Best Cat Food: How to Choose the Right Food for Your Cat
Choosing the best cat food is about more than picking a popular brand or reading the claims on the front of a package. A better starting point is to look at the information on the label and consider what your own cat needs.
Life stage, nutritional adequacy, food type and individual needs can all help you make a more informed choice when comparing different cat foods.
How to Choose the Best Cat Food
Before choosing a food, look beyond the front of the package. These four things are a useful starting point when comparing cat food options.
Check Your Cat's Life Stage
Kittens, adult cats and senior cats can have different nutritional needs. Check the package to see which life stage the food is intended for before making your choice.
Look for Complete & Balanced Nutrition
Look for a nutritional adequacy statement on the package. This helps show whether the food is intended to provide complete and balanced nutrition for a stated life stage or purpose.
Compare Wet, Dry or Both
Wet and dry foods differ in moisture, texture, storage and calorie concentration. Wet food generally contains more moisture, while dry food is convenient to store and serve.
Consider Your Cat's Individual Needs
Your cat's age, activity level, body condition and individual dietary needs can all matter. A food that suits one cat may not automatically be the right choice for another.
A simple starting point: Check the life stage, nutritional adequacy statement, food format and your cat's individual needs before choosing a food.
Cat Food for Urinary Health & Hydration
Urinary problems can be worrying for cat owners, especially when changes in litter-box habits appear suddenly. Food and water intake can play a role in urinary health, but the right approach depends on what is happening with your individual cat.
Common Urinary Concerns & What You Can Do
Don't Wait With Urinary Blockage Signs
If your cat is repeatedly trying to urinate but little or no urine is coming out, especially if your cat appears distressed, this can be an emergency. Food is not a substitute for veterinary treatment.
Good nutrition is part of responsible cat care, but urinary problems need to be assessed according to your cat's individual situation.
Cat Care GuideWhy Is My Cat Not Eating?
Even when you're careful about choosing the best cat food, your cat may suddenly lose interest in a meal. Sometimes the reason is simple — but sometimes the food bowl is only showing you part of the story.
So what should you look for when your cat stops eating, and when does a small change become something you shouldn't ignore?
Read the Full Guide →
Why Is My Cat Not Drinking Water? Find Out Why & What to Do
Not seeing your cat drink much can be confusing. Sometimes the reason is simple, but a sudden change can also be a sign that something needs attention.
Find out why your cat may be drinking less
Learn when wet food or another water source may explain it
Know what to check at home and when to contact a vet