Choosing cat food without costly mistakes: a practical guide for adult cats

There is a huge choice of cat food available, from wet cat food in gravy to dry cat food with fish, meat or a specific formula. Attractive packaging alone does not tell you enough. If you focus solely on flavour, discounts or a familiar brand name, you may end up buying food that is not well suited to your cat’s age, lifestyle or eating habits.

Pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:

• “With chicken” or “with fish” does not automatically mean that chicken or fish is the main ingredient. Check the percentage on the label. In some recipes, for example, only 4% of the named ingredient is present.
• A multipack is not always better value. A larger pack is only practical if your cat likes the flavours and the food will be used before its best-before date.
• Functional claims require extra scrutiny. According to Purina’s own research, certain Purina One formulas may support the gut microbiome, metabolism or urinary tract, for example. Treat this information as a product claim, not as a substitute for advice from a vet.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Complete food or complementary food?

For daily meals, the wording “complete pet food for adult cats” is important. According to the product information, this means the food is intended to be given as a daily diet. If it only says “complementary” or “snack”, it is not intended as a complete meal.

For cat food for adult cats, you should also consider the life stage. An adult cat has different nutritional needs from a kitten or senior cat. The recommended portion then depends on body weight, activity level and body condition.

2. Wet food, dry food or a combination?

Wet cat food generally contains plenty of moisture and is available as mousse, pieces in jelly or cat food in gravy. Check the storage instructions after opening. Many products need to be refrigerated and used within 24 to 48 hours.

Dry cat food keeps for longer after opening, provided you seal the bag properly and store the food somewhere cool and dry. Pay attention to the daily amount: kibble is more energy-dense than wet food. A combination can be practical, but adjust the portions accordingly.

3. Flavour, portion size and composition

Cats can have very different preferences. Some enjoy cat food with fish, while others prefer cat food with meat. For cats that eat several small meals, 50-gram portions are convenient. A cat food multipack with different flavours can help you discover your cat’s preferences, but do not initially buy a large supply of a variety they have not tried before.

The protein, fat, moisture and ash content are all measurable details in the composition. The analytical constituents are listed on the product page or packaging. If your cat has a food allergy or medical condition, it is advisable to discuss the full ingredients list with a vet.

Recommended cat food by type of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Felix Original Mix Selection in Jelly

Why this suits the profile: The box contains 44 85-gram pouches with varieties in jelly, including beef, chicken, tuna and salmon. This lets you compare flavours without buying several separate boxes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product information, the named flavour contains 4% of the relevant ingredient. This allows you to check the composition rather than relying solely on the flavour name.

Main benefit & advantages

Complete food for adult cats; 44 individual 85-gram portions; several flavours in one pack.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Gourmet Perle Sauce Delight Beef, Chicken, Tuna & Salmon Multipack

Why this suits the profile: Suitable for cats that enjoy a soft texture and plenty of gravy. The multipack contains four varieties and is intended as complete food for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the proportion of the named ingredient for each recipe. Check this if “cat food with fish” or “with meat” is your main criterion.

Main benefit & advantages

12 85-gram pouches; four flavour varieties; 80% moisture and 12.5% protein according to the stated analytical constituents.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users

Purina One Sterilcat Beef & Grain Formula

Why this suits the profile: This dry food is specifically labelled for sterilised or neutered adult cats. The feeding table is broken down by body weight.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition lists 37% protein and 13% fat. According to Purina’s own information, the protein-to-fat ratio has been adapted for sterilised cats; monitor your cat’s body condition and portions yourself.

Main benefit & advantages

800-gram dry food; suitable for adult sterilised cats; clear feeding guidance for cats weighing 2 to 6 kg.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users

Purina One Urinary Care Chicken

Why this suits the profile: For owners specifically looking for cat food for urinary tract care and wanting to explore a dry food formula for adult cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to Purina’s own information, the formula is intended to support the urinary tract and help regulate urine pH. Veterinary advice is needed if your cat has symptoms.

Main benefit & advantages

800 grams of dry food; 34% protein and a maximum of 12% moisture according to the product details; contains chicken as the named ingredient.

Practical tips for buying cat food

• Compare the price per meal, not just the price of the box.
• Check that the food is complete and intended for adult cats.
• Start with a small pack when trying a new flavour.
• Store opened wet food according to the label and keep dry food in an airtight container.
• Always provide fresh drinking water, especially if you mainly feed dry food.
• Switch gradually to a different food to help prevent stomach and digestive problems caused by an abrupt change.

Frequently asked questions about cat food

Which cat food is suitable for an adult cat?

Choose a product labelled complete food for adult cats. Then consider the format — wet food, dry food or both — and adjust the portion according to weight, activity level and body condition. A cat with a specific medical condition may need specially adapted food; consult a vet for advice.

How long does opened wet food keep?

This varies by product. The products mentioned generally advise storing leftovers covered in the fridge and using them within 24 to 48 hours. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and do not leave wet food at room temperature for extended periods.

Is cat food for sterilised cats necessary?

Not every sterilised cat automatically needs a special formula. However, weight, activity level and appetite can change after sterilisation. According to the product information, a product such as Purina One Sterilcat contains a composition adapted for this group. Check the portion size and discuss any concerns about weight or the urinary tract with a vet.