose are more at risk of sunburn, so you might want to invest in a pet-safe sunscreen. Sphynx cats are more vulnerable to burning and should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. Related post: First Aid for Cats: Basic Tips and First Aid Kit Essentials Visit Summary With summer in full swing, keeping your cat cool and comfortable should be a priority. By ensuring access to fresh water, creating shaded areas and monitoring for signs of heat exhaustion, you can provide a safe environment for your furry companion. Regular grooming, play and enrichment will help to keep them happy and healthy so they can thrive all summer long. Mentioned Products Rabbitgoo Heat-Reflective Window Film Bravpet Pet Cooling Mat Does your kitty struggle with the heat or do you have a serial sunbather? Let us know if any of these tips helped in the comments.

In this article: Eyes Ears Whiskers Tail Posture Cats are often described as being hard to read, with complex behaviours and an aloofness that's a world apart from the domestic dog. With fewer facial muscles than humans and a limited range of expressions, it's no surprise that our felines have earned themselves this reputation. To me, all this means is that they use other forms of communication. That communication is body language and, as parents, we see it every day. When kitty hisses, you know to back off under the threat of pain. When she meows the house down, you go running to the rescue, even though you know she just wants a drink out of the kitchen tap. When she rubs against your legs as you walk through the front door, you return the greeting with petting. Cats know how to get what they want because they've learned how you react to their behaviours (which is also the key to undoing the less desirable ones!). Not all behaviours are so obvious - to humans, at least. Cats understand each other perfectly well, as demonstrated by the array of warnings they give before engaging in physical conflict. Most cats are smart enough to pick their battles, but emotions can go from content or neutral to defensive and threatening in seconds. During those seconds, there are a sequence of body language cues that are easily overlooked. These cues can tell you when your cat is happy and when they're frightened, comfortable or uncomfortable, on edge or relaxed, sick or healthy and much more. By observing the eyes, ears, whiskers, tail, fur, posture (and vocalisations) we can understand our cats on a much deeper level and thus improve the cat-human relationship. Cat Body Language Despite having fewer facial muscles than humans, recent studies have shown that cats can produce 276 distinct facial signals during social interactions with other cats. It's believed that domestication (and humans) have greatly shaped their communicative abilities, and to witness the evolution of such a misunderstood creature is quite fascinating. Eyes As humans, eye contact is a vital part of communication and usually happens before striking up a conversation. Cats focus primarily on scent - imagine sniffing someone instead of shaking hands! - as a direct stare is more likely to be taken as a threat. This tells us that, while cats don't use eye contact in the same way as humans, it plays a significant role in communication. With pupils that dilate from thin slits to wide circles in an instant, they can tell us a lot about a cat's mood, especially in combination with other signs and signals. Related post: Cat Vision: How Do Cats See the World? Neutral, relaxed. Relaxed eyes with a soft gaze and small oval-shaped pupils - "I'm content." Eyes partially or fully closed - "Snooze time." Slow blinks, also known as the cat kiss or cat smile - "I love you." Excitement, anxiety, fear. Wide eyes with dilated pupils or "saucer eyes" to help assess their surroundings, whether from the thrill of spotting a bird outside or the shock of seeing you wearing a pair of kitty ear headphones (I'm looking at you, Simba!). Check the environment for clues as to what may have caused the arousal and look for other signs of fear, such as flattened ears or fluffed up fur. Aggression, dominance. Hard, direct and unblinking stare. If between two cats then a fight is imminent - cue Mortal Kombat theme tune. Offensive cats may have squinted eyes with thin, slitted pupils; defensive cats tend to have partially or fully dilated pupils. Learn the differences between offensive vs defensive aggression in this detailed post: Cat Body Language: Signs of Aggressive Behaviour in Felines Cats may stare for other reasons, such as observing prey or trying to catch their owner's eye at dinner time. You might want to avert your gaze just in case. I once fostered a kitten with the biggest, most beautiful deep blue eyes I'd ever seen. Unfortunately, they captivated me for a few seconds too long and this tiny baby let out the cutest hiss. She forgave my mistake in no time, but I couldn't help being taken aback at how innate this behaviour was - and from just a few weeks old! Pupils can also be affected by light, medication and pain. Ears Cats can swivel their ears through 180 degrees, one of many features that allow for some of the most superb hearing in the animal kingdom. As a highly visible area of the body, observing the direction and position of the ears can give valuable insight into what cats are feeling. You can use the images below for reference, taking note of any changes you notice in the eyes as well. Relaxed, neutral, alert. Upright and facing forwards - "Just chillin'." Alert ears will be more erect and directed towards the stimulus. Since cats can move their ears independently, one may be pointed to the side if assessing or unsure. A cat in rest mode will have more relaxed ears that may fall to the sides or backwards. Anxious, frightened, defensive. Ears facing downwards, low and to the sides of the head (airplane ears) - "This makes me nervous." Cat may feel threatened or preparing to defend itself. Both of my cats get airplane ears when the other enters a room, more so if they haven't been getting along. It's a good indicator of nervousness, so pay attention to the situation and what happens next. Terrified. As a general guide, the degree of flattening can indicate how severe a cat's discomfort is. Unsure or annoyed ears will be slightly back or edging backwards - "I don't like this." Scared or stressed ears will be turned backwards and flatter - "This is scary." Terrified ears will be fully flattened so you're unable to see them, giving the appearance of a round head - "Go awaaaaaay!" Cats may pin back their ears during play, when highly excited or aroused. Occasionally, Simba zooms around with what I call a "helmet head" so the situation is an important factor. Related post: Aggression vs Play: How to Tell If Cats Are Playing or Fighting Scared, stressed, aggressive. Flattened and facing backwards or turned out to the sides of the head - "I'm ready to attack!" May be accompanied by hissing or growling as a warning - "Back off!" An offensive cat may have its ears upright and slightly rotated forwards, and posture will help to determine if