Buying cat food seems simple until you have to choose between wet cat food, dry cat food, mousse, gravy, multipacks and recipes for different life stages. An appealing package does not always tell you enough about whether the food is suitable for your cat. So check the information on the label first, and only then consider flavour, brand or special offers.
A product name featuring chicken and turkey may sound appealing, but check the percentage of the named ingredient. Some recipes consist mainly of meat and animal by-products, supplemented with cereals, vegetable protein extracts, minerals or sugar. That does not necessarily make the food unsuitable, but it does give you a more realistic picture of its composition.
Not every tray, tin or pouch is a complete meal. Look for the wording “complete feed” or “complete pet food” for the correct animal species and life stage. If it only says “complementary feed” or “snack”, it is not intended to be your cat’s sole daily food.
A cat food multipack may seem good value, but pay attention to the best-before date, portion size and flavour variety. A cat that quickly tires of one recipe may leave some of it uneaten. Opened wet food should also be refrigerated according to the label and used within the recommended time.
Choose cat food for adult cats once your cat has reached adulthood. Kitten food is formulated for the growth stage; for example, according to its product description, Felix Double So Nice Junior is intended for kittens aged 6 to 52 weeks. Senior cat food is available for cats aged 7 and over, such as Felix Double the Tasty Senior.
Also consider your cat’s weight, activity level and daily portion. Feeding recommendations on packaging are guidelines. An indoor cat with little exercise may need a different amount from an active outdoor cat. Change the menu gradually to help limit digestive problems caused by a sudden switch.
Check that the food is complete, then compare protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. Wet cat food generally has a higher moisture content than dry food. This also affects the amount you feed each day.
Gourmet Mon Petit Intense Poultry, for example, lists 81.5% moisture, 12.0% protein and 2.8% fat. The 50-gram portions are convenient when you want to serve smaller amounts. The product description states that this is complete wet food for adult cats.
Read the ingredients in the order in which they are listed and check that the recipe suits your cat’s preferences or sensitivities. “Free from the 14 major EU allergens” does not mean that every cat will tolerate the food; individual reactions can vary.
Also consider the packaging:
Claims about supporting digestion, hairballs or the immune system should be read as brand marketing. According to Purina’s own research, Purina ONE Sensitive may, for example, make a difference to the smell of stools. This is not a guarantee for your cat and does not replace advice from a vet if symptoms persist.
Why it suits this profile: Dry food in an 800-gram pack is easy to manage if you are buying cat food for the first time. The combination of chicken and turkey adds variety to your cat’s bowl.
The product description states that this is complete and balanced adult food with no added colourings.
Dry kibble; 800 grams; chicken and turkey flavour; intended for adult cats.
Why it suits this profile: Suitable for cats that prefer delicate pieces and cat food in gravy. The 12 portions of 85 grams provide variety without leaving you with a large opened pack.
The label states that this is complete food for adult cats and contains no added artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings.
12 portions; mini fillets in gravy; turkey and tuna varieties; complete adult food.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this dry food is intended for adult cats with sensitive digestion and contains turkey as its first ingredient.
The product information states that no wheat has been added. If your cat has a specific allergy, always check the full packaging yourself and seek advice from a vet if necessary.
800 grams; dry food; turkey and rice; recipe for adult cats with sensitive digestion.
Why it suits this profile: A 10-kilogram bag is well suited to households that feed several cats every day and have enough storage space.
The large pack reduces the need to reorder small bags frequently. Store the food in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to help prevent loss of quality.
10 kilograms; dry food with chicken; intended for adult cats; suitable for buying in bulk.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Wet cat food is ideal when your cat prefers gravy, jelly or cat mousse. Small 50- or 85-gram portions make it easier to serve fresh food and reduce leftovers. Dry cat food is easier to measure and store, especially in larger packs. The choice does not always have to be exclusively wet or dry. A combination can be practical, provided the total daily amount is in line with the feeding guidelines.
For indoor cats, choose a recipe whose product description explicitly focuses on this lifestyle, such as Purina ONE Bifensis Indoor Adult Turkey & Grain Formula. For senior cats or kittens, pay particular attention to the stated life stage. If your cat has recurring symptoms, is following an elimination diet or has a diagnosed condition, the choice should be made with a vet.
This depends on weight, age, activity level, whether your cat has been neutered or spayed, and the type of food. Use the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point and divide the amount between at least two meals if that suits your cat. Include treats and snacks in the total daily amount.
Always follow the label. Many product descriptions advise keeping leftovers covered in the fridge and using them within 48 hours or no more than two days. Do not leave wet food at room temperature for extended periods, and discard any food that smells or looks different.
It can be, but compare the price per 100 grams and check that your cat will eat all the flavours. A multipack with 12 pouches of 85 grams may be good value and practical, while individual 50-gram portions create less waste when your cat eats small meals. So the lowest price per item is not automatically the lowest overall cost.