I'm looking for advice, tips, opinions, etc. (all with resources please). I always want what's best for the furbabies in my life!

The best advice I have is to feed them no dry food at all. Dry food is not good for cats, as it is not in their nature to drink enough water to stay fully enough hydrated, and dry food is dehydrating. If you want the healthiest food for your cats, give them only wet foods.

Also, I do not think that Purina or Royal Canin make healthy food. There are many brands that have FAR better ingredients. Please see www.catfoodadvisor.com for information on cat nutrition and to help you choose the best cat foods.

As for quantity, just give them enough food that they stay at a healthy weight. This means you can feel their ribs if you press into their sides, but not if you just run your fingers along their sides.

 

^^^Exactly this.

Of course, any cat food is only good if the cats will eat it. If cost is an issue, keep in mind that even the cheapest, junkiest wet food is better for your cats than any dry food.

As far as weight, don't be too focused on numbers as cats can have difference sized frames. Ribs should be palpable but not visible.

I would not feed any raw foods as cats can get bird flu.

Here is an excellent writeup on feeding cats:

Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition – Common Sense. Healthy Cats.

A veterinarian explains the basics on properly feed cats which are strict carnivores, and the link between a poor quality diet and common diseases.

catinfo.org

 

As far as weight, don't be too focused on numbers as cats can have difference sized frames

Yes. And, I should have added, how much food your cat should eat also depends on their metabolism and activity level. The "recommended feeding" amount that is on most pet foods is far too high for most pets.

 

I'd have to agree with an above poster that dry food is not good. I always use the analogy of Cereal , yeah it's fortified with all the human nutrition you (mostly) need. Can you eat it 3 times a day?

My cheap and enriching solution was to give my cat Lulu tuna once a day. I would get a can for like 1.50, its human grade food, has tons of protein, super easy to get a cat to eat. The only downside is the whole mercury poisoning from sea fish and what not so it should be consulted with a vet if you have one. Then I would give her high grade protein rich dry food. When you give them a protein rich diet, they eat less. I'd also add Chia seed to her diet, protein rich and would make her coat shine, very cheap.

I tried the salmon oil thing, and she didn't touch it.

 

More Questions (8/12/25):

Spoiler: ⇩ Post ⇩

Thank you all for your helpful information. Unfortunately, I can't afford to switch to an all wet food diet. Let's say I decided to do a 50/50 diet - my mother buys the dry cat food, and I buy the wet cat food. If we feed the cats 100% wet food, then my mother will not pay for anymore cat food. She doesn't believe the cats need/would enjoy 100% wet cat food anyway, let alone the fact that we just can't really afford it. I guess. But I still appreciate the advice you've offered!

Im really bad with feeding the cats just "whatever" in terms of amount, and waiting to see if they've gained or lost weight. I would prefer to start off with some sort of idea as to how much to feed them per day. I'll stick with what I've got going for now, with hopes to add more wet food as they grow used to it.

My cats are being very picky lately, and won't eat much of the wet food. Any kind of wet food - I think they've decided they don't love wet food because they've always eaten dry food. I worry that if I swapped them to an all wet food diet, they might eat a lot less and end up losing weight or becoming sick. Madame is an elderly cat for her breed, and it's too late in her life for me to be trying random things and hoping something works. I think she deserves the best of the best, as does Booger.

My cats like the salmon oil, so I will continue to use it unless someone gives me any other advice against it. The dry toppers have a mixed reaction, haha.

Also, I read somewhere that fish protein shouldn't be a major staple. So I am inclined to agree that it's not ideal to feed a can of tuna everyday. It doesn't seem like anyone is arguing with you from a malicious standpoint, everyone just wants the best for your pet. I hope to include a link with any resources as soon as I can

 

Hi all! I live in a house with two cats and I've decided to completely revamp their diet. My mother and I started out slowly, but have successfully switched them over to a new dry food without much issue. I will try to link all the food items and websites I used in my calculations/research. Due to price, I am beginning with a 25% wet food and 75% dry food diet; before, it was 100% dry food with wet food being considered a treat. I'm doing more research everyday to try to learn anything I can! Any advice is appreciated

• Booger, 5 years old, fixed male, Domestic Shorthair, est. 13-15 lbs.
• Madame, 11 years old, fixed female, Maine Coon, est. 17-19 lbs.

Both of my cats live indoors, with Madame having a very low level of activity. Booger will play/run, but is only slightly more active than Madame. Next, I will put a list of their current diet compared with their past diet.

Booger:

• THEN (Dry Food): Free-fed with misc. kibble. I can't figure out what my mom had been feeding them before, but she would just fill the bowl and leave it out all day.
• NOW (Dry Food): In the morning, we put 1/2 a cup of dry food out, and we add 1/2 a cup in the evening. This is for both cats. Fed Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach.
• THEN (Wet Food): Randomly fed wet food as a treat.
• NOW (Wet Food): Currently rotating through several kinds to find his favorite, but he mostly eats 1-2 cans (3 Oz per can)(per day) of Purina Pro Plan Variety Pack wet cat food.