it's about to charge. You'll notice that some of these ear movements can mean more than one thing. This is because cats that feel threatened will often turn aggressive as a last resort, and a cat that's getting ready to fight will want to protect its ears from teeth and claws. Do not approach an angry cat unless it's to separate one from another - this may prevent the situation from escalating, particularly if it's in combination with a direct stare. Whiskers Whisker movement is subtle, but it can sometimes help to confirm other behaviours if you're unsure. Calm, neutral - straight out to the sides of the face. Confident, curious - pointed forwards or pushed towards the stimulus. Fearful - pulled in close to the face. Tail Most of us know the sight of a confident kitty flouncing around with its tail up like a flagpole, and no one becomes a cat parent without a personal introduction to the rear-end. However, did you know that it's one of the most expressive parts of a cat's anatomy? You can use the images below for reference. Friendly, content. Vertical or raised, may have a hooked end (known as the question-mark shape) if kitty is interested or unsure - "Hi, wanna be friends?" Curved down gently and up at the tip - "I'm interested." Wagging gently - "I'm pleased to see you." Sometimes quivers when a cat is happy, such as during petting (can also quiver when urine spraying) - "This feels good." Tail wrapping occurs when a cat approaches its human or animal companions and "hugs" them with its tail. You might have experienced kitty rubbing against your legs as it does this, depositing scent from the glands on the base and along the tail. This beautiful social interaction between cats could be likened to humans holding hands. ' Annoyed, frustrated. Flicking or twitching tip - "You're pee-ing me off." Cats also flick their tail when they're focused intently on something like a bird in the trees, or struggling to contain their excitement. A slow and steady wag indicates that kitty is unsure of how to respond or trying to make up its mind. Heavier thrashing will help to determine if there's a problem rather than simply concentrating. Anxious, fearful, submissive. Lowered and tucked between the legs or wrapped tightly around the body - "I want to hide." Low and fluffed out, cat trying to make itself look bigger and stronger - "Don't mess with me!" Cats often sit with their tail curled around their body for comfort and warmth, with a neutral or relaxed posture. Annoyed, aggressive. Lashing or thumping from side to side - "You're testing my patience." Fluffed out and standing upright - "Now I'm mad!" Straight down and perpendicular to the ground - "I'm ready to attack!" Some tails can be harder to read than others, as I discovered when dealing with aggression between my boys. Simba is more dog than cat, with a tail that's constantly wagging whatever his mood; and Drax is long-haired so you never know whether it's fluffed up or not! Similar to ear positioning, we can assume that the lower a cat's tail, the unhappier it is - but this also depends on the individual cat. Posture While it's impossible to list every single combination of cat postures, body movements and facial expressions, we can summarise the most common ones and their meanings. Relaxed, comfortable. Lying down with a stretched out body, legs fully extended and an exposed stomach. Unlike dogs, a cat showing its tummy doesn't mean it's asking for a belly rub. It's a display of comfort and trust around its human or animal companions. A confident kitty will have loose, fluid body movements and may greet you with a high tail, upright ears and a friendly head bump. Generally, it's easy to distinguish a happy cat from an unhappy cat through vocalisations alone. However, there are many reasons why a cat might be hissing or growling: fear, stress, anger or even pain. Such emotions can present in a similar manner, as represented by the signals and cues shown below. These images from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can be used as a valuable reference. Image credit: ASPCA Fearful, anxious, illness, pain. Crouched on all fours with a low, tucked in tail and head pulled into the shoulders. Muscles are tense in preparation to run away. Cat will try to appear small and non-threatening or hide. Image credit: ASPCA Scared, defensive. The classic "Halloween cat" pose with straight legs, an arched back and downwards pointing tail. Cat may stand sideways to present more of its body. This is what's known as a distance increasing signal, where a cat does everything in its power to make itself look big and scary so other cats think twice about approaching. This includes puffing out their coat - or "piloerection" - caused by the involuntary contraction of muscles at the base of the hair follicles. It gives the fur a bristly appearance, particularly down the spine and tail. A cat in this posture may appear aggressive but, actually, it's trying to avoid such an encounter because it lacks the confidence to charge. Image credit: ASPCA Defensive aggression. Cat's body is flat to the ground and rolled to one side to expose its claws. Ears are back with tense facial muscles to display the teeth. Another distance increasing signal, performed when a cat feels that it's unable to escape an unwanted interaction and essentially backed into a corner. This posture has been labelled as the "pariah threat" and denotes a cat that's ready to protect and defend. The term pariah is given to a cat in a social group that's targeted or picked on by other members. Simba adopted this posture after he was under constant attack from his brother and began to stand his ground instead of running away. I can tell you that it stopped Drax in his tracks every time! If you're dealing with inter-cat aggression and are unsure of who the offender is, the pariah threat and Halloween pose are good indicators of a cat that's being bullied. Offensive aggression. Cat faces its opponent straight on or edges towards them with a direct stare and constricted pupils. Its ears will be backwards or slightly forwards and piloerection may occur. Upright stance with rear raised and back sloping downwards with a low head, ready to charge. Stiff tail that will be lowered, lashing or thumping. Unlike defensive aggression, an offensive or dominant cat won't hesitate to attack. It may proceed to stalk, ambush, block or chase another cat. Common vocalisations include growling, yowling or howling. Summary Remember, each cat has its own way of communicating that may not always align with what we know and expect from cats. As described, some will aim to make themselves look bigger and more menacing when threatened; others try to look as small as possible. Simba's tail fluffs up like a bottle brush when he's happy as much as when he's frightened, and Drax prowls around in the offensive posture even when he's not being offensive! Know your cat and pay attention to the situation, the environment and any other animals or humans that are present. Observing all areas of a cat's body in conjunction with facial expressions and vocalisations will enable you to more accurately "read" your cat to understand their feelings and respond quickly to behavioural issues like aggression, as well as potential stressors. Did you find any of these tips useful? Does your cat have its own unique way of communicating? Share your experiences 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. Amazon Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✓ 96% raw meat, seafood and offal. ✓ High protein and low carbohydrates. ✓ Gently air-dried. ✓ Ethical brand. ✕ High in calories. ✕ Expensive. