If you’ve ever stared into your cat’s bowl wondering whether you’re feeding them the right thing, you’re not alone. Working out what do cats eat in the UK can feel surprisingly tricky. There are wet foods, dry foods, raw diets, grain-free options, and a never-ending aisle of treats at every pet shop. The truth is, cats have very specific nutritional needs, and getting their diet right is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term health and happiness.
In this complete UK guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what cats eat, what they should never eat, how much to feed them at each life stage, and how to choose the best food for your feline friend. Whether you’ve just adopted a kitten or you’re caring for a senior cat, this is everything you need to know to feed your cat with confidence.
What Do Cats Eat? Understanding the Feline Diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, which is a fancy way of saying they must eat meat to survive. Unlike dogs (who are omnivores), a cat’s body is biologically designed to extract nutrients almost exclusively from animal protein. Their digestive system is shorter, their teeth are built for tearing meat, and they need certain amino acids like taurine that they can only get from animal tissue.
This is why a balanced cat diet should always be built around high-quality animal protein. A wild cat would naturally eat small prey like mice, birds, and insects, and a domestic cat’s diet aims to mimic that nutritional profile in a safe, convenient form.
The Key Nutrients Every Cat Needs
- Animal protein for muscle, organ health, and energy
- Taurine, an essential amino acid for heart and eye health
- Animal fats for healthy skin, coat, and energy
- Vitamins A and D, which cats can’t produce themselves
- Water, as cats are notoriously bad drinkers, so moisture in food matters
- Limited carbohydrates, since cats don’t need many, but small amounts are fine
Wet Food vs Dry Food: Which Is Better for UK Cats?
This is one of the most common questions UK cat owners ask, and the honest answer is: a mix of both is usually ideal. Each type has clear pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your cat’s age, health, and preferences.
Wet Food (Pouches and Tins)
Wet food contains around 70 to 80% moisture, which is brilliant for hydration, especially important since many cats simply don’t drink enough water. It’s also often more palatable, easier for older cats to chew, and tends to be higher in protein.
- Excellent for hydration and urinary health
- Higher in protein, lower in carbs
- Often tastier and easier to digest
- Helps with weight control
Dry Food (Kibble)
Dry food is convenient, affordable, and can help with dental health thanks to its crunchy texture. It also stays fresh in the bowl all day, which suits free-feeding cats and busy households.
- Cost-effective and easy to store
- Better for grazing throughout the day
- Can support dental hygiene
- Works well in puzzle feeders
A combination approach, with wet food for the main meal and a small portion of dry food for grazing, gives most cats the best of both worlds. If your cat doesn’t drink much, learn more in our guide on why your cat may not be drinking water.
What Cats Should Eat at Each Life Stage
A cat’s nutritional needs change dramatically from kittenhood to old age. Feeding the wrong type of food for your cat’s life stage can lead to weight problems, nutrient deficiencies, or digestive issues.
Kittens (0 to 12 months)
Kittens are growing rapidly and need calorie-dense, high-protein food specifically labelled “kitten” or “for growth”. They typically need 3 to 4 small meals a day. Choose food rich in DHA for brain development and avoid feeding adult cat food until they’re around 12 months old.
Adult Cats (1 to 7 years)
Adult cats usually do well on 2 meals a day. Look for complete and balanced food with named meat as the first ingredient (like chicken, salmon, or turkey). Indoor cats tend to need slightly fewer calories than outdoor cats due to lower activity levels.
Senior Cats (7+ years)
Older cats often benefit from softer wet food, easier-to-digest proteins, and added joint support. Many senior cats also drink less, so wet food becomes even more valuable. Regular vet check-ups help catch age-related conditions like kidney disease early.
Foods Cats Can Safely Eat
Beyond commercial cat food, there are several human foods that cats can enjoy in moderation as occasional treats. These should never make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.
