How to Choose the Right Food for Your Cat

How to choose the right food?

Choosing the right food for your cat is one of the most important aspects of being a responsible and caring pet owner. Cats are unique animals with distinct preferences and needs, and their diet plays a vital role in their health, happiness, and longevity. From respecting their natural feeding behaviour to deciding between wet and dry food, here’s everything you need to know about making the best choice for your feline friend…

Respecting Your Cat’s Natural Feeding Behaviour

Cats are instinctive grazers, not large-meal eaters like dogs. In the wild, cats would catch and eat up to 20 small meals per day. This natural rhythm should be respected even at home. Rather than offering one or two large meals, allow your cat to eat little and often.

Feeding puzzles or interactive toys can mimic the act of hunting and help with portion control, which is particularly useful for indoor cats that may be less active.

Feeding stations should be placed in a quiet, calm environment with an easy escape route – cats value their safety while eating.

Ensure food and water bowls are placed separately, and far away from the litter tray, to maintain hygiene and meet your cat’s preferences.

And don’t forget – while it might seem kind to offer milk, cats don’t digest lactose well, so always provide clean, fresh water instead.

Wet or Dry Food – What’s Best?

When it comes to choosing between wet or dry food, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – both have benefits, and the best choice may be a combination of both.

Mixed Feeding – The Best of Both Worlds

Many cats thrive on a combination of wet and dry food. It adds variety in texture and taste, suits their natural feeding pattern, and provides balanced hydration and dental support. Always offer the two types in separate bowls, and introduce any dietary changes gradually over the course of at least a week to avoid upsetting their stomach.

Treats and Training

Treats can be a wonderful way to reward and bond with your cat – but moderation is key. While some treats offer added benefits like dental support or joint care, overindulgence can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalance.

Instead of giving table scraps (which are often too rich and not suited to feline digestion), use treats designed specifically for cats. Better yet, take a few kibbles from their daily food ration to use during training sessions. Remember that many cats respond just as well – if not better – to playtime, petting, or praise as rewards.

Find the Right Food for Your Cat

Every cat is different. Their breed, age, lifestyle, and environment all influence their nutritional needs. Whether you have an energetic kitten, a laid-back housecat, or a pedigree breed with specific sensitivities, it’s important to choose food that supports their health throughout every life stage.

A well-balanced diet provides essential nutrients and the right number of calories. This not only helps prevent common health problems but also makes it easier to detect any changes early on, ensuring your cat receives the care they need.

If you’re unsure where to start, Royal Canin’s online Pet Food Finder is a brilliant tool to help you discover the best food for your feline based on their specific needs. Whether your cat is young, mature, active, or has certain sensitivities, this simple guide will point you in the right direction to support their overall wellbeing.

Royal Canin’s Kitten-Specific Food

Kittens grow rapidly and need energy-rich food to support their development. Royal Canin offers tailored nutrition for kittens that takes into account their developing immune systems, sensitive digestion, and need for higher protein and fat content. As they grow, the range makes it easy to transition to adult formulas that continue to meet their needs.

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition®

Some cat breeds require specialised nutrition. For example, Persian cats benefit from food that supports skin and coat health, while Maine Coons – a larger breed – need joint support and heart-healthy nutrients. Royal Canin offers breed-specific formulas designed to suit the anatomical and physiological characteristics of each breed, ensuring they thrive.

Easily Transitioning Your Cat to a New Food

Introducing new food should be done gradually to avoid digestive issues. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the current one, and slowly increase the proportion over 7–10 days. Monitor your cat’s reaction and adjust if needed.

When done right, transitioning to the right diet can make all the difference to your cat’s vitality and wellbeing.

Health Now & Always

Feeding your cat isn’t just about filling a bowl – it’s about understanding their instincts, respecting their preferences, and meeting their unique nutritional needs. Whether you choose wet, dry, or mixed feeding, always ensure your cat has access to fresh water and receives the right balance of nutrients to live a healthy, happy life.

Support their growth!

Give your kitten nutrition tailored to support healthy growth. All of ROYAL CANIN®’s Kitten formulas contain highly digestible proteins, the highest quality nutrients (like EPA and DHA) and prebiotics for digestive health. All this to ensure a long and happy life with you!

Click here to complete the registration form to receive your first unique coupon code entitling you to R200 off your ROYAL CANIN® Puppy or Kitten purchase (min R350 transaction value to qualify for R200 off).

Explore the ROYAL CANIN® range: https://www.petheaven.co.za/cats/cat-food/royal-canin.html

ASK AN EXPERT: Why is it important to establish healthy feeding habits in puppies and kittens? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9XiQMXqXng