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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. This term can be confusing, since there's nothing fresh about kibble. What it really means is "human-grade", which is still preferable to dehydrated meats or meat meal. The total protein content of 58.06% DMB 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. Amazon Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✓ 90% chicken. ✓ Chicken fat and salmon oil. ✓ High protein and low carbohydrates. ✓ Affordable. ✕ Smaller amount of fresh meat. ✕ Contains potatoes. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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. Remember, all kibble undergoes processing so it isn't technically fresh, but it is prepared using human-quality meat. 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 human-grade 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. Amazon Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✓ 70% fresh chicken. ✓ Chicken liver. ✓ Egg. ✓ Contains prebiotics. ✕ Contains potatoes. ✕ High carbohydrates. ✕ Expensive. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 human-grade 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. Amazon Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✓ 80% fresh meat and offal. ✓ Chicken fat and salmon oil. ✓ Air-dried. ✓ Range of flavour options. ✕ Potato starch. ✕ High carbohydrates. ✕ Expensive. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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. Amazon Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✓ 70% chicken and fish. ✓ Herring oil and chicken fat. ✓ High protein. ✓ Range of flavour options. ✕ Sweet potato. ✕ Pea fibre. ✕ Additives. 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. Untamed - 77% animal ingredients, including fresh meat. Subscription only. 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. While the world is out celebrating New Year, Bonfire Night and other special occasions, many cats and dogs are trapped in a living nightmare. Sudden bursts of loud noise akin to gunfire and bright flashes of light can be overwhelming to a cat's senses, leading to acute stress and related behaviours. The RSPCA reports that between 2021 to 2024, they received over 14,000 responses to a survey on fireworks, each detailing the impact of fireworks on pets - many of which had devastatingly fearful reactions. Hyperventilation, refusal to eat and a suspected bladder blockage are just a few reports from cat owners. A dog in my neighbourhood suffered a heart attack as a result of fireworks, and I suspect it's an issue that only pet owners will understand. Hopefully, this article gives a little more insight into the effect of fireworks on cats and how to reduce stress. In this article: Why Do Fireworks Cause Stress in Cats? Signs Your Cat Is Stressed Preparing for Fireworks Creating a Safe Space Other Tips and Tricks Calming Aids More Getting Cats Used to Fireworks Aftercare Summary Why Do Fireworks Cause Stress in Cats? Senses Cats have sensitive hearing with a range of around 48 Hz - 64,000 Hz, and even up to 85,000 Hz. This means they hear both low and high frequencies, up to three times higher than humans and four to five times further away. Is it any wonder they're left traumatised by the unpredictable bangs, booms, crackles and squeals of exploding fireworks? We know they're harmless, but cats are creatures of instinct. Loud noises are one of many stimuli that can cause fear or stress-based reactions, and repeated exposure may lead to more chronic cases of stress, whereby the cat is triggered every time it hears a similar noise. Related post: Feline Stress: 8 Reasons Why Your Cat is Stressed or Anxious Fight-or-Flight When a cat is frightened, it releases hormones that prepare the body for danger, also known as the fight-or-flight response. This is often overlooked, since we view cats more as formidable predators; but in the wild they're also prey to larger animals. As a parent of the most skittish cats you could ever meet, I've seen my fair share of overdramatic reactions - a creaking floorboard or gust of wind can send them bolting from the room like a couple of furry rockets. This may come in useful when fleeing from a pack of wolves, but survival instinct is part of their genetic makeup. As mentioned, this can potentially lead to much deeper behavioural issues like aggression. While this is more likely to happen over a longer period of time, it only takes one single incident for cats to lash out at each other - or people - during a heightened state of arousal. Signs Your Cat Is Stressed Stress or fear can be visible in a cat's body language or, more subtly, present in their behaviour. Every cat reacts differently, but there are some common things to look out for. Physical: Hunched, rigid posture. Flattened or pinned back ears. Fluffed up fur. Rapid breathing or panting. Shaking. Drooling. Hissing and growling. Excessive meowing or yowling. Immobility. 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. Behavioural: Involuntary peeing or pooping. Urinating outside the litter tray. Not eating or drinking. Hiding and nervousness. Being quiet or withdrawn. Restlessness (like pacing). Overgrooming. These lists aren't extensive, and you can familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of feline stress in this dedicated post: Signs of Stress in Cats, Causes and Treatment Preparing for Fireworks Occasionally, fireworks are set off unexpectedly; but if you know there's an event coming up then it gives you a chance to take some precautions. You can also keep a diary, noting any special dates where there's likely to be celebrations. Keep Cats Indoors Prevent cats from going outside on the day or evening of fireworks by keeping doors and cat flaps closed. The last thing you want is to be sat up all night worrying about where they are and why they haven't come home. Frightened cats are more likely to run away and end up in dangerous situations, such as running across roads or getting lost. Microchipping and ID Tags If your cat is microchipped (which should be standard practice) or wears a collar and ID tag, ensure your details are up to date. These are the most reliable ways to help reunite with your cat in the event that it goes missing. Don't Leave Pets Unattended Try to be home on the day of festivities so cats aren't left alone, especially if you have multiple cats so you can monitor their behaviour. Safe Places If your cats have a favourite safe place that they withdraw to, make