- Cooked chicken or turkey, plain, boneless, and unseasoned
- Cooked fish, such as salmon or tuna, in small amounts
- Plain scrambled or boiled eggs, a great protein boost
- Cooked liver, only occasionally, as too much vitamin A is harmful
- Pumpkin (plain, cooked), helpful for digestion
- Small amounts of cucumber or melon, some cats enjoy these
Foods Cats Should Never Eat
Some everyday human foods are genuinely dangerous for cats. Keep these well out of paw’s reach:
- Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives can damage red blood cells
- Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic
- Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure
- Raw dough yeast can be very dangerous
- Alcohol and caffeine, even tiny amounts are harmful
- Cow’s milk, as most cats are lactose intolerant
- Raw fish (regularly) can destroy thiamine
- Cooked bones can splinter and cause injury
If you suspect your cat has eaten something toxic, call your vet or the Animal PoisonLine immediately.
How Much Should You Feed Your Cat?
The right amount depends on your cat’s weight, age, activity level, and whether they’re indoor or outdoor. As a rough UK guideline, an average adult cat weighing 4 to 5kg needs around 200 to 250 calories per day. Always check the feeding guide on the back of the food pack and adjust based on your cat’s body condition.
- Weigh your cat monthly to track changes
- Feel for the ribs. They should be detectable but not visible
- Use a measuring cup or scales rather than guessing
- Adjust portions if your cat becomes more or less active
Indoor cats are particularly prone to weight gain, so keeping them mentally and physically active is key. Our guide to cat enrichment ideas for indoor cats has plenty of practical ways to keep your cat moving.
Hydration: The Often Forgotten Part of a Cat’s Diet
Water is technically a nutrient, and one cats are notoriously bad at consuming. Dehydration in cats can lead to urinary tract problems and kidney disease, both of which are common in the UK.
- Always provide fresh, clean water in a wide, shallow bowl
- Place water away from the food bowl (cats prefer this)
- Consider a cat water fountain or hydration product to encourage drinking
- Include wet food in your cat’s daily routine
Choosing the Best Cat Food in the UK
With so many brands available in UK supermarkets and pet stores, choosing the right food can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple checklist to help you pick a quality option:
- Named meat (chicken, salmon, beef) listed as the first ingredient
- “Complete” rather than “complementary” on the label
- Suitable for your cat’s life stage (kitten, adult, senior)
- Minimal artificial colours, flavours, or fillers
- Appropriate for any special needs (sensitive stomach, weight control, etc.)
You can browse our hand-picked range of cat food and supplements to find quality options trusted by UK cat owners.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding treats. They should be no more than 10% of daily calories
- Giving cow’s milk, as most adult cats can’t digest lactose properly
- Feeding dog food, which lacks taurine and other essential nutrients
- Free-feeding without limits, which leads to obesity in indoor cats
- Sudden diet changes. Switch foods gradually over 7 to 10 days
A well-fed cat is a happy cat, and good grooming habits go hand in hand with good nutrition. If you’d like to keep your cat looking and feeling their best, our complete guide to grooming a cat at home is a great next read.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Cats Eat
1. Can cats eat human food every day?
No. While certain plain, cooked human foods are safe in moderation, they shouldn’t replace a complete and balanced cat food. Treats and human food should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.
2. Is wet food or dry food better for cats in the UK?
Both have benefits. Wet food boosts hydration and is gentler on older cats, while dry food is convenient and supports dental health. Most UK vets recommend a mixed feeding approach for optimum nutrition.
3. How many times a day should I feed my cat?
Adult cats usually do best with two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Kittens need 3 to 4 smaller meals, and senior cats may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals if they have dental or digestive issues.
4. Can cats drink milk?
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so cow’s milk can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. If you’d like to offer something special, choose a lactose-free cat milk made specifically for felines.
5. Is a raw diet safe for cats?
Raw feeding can work but requires careful planning to avoid nutrient imbalances and bacterial risks. If you’re considering a raw diet, speak to your vet first, and never feed raw bones or raw fish on a regular basis.
Final Thoughts: Feeding Your Cat the Right Way
Understanding what cats eat is the foundation of cat care. A balanced diet of high-quality, meat-based food, combined with the right portion sizes, plenty of fresh water, and a few safe treats, will help your cat thrive at every stage of life. Every cat is unique, so pay attention to your cat’s weight, coat condition, and energy levels, and don’t be afraid to ask your vet for tailored advice.
Ready to give your cat the very best? Explore our curated range of cat food and supplements designed for UK cat owners who want only the best for their furry family members. Your cat will thank you, probably with a slow blink, a happy purr, and a tail held high.
