Finding the right bag or pack of cat food might seem straightforward, until you have to choose between wet food, kibble, multipacks, kitten food and recipes with chicken or fish. An eye-catching packet doesn't always tell you what your cat needs every day. So pay close attention to the information on the label, not just words like "premium", "natural" or "with extra flavour".
A packet might say "with chicken", yet the actual chicken content could be limited. In some Felix recipes, for example, the variant contains 4% of the named animal ingredient. Always check the composition and the percentage per flavour. That gives you a clearer picture of what you're buying than a big picture of chicken, salmon or beef on the front.
Not every wet food is suitable as a full daily diet. Complete cat food must be labelled as such on the packet. According to the product information, Felix Soup Fish is, for example, complementary food for adult cats. It is intended as an addition alongside a complete diet, not as a replacement for all meals.
A cat food multipack or a multi-kilogram bag can lower the price per portion, but only if your cat actually eats it. With wet food, you also need to think about storage after opening. According to the product information, any unused contents should be kept refrigerated and used within the stated period. For dry food, a resealable pack and a dry storage spot are important.
A kitten has different nutritional needs to an adult cat. Look for the label:
According to the product description, Purina One Junior Chicken & Grain is intended for kittens from weaning up to 12 months, and also for pregnant or nursing cats. The recommended amount should be adjusted according to age, weight and growth.
This is one of the most important technical labels. If it says "complete pet food" or "complete food for adult cats", then the product is intended as a full meal within the stated feeding guidelines. With complementary food, you need to combine it with a complete diet.
Also pay attention to the feeding guideline per body weight. Those amounts are averages. Activity, age, body condition and any treats all affect how much your cat needs.
Wet cat food usually contains a lot of moisture and is often sold in trays, tins or portion pouches. 85g portion pouches are handy if you give several small meals. A 100g or 400g pâté can be appealing if your cat prefers a soft texture, but you must follow the storage instructions after opening.
Dry cat food is easy to measure out and keeps for longer after opening. Pay attention to the energy content and always provide fresh drinking water. A 2kg, 3.8kg, 4kg or 10kg bag is especially suitable for households that regularly use the same food. For a fussy cat, a smaller pack is wiser to avoid waste.
Terms like "no artificial additives", "with omega 3" or "with vitamins" should be read as product information. According to a brand's own research or its marketing communications, additional claims may be attached to these; don't automatically take them as a guarantee of a particular effect. Always check the full composition and analytical constituents on the pack.
Why this fits the profile: The multipack contains 44 portion pouches of 85g with different flavours, including beef, chicken, tuna and salmon. That makes portioning easy and offers variety for adult cats.
The product information clearly states that it is complete food for adult cats. Do check the stated portion and store an opened pouch in the fridge.
44 individual portions, 3.74kg total and a mix of four named flavours.
Why this fits the profile: This dry food is specifically labelled for kittens from weaning up to 12 months. The smaller pack is ideal when you want to see if your kitten accepts the food first.
The life stage is clearly described. This stops you from choosing adult cat food for a growing kitten.
800g, chicken as the first named ingredient and a feeding guideline based on age and weight.
Why this fits the profile: According to the product information, the formula is intended for adult cats with a sensitive digestion and contains no added wheat.
The target group and composition are clearly stated. If problems persist, it's wiser to consult a vet rather than keep switching yourself.
Turkey as the first ingredient according to the product information and an 800g pack.
Why this fits the profile: The 2kg bag is practical for daily use with one or more adult cats that accept dry food with fish.
The pack states dry food for adult cats and gives storage advice. Check beforehand whether your cat tolerates fish and grains.
2kg content, fish variety and a feeding guide that takes age, weight and activity into account.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
That varies per product, weight, age, activity and body condition. Use the feeding table on the pack as a starting point. A cat of around 4kg may, for example, need several pouches per day with some Felix wet foods. Include treats in the total daily amount and always provide fresh drinking water.
Both types can fit into a complete nutritional plan. Wet cat food provides plenty of moisture and is available in small portions. Dry food is easy to store and measure out. The choice depends on what your cat eats, how much she drinks and which complete composition suits her life stage.
Gradually mix the new food with the familiar one, increasing the proportion over several days. Keep an eye on appetite, stools and body condition. If problems persist, your cat suddenly refuses to eat, or you suspect allergies, it's best to seek advice from a vet.