sure it's accessible during fireworks. This means not confining them to a single room - even if your intentions are good, it may cause additional panic if a cat feels trapped. My boys are extremely sensitive to fireworks: Drax scarpers upstairs to hide under by bed, while Simba dives behind the sofa. If you have a new cat or kitten and aren't sure how they'll react to fireworks, this is even more reason to prepare in advance. Creating a Safe Space It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to help a frightened kitty is by providing a quiet area where they can retreat and leaving them be. This should be away from windows and doors to reduce noise and light exposure. Closing curtains and blinds may also help. Here are some more tips for ensuring your cat feels as safe as possible: Set up hiding places with used blankets or bedding. The familiar scent will help to create a comfortable and secure environment. You can introduce your cat beforehand by showing them or placing treats in the area so they'll remember it for later. Provide upturned boxes, huts, tents or even a DIY den by draping a sheet over a coffee table. Cats often seek out dark enclosed spaces to hide from danger. In addition to the above, cats naturally feel safer with height advantage: cat trees, shelves or the top of a wardrobe can all be utilised. The more choices they have, the better. Place a litter tray next to their hiding place so they don't have to venture too far. If they don't come out for food, you can leave a bowl nearby too. The Cat Cube House is unique and versatile, made from easy to clean plastic material with a free mat. Can be attached to other cubes and reconfigured in many styles to create a fun and dynamic kitty playground. Available in multiple colours. A common question that owners have is whether they should physically move cats when frightened: for example, if they're frozen or shaking and can't make it to a safe place by themselves. Many experts advise against this, but it largely depends on your cat and whether it's likely to attack. If signs of aggression are present, such as hissing or growling, then it's wise to stay back to avoid any swipes or biting. Approach a scared cat slowly, quietly and calmly to gauge if it's safe to handle them. Other Tips and Tricks Use background noise like a television, radio or music to lessen the impact of sudden or persistent bangs. Some studies have shown that classical music has a calming effect on cats, or a deep base may help to disguise the noise - as long as it's not blaring. While John Wick on full blast works well for my cats, they're already used to my film tastes! A scared kitty probably won't be interested in eating or playing, but you can try offering treats and toys as a distraction. Catnip is a good option, since it activates a cat's pheromone receptors to induce feelings of calm and happiness. Engaging in play before fireworks begin may help to expend nervous energy and tire cats out. Avoid fussing over or smothering cats, as this can stimulate them further and increase the stress they're already experiencing. Of course, if kitty seeks human contact then you should comfort them as best as you can. Since cats are sensitive to human emotions, they'll likely be watching your reaction to the stimulus as well. They're highly observant, highly intelligent creatures, so acting calmly will show them there's nothing to be scared of. Speak softly and avoid sudden movements. Sitting quietly near to your cat's safe space can provide reassurance without forcing interaction. I hope this goes without saying, but never punish your cat for being frightened, even if it lashes out. This will add to their stress, escalate their behaviour and potentially damage the bond you share. Calming Aids There are a variety of products that have been clinically proven to help reduce anxiety in cats during stressful situations, including fireworks. Many of them are discussed on this blog, but let's go over some of the post popular options. Pheromone diffusers mimic the natural facial pheromones that cats use to mark their territory, which creates a sense of safety and security. Since they take several days to work, it's best to plug them in around a week prior to the event. Alternatively, essential oil blends like Pet Remedy have an instant effect. Calming sprays are another good option, and many diffuser brands like Feliway offer spray versions. These are shorter lasting but usually effective within a few minutes, which is great for a top up or using on targeted areas like beds and cat trees. Calming treats and natural supplements, such as those containing L-Tryptophan or valerian root, can help to support calmness from the inside. Always consult a vet before giving cats supplements. Calming collars release pheromones or essential oils continuously and may help some cats to feel more relaxed, but only if they're used to wearing a collar. You can read reviews of two well-known calming supplement brands here: Calming Supplement Reviews: ZylKene and YuMOVE Calming Care for Cats (Tried and Tested) Comfort Zone Plug-In Pheromone Diffuser for single or multi-cat homes. Creates a calm, relaxing environment to help reduce stress and other problem behaviours, as well as tension and fighting between household cats. Getting Cats Used to Fireworks It's possible that cats may become less sensitive to fireworks by slowly desensitising them to the noise. Training involves several steps, starting with playing the sounds of fireworks through a TV or your phone. It should be on a low volume and played for short intervals only. If your cat seems comfortable and shows no signs of stress, repeat the process a few times a day and gradually raise the volume. Once they're content with loud fireworks, you can start creating positive associations with the noise - also known as counterconditioning. Visit Give your cat a treat while the sound is playing and then turn it off - this will only work if your cat is non-reactive to the fireworks. Otherwise, you're rewarding them for being scared which creates the opposite effect! The idea is that, over time, cats will start to associate the noises with a treat and, ideally, look forward to it. You must remember to take it slowly and cease training if your cat gets scared. Desensitisation can work for other loud noises or stressful stimuli, such as nail clipping and travelling. The PDSA offers a step-by-step guide on desensitisation training for fireworks, as well as creating a DIY safe place here: Cats and Fireworks Aftercare Observation is an important part of aftercare so you can check there are no lasting effects. Don't be overly attentive unless your cat initiates it and keep to your normal routine as much as possible. You can offer a snack or treat to take their mind off it. You should pay particular attention in multi-cat households due to the risk of fear-based conflict erupting. If you think this might be an issue, this post is for you: Redirected Aggression in Cats: Causes and Solutions If your cat shows extreme fear or trauma such as continuous shaking, immobility, refusal to eat, urinating where they shouldn't or destructive behaviour, consult your vet for advice. They may recommend a prescription medication for anxiety during fireworks or other stressful events. Beaphar Herbal Calming Treats contain hop flowers, Melissa and valerian which is known for its calming properties. They help to promote relaxation and reduce the symptoms of stress including scratching and excessive vocalisation. Summary Having a plan of action reduces last-minute stress for both you and your cat. Remember, if fireworks are loud to humans then it might as well be WW3 for cats. If you're planning on setting off fireworks, whether you own a pet or not, you might want to consider the impact it has on everything else. It's not just domestic animals that suffer, but the many species of wildlife that share our planet. It's not uncommon for animals to flee their habitats, leaving their offspring to fend for themselves. Use these quick reminders to prepare for upcoming events and festivities: Planning ahead makes a big difference, so start creating a safe space days before the expected fireworks. Introduce calming products even earlier, up to a week for diffusers. Use sprays for targeting areas where your cat is likely to withdraw. Schedule a play session in the afternoon or early evening. Close windows and doors before the fireworks begin and do not let cats outside. Fit your cat with an ID tag if it wears a collar and ensure microchip details are up to date. Remain calm! Mentioned Products Pet Remedy Party Season Survival Kit Woyamay Calming Cat Treats Rescue Pet Dropper SEOUGEE Quick Release Cat Collar Personalised Are you a concerned pet parent? Does your furry react negatively to fireworks? Share your experiences to educate, inform and help out other owners.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I am not being paid to promote any of the products mentioned in this article. Beaphar Calming Products: CatComfort Calming Diffuser Starter Kit CatComfort Excellence Calming Diffuser CatComfort Calming Spray CatComfort Calming Spot-On StressLess Herbal Calming Diffuser Starter Kit More StressLess Herbal Calming Spray StressLess Herbal Calming Spot-On StressLess Herbal Calming Collar Herbal Calming Tablets StressLess Herbal Calming Cat Treats About Beaphar Beaphar is a family-run business founded in the Netherlands in 1942. The company started with homeopathic products for cats and dogs and experienced significant growth between the 1950s and 1970s through the development of the first veterinary medicines and care products for pets. Beaphar prides itself on providing affordable and accessible products of the highest quality to pets and their families in over 86 countries. The company states that as part of their values, pets are highly regarded as members of the family and they're committed to making their business more sustainable for future generations. The Beaphar product range focuses primarily on cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and birds. It consists of anti-parasite treatments; care and hygiene products; behaviour and training aids; vitamins and nutritional supplements. This article gives an overview of Beaphar's calming product range for cats, with a mixture of diffusers, sprays, spot-ons, collars and treats. As with most brands you'll find on the market, pheromone-based products are becoming increasingly popular as a natural, drug-free method of restoring peace to the home. Beaphar's CatComfort range replicates the pheromones that cats use to mark their environment as safe and familiar, often referred to as "happy messages". Their herbal range uses a combination of natural ingredients, such as valerian, which has been used for its calming properties for centuries. Different products have different benefits, but they're all designed to reduce common behaviours associated with stress and anxiety. Whether you're moving house, introducing a new family member (animal or human!) or travelling with a nervous pet, Beaphar has something for every situation. Related post: Cat Pheromone Diffusers: What Are They and Do They Actually Work? Visit What I like: Wide range of products to choose from. Mixture of pheromone products and herbal remedies. Available online and in pet stores. Balance of quality and affordability. Family-run business. 91% positive ratings on Amazon. As always, I have to mention that all cats are different and the effectiveness of any product will vary from one to the next. It may come down to trial and error, which I know from experience can get expensive! Hopefully, this article serves as a starting point and takes some confusion away for beginners. Beaphar CatComfort Range ⭐⭐⭐⭐ CatComfort Calming Diffuser Starter Kit The CatComfort Starter Kit consists of a plug-in diffuser and refill, ideal for any stressful situation in the home: new pets or babies, moving house, renovations, parties, fireworks and more. It contains a copy of the feline facial pheromone (FFP) that cats deposit when rubbing their faces on objects around the home, which helps to promote feelings of comfort and reassurance. The diffuser targets unwanted behaviours such as scratching, urine marking, overgrooming, hiding and excessive meowing. Simple to use, all you have to do is plug it into a socket in a room where your cat spends most of its time, and the pheromones will continually release for up to 30 days. Most customers agree that the CatComfort Diffuser works as well as other, more expensive brands like Feliway. It's said to be good for reducing destructive behaviours, settling nervousness and supporting separation anxiety. However, some report that it lasts as little as two weeks and smells of burning. The plug is compatible for use with the new Beaphar CatComfort Excellence refills, which has additional benefits as described below. ✓ Mimics the feline facial pheromone. ✓ Covers 70m². ✓ Lasts for 30 days. ✓ Suitable for cats and kittens. ✕ Can take 1-4 weeks to see effects. ✕ Doesn't target multi-cat harmony. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ CatComfort Excellence Calming Diffuser CatComfort Excellence Diffuser contains a new formula to optimise feelings of reassurance and wellbeing. It combines the feline facial pheromone to reduce unwanted behaviours, and the maternal appeasing pheromone (CAP) that a mother cat releases to her kittens. Cats are solitary animals by nature, so living in close proximity to other cats and having to share their resources can cause additional stress, leading to more problems such as aggression and conflict. The CAP pheromone aids bonding and harmony in multi-cat homes for an overall sense of calm. The plug is compatible with the standard CatComfort refills, so if you find that one is ineffective then you can swap them around without having to purchase a new plug. It's also cheaper than CatComfort. Owners report mostly positive results in settling tension, conflict and general anxiety; while others claim that it's ineffective. Having used this diffuser to help reduce aggression between my sibling cats, I can say that it worked better than leading brands. Read a full review here: Best Cat Calming Plug-In Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Tested) ✓ Mimics the feline facial pheromone and maternal appeasing pheromone. ✓ Covers 70m². ✓ Lasts for 30 days. ✓ Suitable for cats and kittens. ✕ Can take 1-4 weeks to see effects. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ CatComfort Calming Spray CatComfort Calming Spray is clinically proven to calm and reduce problem behaviours by replicating the feline facial pheromone. It's recommended for use on areas of the home where cats need extra reassurance; carriers prior to travelling and vet visits; cat flaps; window ledges or anywhere stray cats might be spotted. A 30ml bottle produces approximately 214 sprays and lasts up to 5 hours. It's cheaper than a diffuser but shorter lasting and best for targeted areas. The small size makes it a great portable option at a fair price. Customer reviews mention that you don't need much to see the effects and there's no odour. It's said to reduce excessive crying during vet trips and travelling, but it doesn't work on all cats. ✓ Mimics the feline facial pheromone. ✓ Works in 15 minutes. ✓ Produces 214 sprays. ✓ Suitable for travelling. ✕ Only lasts 5 hours. ✕ Covers a small area. ⭐⭐⭐ CatComfort Calming Spot-On The CatComfort Calming Spot-On is recommended for short-term stressful situations like fireworks, thunderstorms, parties, travelling, vet visits and cattery boarding. It will start to create a calming effect 15 minutes after application and lasts for around one week. Each pack includes 3 pipettes. The spot-on contains a copy of the maternal appeasing pheromone to help cats cope with challenging situations, supporting harmonious living and reducing problem behaviours associated with stress and anxiety. When cats are faced with new experiences, raised stress levels can create tension with other household cats so they're more likely to engage in conflict. Spot-ons can be used when cats are removed from their home environment and have an immediate effect, rather than the slow release of pheromones from a diffuser. It's easier to administer than tablets, providing a good alternative. One potential drawback of topical treatments is that they can change how a cat smells to other cats, which could trigger aggression. I'd advise keeping cats separated for a few hours after application. Feedback is mixed on effectiveness, and it can get expensive for long-term use. ✓ Mimics the maternal appeasing pheromone. ✓ Contains 3 pipettes. ✓ Works in 15 minutes. ✓ Suitable for travelling. ✕ Lasts for 1 week. ✕ Expensive. Beaphar Herbal Range ⭐⭐⭐⭐ StressLess Herbal Calming Diffuser Starter Kit StressLess Herbal Calming Diffuser contains the herbs valerian and lavandin for their natural calming properties. Effects can be seen as early as one hour after being plugged in and provide long-lasting relief from stress and anxiety in cats and dogs. Refills last up to 4 weeks and cover 50m², which is significantly less than the CatComfort diffusers. The diffuser is ideal for stressful events such as moving house; introducing new pets or babies; fireworks and promoting harmony in multi-pet households. It targets destructive behaviours like scratching, chewing and urine marking. The StressLess Herbal Calming Diffuser is a fairly new product, but early reviews suggest that it's beneficial for both cats and dogs. It's shown positive results for reducing excessive vocalisation, stress during fireworks and helping pets to get along. The aroma is mild but may effect people who suffer from asthma if used on a long-term basis. ✓ Contains valerian and lavandin. ✓ Works in 1 hour. ✓ Lasts up to 4 weeks. ✓ Suitable for cats and dogs. ✕ Doesn't contain pheromones. ✕ Scented. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ StressLess Herbal Calming Spray The StressLess Calming Spray contains the natural herb, valerian, renowned for its ability to promote feelings of relaxation and calm. It's designed for cat and dog households to reduce symptoms of stress including scratching, urine spraying, constant meowing or barking and destructive behaviour. The 125ml bottle is more generous than the CatComfort spray. It can be spritzed onto blankets, bedding, toys and other items used by pets; as well as carriers prior to a car journey. It's recommended for use during fearful situations such as renovations, fireworks and thunderstorms. Despite a negative opinion on the smell, owners find StressLess Calming Spray to be helpful during fireworks, travelling and spraying over bedding to help nervous pets sleep. ✓ Contains valerian. ✓ Effective immediately. ✓ Suitable for travelling. ✓ Works on cats and dogs. ✕ Strong odour. ✕ Requires reapplication. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ StressLess Herbal Calming Spot-On StressLess Herbal Calming Spot-On is another valerian-containing formula that helps to alleviate all anxiety-related behaviours. As with the pheromone version, this is best for short-term stress ahead of a challenging situation. The plant-based alternative to pheromones starts to take effect within an hour of application, and each pipette lasts for one week (3 per pack). A herbal spot-on for dogs is also available but, again, it can change the smell of cats and potentially worsen aggression. Customers mention that the StressLess Spot-On helped with overgrooming, excessive meowing, toileting outside the litter tray and hiding; but it's not so effective on hyperactive behaviours. Some didn't find it helpful at all. ✓ Contains valerian. ✓ 3 pipettes. ✓ Works in 1 hour. ✓ Suitable for travelling. ✕ Lasts for 1 week. ✕ Strong odour. ⭐⭐⭐ StressLess Herbal Calming Collar The StressLess Herbal Calming Collar is suitable for both short and long-term stress caused by moving house, new pets, travelling, fireworks and more. It also targets destructive behaviours like scratching and urine spraying. The adjustable collar contains valerian and lavender for up to 6 weeks of calm and takes effect after one hour. It features a safety mechanism so cats can break free if they get caught on something. Feedback is largely positive in terms of calming effects, but many dislike the smell of valerian; however, if cats don't mind then that's all that matters! On the rare occasion, cats are said to have had an allergic reaction and the collars are easy to break out of. ✓ Contains valerian. ✓ Works in 1 hour. ✓ Lasts for 6 weeks. ✓ Suitable for travelling. ✕ Strong odour. ✕ Might break. ⭐⭐⭐ Herbal Calming Tablets The Herbal Calming Tablets for cats and dogs help to promote calm in stressful situations and alleviate problem behaviours. The non-drowsy formula contains a soothing blend of natural plant extracts: Rosemary - reduces stress and anxiety by improving state of wellbeing. Lime tree blossom - muscle relaxing properties and appeasing effects. Hop flowers - calming and soothing. Melissa - calming and soothing with muscle relaxing properties. Tablets are a great alternative to a spot-on or collar if you (or your cats) don't like the smell of valerian. They can be administered prior to vet visits, travelling, fireworks, thunderstorms and other short-term changes. Tablets are chicken flavoured and you get 20 per pack. They take one-and-a-half hours to work and can be given orally or put in food, up to 3 times a day. Since the dosage for cats is half a tablet, they should last for over a month. Most reviews are for dogs but are generally positive for travelling, fireworks, nervousness and separation anxiety. However, some say that they're not strong enough for higher levels of anxiety and occasionally give pets an upset stomach. ✓ Natural ingredients. ✓ Works in 1 1/2 hours. ✓ Works on cats and dogs. ✓ Suitable for travelling. ✕ Only lasts 2 1/2 hours. ✕ May not agree with some cats. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ StressLess Herbal Calming Cat Treats The StressLess Calming Treats are an alternative to tablets and at a cheaper price. They help to reduce stress and problem behaviour during disruptive times, including scratching, constant meowing and urine spraying. Treats are chicken flavoured and contain calming valerian, soothing hop flowers, relaxing Melissa and rosemary. They're suitable for short-term or long-term use. Treats should be fed up to one-and-a-half hours before a stressful event and every 3 hours thereafter, with no more than 6 given per day. For ongoing use, 2 treats per day is recommended. Owners say StressLess Calming Treats are effective at calming nervous pets, particularly behaviours like hiding and overgrooming. It helps during fireworks and car journeys, as well as promoting restful sleep. Some cats find them too large and hard to chew, and having been a long-term buyer of these treats, mine will only eat them hidden in a pile of Dreamies; however, they do have a mild effect. Related post: 10 Best Cat Calming Treats and Pastes ✓ Natural ingredients. ✓ Works in 1 1/2 hours. ✓ Short or long-term use. ✓ Suitable for travelling. ✕ Large/hard to chew. Beaphar products can be used alongside each other for maximum effect: for example, the CatComfort diffuser could be used in conjunction with the CatComfort spot-on or spray. The feline facial pheromone is beneficial for most anxiety-related behaviours, while products containing the maternal appeasing pheromone are aimed at multi-cat harmony and stress associated with new situations. Herbal remedies will help to soothe excited nerves for a calmer home environment. The above is only a guideline, and you should try a range of solutions to see what your cat responds to. For best results, behaviour modification training and/or environmental changes may also be necessary. Information accurate from June 2026 and may be subject to change. Are you familiar with the Beaphar brand? Have you tried any of these cat calming products? Share your feedback 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, customer feedback and my own reviews wherever possible. 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. Related post: Grain-Free vs Grains Cat Food: Which is Better? 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. 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. ✓ Animal fat and fish oil. ✓ Urinary health. ✕ Rice, wheat and maize as primary ingredients. ✕ High in carbohydrates. ✕ 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. 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. Promotes a healthy urinary tract with balanced minerals. 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 at 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. ✓ Dried poultry protein. ✓ Animal fat. ✓ Urinary care and gut health. ✕ Wheat, corn and soya meal as primary ingredients. ✕ Wheat gluten and corn protein meal. ✕ High in carbohydrates. 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. 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 of 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. ✓ 10% fresh chicken. ✓ Pork fat and fish oil. ✓ Contains prebiotics. ✓ No artificial colours, flavours or GMOs. ✕ Maize and millet as primary ingredients. 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. ✓ High protein and moisture content. ✓ 24% chicken. ✕ Unspecified by-products, fats and oils. ✕ Higher fat content than other brands. 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. ✓ High protein and moisture content. ✓ Urinary health. ✕ Mysterious meat source. ✕ Unspecified by-products, fats and oils. ✕ Contains grains. ✕ 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 → 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 opt for a high-protein, low-fat wet food like Untamed. This way, you're still ensuring they get a healthy dose of meaty goodness. Information accurate from May 2026. 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 applicable. Whether you're a complete newbie to harness training or searching for the purrfect product for your kitty companion, this article outlines four types of harnesses and one for kittens, taking into account material, durability, ease of use and customer ratings. Before you go rushing off to purchase your first harness, you need to know how to measure your cat for the correct fitting and size. Use his helpful guide: How to Measure Cats for a Harness and Choosing the Best Style Top Picks at a Glance View full details ⇨ Best H-Style Harness PAWCHIE Cat Harness with Leash and Collar Set ✓ Double plastic clip and safety buckle. ✓ Quick release. ✓ Glow in the dark moons and stars. View full details ⇨ Best Y-Style Harness PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash ✓ Multiple adjustment points. ✓ Bungee leash to prevent tugging. ✓ Anti-choke. View full details ⇨ Best Vest Harness Rabbitgoo Escape-Proof Cat Harness with Leash Set ✓ Soft, lightweight mesh. ✓ 4 adjustable points. ✓ Reflective strips. View full details ⇨ Best Jacket Harness Mynwood Cat Jacket Harness ✓ Strong and secure. ✓ Triple sewn for durability. ✓ Reversible material. View full details ⇨ Best for Kittens Fida Cat Harness and Leash Set for Kittens ✓ Designed for kittens. ✓ Triple security features. ✓ Reflective strips. Some cats will take better to harnesses than others - or in many cases, not at all. A collar and leash should be avoided at all costs as they're simply not safe for cats, and there are plenty of more suitable options on the market. Even a perfectly fitted harness shouldn't be considered as escape-proof, so it's crucial to build up that kitty confidence before introducing them to all of the sights and smells of outdoors. Situations a harness might come in useful include: Taking cats on walks for exercise. Preventing escape from gardens or yards. Travelling with cats. Vet visits. If you're dead set on walking a pet then you might be better suited to a dog than a cat. For those that do enjoy the fresh air in their whiskers and have undergone all of the necessary training, it can be extremely rewarding for both cats and their human guardians. This is especially the case for special needs kitties, such as visually impaired and other health conditions that would otherwise make it impossible to go outside. Harnesses are not an excuse to force cats into uncomfortable and frightening situations, or drag them to the supermarket while you pick up a loaf of bread. Cats should never be left unattended or tied to a lamppost! Best Harnesses for Cats and Kittens Best H-Style Harness ⭐⭐⭐⭐ PAWCHIE Cat Harness with Leash and Collar Set The H-style harness gets its name from the two loops that sit over a cat's neck and chest, with a strap between the shoulders for a leash to hook onto. While I'm not a fan of these due to fitting like a collar, the minimalistic and non-restrictive design is a good option for cats that have never worn a harness and for training purposes. You can always build up to something bigger and more secure, as H-harnesses can be flimsy and easy for a cat to escape. PAWCHIE Harness and Leash Set comes in sizes small and medium, and colour options include red, black, purple, pink or multicoloured. Glow in the dark moons and stars aren't only attractive but ensure cats can be seen walking at night. Safety features include a double plastic clip and buckle, quick release and a durable 150cm leash. Owners find the harness easy to put on and take off with good adjustment capabilities. It allows movement without being restrictive, but some find it a little short in the body. Opinions are mixed on overall durability. ✓ Best for placid cats or training. ✓ Non-restrictive and lightweight. ✓ Double plastic clips and safety buckle. ✓ Reflective moons and stars. ✕ Flimsy. ✕ Can cause chafing. ✕ Small or thin cats might escape. Best Y-Style Harness ⭐⭐⭐⭐ PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash The Y-style harness is similar to the H-style except the top loop sits over the shoulders for a more comfortable fit. These are safer for excitable cats that tend to run or jump, but also make it easier to escape. If the harness isn't fitted properly then it could slip right over a cat's head. PetSafe Harness is available in sizes small, medium and large with ten colour options. Two adjustment points allow you to fit the harness to your cat's body type, while the stretchy 4ft-6ft bungee leash prevents sharp pulling and tugging. Some customers report that the harness is little tricky to put on and not as secure as other styles, but it's comfortable for most cats to wear. The bungie cord is said to be good for training cats. ✓ Comfortable to wear. ✓ Safer for excitable cats. ✓ Bungee leash to prevent tugging. ✓ Multiple adjustment points. ✕ Flimsy. ✕ Easy to escape. Best Vest Harness ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rabbitgoo Escape-Proof Cat Harness with Leash Set Vest-style harnesses are my choice of preference, especially for adventurous cats that love to explore. With soft, comfortable material and no thin straps, there's less risk of chafing or choking. Nothing is escape-proof but even slender cats will struggle to wriggle out of a vest. The downside is that extra coverage can be cumbersome and restrictive, which some cats might not tolerate. Rabbitgoo Harness is designed for comfort with soft, lightweight and breathable mesh. It has a snug fit with no chafing and features reflective strips for safety. It's simple to put on and take off with two side buckles and benefits from four adjustable points. Sizes range from XXS-M and the leash measures 150cm. Customers say the harness is good quality, comfortable, easy to put on and adjust with plenty of straps. It also works well for kittens but is tricky fitting onto long-haired cats. ✓ Comfortable and secure. ✓ 4 adjustable points. ✓ Reflective strips. ✓ Won't cause injury. ✕ Best for experienced cats. ✕ Can be restrictive. Best Jacket Harness ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mynwood Cat Jacket Harness Perhaps the least popular option for a harness, jackets offer more coverage than vests and aren't usually necessary in the average climate, as cats may get too hot. Jackets are quite restrictive, which can make it uncomfortable to move around and walk in. If your kitty shies away from the Christmas jumpers or has long, thick fur then a vest will suffice. Mynwood Jacket Harnesses are handmade by a proud cat mum, incorporating feedback from other owners and cat breeders. They use durable, high-quality materials and fasten securely around the neck and chest with strips of hook and loop. Material is reversible with red and black cotton, and there are adult and kitten sizes available. Owners are happy with the comfortable, lightweight fit and most cats tolerate the jacket well. It's easy to put on and said to be harder to escape from than other harnesses. ✓ Best for cold weather. ✓ Experienced explorers. ✓ Triple sewn for security. ✓ Durable. ✕ Cumbersome. ✕ Long-haired cats may get too hot. Best for Kittens ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fida Cat Harness and Leash Set for Kittens This lightweight, breathable air mesh harness and leash set is suitable for kittens and small breed dogs from sizes XXXS-XS. Built for comfort and durability with an adjustable hook and loop (Velcro) fastener that wraps around a pet's body to distribute pulling pressure across the chest and reduce stress on the neck. Triple security features include a buckle and double D-rings to make it as "escape-proof" as possible, along with a slightly shorter 120cm leash. Made with soft, quick-dry material and reflective strips, this cute harness fulfils all of a kitten's requirements. Kittens generally shouldn't be allowed outside until 5-6 months of age, at which stage they've developed the instincts and skills to explore their environment - as well as having completed all of their vaccinations. If you're struggling to find a harness small enough to fit, it's likely that your kitten is too young. You shouldn't be using harnesses designed for other species, such as rabbits or ferrets. Owners love the look and fit of the Fida Harness, but extra small kittens may still be able to wriggle out of them. ✓ Sizes XXXS-XS. ✓ Lightweight. ✓ Triple security features. ✓ Reflective strips. ✕ Not suitable for large cats. Whatever style harness you decide on and whichever is best for your cat, use this handy checklist of important features to look for in a quality harness and leash set. Lightweight and breathable. Multiple adjustment points. Strong, secure clasps. Easy to put on and take off. Reflective strips. Quick release. Durability. Snug fit. Ready to begin exploring? Here's some essential reading for everything you need to know about walking cats and kittens: How to Harness Train Cats for Walking on a Leash Safely Information accurate from June 2026 and may be subject to change. Do you have a kitty that loves to explore? Help out fellow cat parents by recommending your best harness, along with any walking tips and tricks.

*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 phosphorus 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 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 → 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.

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 → 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 phosphorus - 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!