Madame:

• THEN (Dry Food): Same as Booger.
• NOW (Dry Food): Same as Booger. Fed Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach.
• THEN (Wet Food): Same as Booger.
• NOW (Wet Food): Currently rotating through several kinds to find her favorite, but went from Royal Canin Aging Wet Cat Food (5.1 Oz can - fed ½-1 can per day) to Hills Science Diet Age 7+ Wet Cat Food as of very recently.

Now, here is where my question comes in: am I feeding them enough? Too much? I used a wet/dry food calculator, but want to double check that the numbers seem right. The math part is very confusing to me, but I feel like this is the best way to be right? They're completely different sizes and breeds, genders etc. Shouldn't that also change some factors mentioned below?

Booger Math:

• Weight is around 14 lbs.
• I am looking to feed 25% wet and 75% dry food.
• Dry Food is 4346 kcal/kg (Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach)
• Wet Food is around 861 kcal/kg (Purina Pro Plan Variety Pack)
• Activity level is less than average, but for the sake of the calculator, I put average.
• Calculated Results = Dry Food is 55g/day while Wet Food is 92g/day
• 55 grams of dry food = 1.94 ounces per day? Is this correct?
• 92 grams of wet food = 3.25 ounces per day? Is this correct?
• Used this calculator.

Madame Math:

• Weight is around 18 lbs.
• I am looking to feed 25% wet and 75% dry food.
• Dry Food is 4346 kcal/kg (Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach)
• Wet Food is around 834 kcal/kg (Royal Canin Aging Wet Cat Food)
• Activity maybe considered “inactive”
• Calculated Results = Dry Food is 56g/day while Wet Food is 97g/day
• 56 grams of dry food = 1.98 ounces per day? Is this correct?
• 97 grams of wet food =3.42 (possibly round up to 3.5) ounces per day? Is this correct?
• Used this calculator.

Also, I love add-ons and I hope to rotate between some of the options I'll list below. Please, let me know if there's anything I missed in my research, and if the product(s) seem unsafe in anyway.

Add-ons for Meals:

• Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Meal Toppers (Digestive Health/Skin and Coat Health/Alaskan Pollock Recipe)
• Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Omega and Salmon Oil
• Zesty Paws Calming Cat Mouse (for Booger only)

Thank you for any and all help you can give! I'm looking for advice, tips, opinions, etc. (all with resources please). I always want what's best for the furbabies in my life!

Booger is an utterly fantastic name for a kitty.

We named our kitty Iggy, as in Iggy Pop. She is a little menace, but oh so lovable!

 

Mega Update (8/17/25):

Spoiler: ⇩ Post ⇩

I am still very much working with finding out what my cats like, but I've done so much research in regards to what they can/can't eat. I'm so excited to find something that really works for them. I have found varying opinions on whether or not cats can have dry food; I think we're just going to finish the bag of kibble off and not buy anymore. The cats aren't crazy about the wet food, but I've also realized that I've been leaving out too much food each time, so obviously they won't eat all of it. Anyway, I do have questions about somethings I've read online, so I'll post them below and ask your opinions!

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“The ‘senior’ or ‘geriatric’ life-stage does not have AAFCO standardized diet requirements, though many commercial diets labeled for this life stage can be beneficial for older cats. If you have a senior cat, it’s always best to discuss their diet with your veterinarian. Many older cats have underlying health issues such as chronic kidney disease. It’s essential to ensure they have regular examinations and bloodwork from as early as seven years of age to detect any problems as early as possible.” (https://anicira.org/resources/choosing-a-good-cat-food/)

My question: Does this mean, for example, a can of Hill's Science Diet wet food for an elderly/senior cat will NOT have the AAFCO stamp of approval? Or will it have the AAFCO stamp of approval, because the brand as a whole has standardized diet requirements?

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"A few examples of popular cat food toppers include:

• Fish oil: Contains essential omega-3 fatty acids with the potential to reduce chronic inflammation (and the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis) while promoting healthy skin and optimal coat health.
• Bone broth: An excellent and appetizing defense against dehydration — especially when warmed up to enhance its appetizing aroma.
• Pumpkin puree: Can help regulate digestion, ease the transition to new foods, and alleviate digestive concerns, such as constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Goat’s milk: packed with natural probiotics, goat’s milk is great for cats with sensitive tummies.” (Healthy and Appealing Cat Food Toppers)

My question(s): I use fish-oil, because I've found that fish is not the best for cats overall. Is this alright? Do I need to add anything else to supplement the fact we don't feed them fish that often? Also, is goat's milk an actual good choice to add? It seems fun and could be helpful (I want my cats to have probiotics while I'm swapping their diet around).

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​

"Freeze-drying is a technique in which a food is frozen and put in a vacuum so that the water content of will sublimate (go from ice to vapor). The food product is then sealed in air-tight packaging. This removes all moisture from the food, making it more shelf-stable at room temperature for longer periods of time than non-freeze-dried foods.

Freeze-dried cat food is a raw food product, meaning that is has not been cooked or pasteurized with heat. It may be sold on its own as a meal or a treat, or it may be used to coat kibble or mixed with kibble." (Is Freeze-Dried Cat Food Better?)

My question: I understand freeze-dried food is NOT cooked, has not been introduced to heat or pasteurized. There could be bad bacteria. Is there anyway I could bake these foods/treats in the oven to kill off any bad bacteria? I also assume this would destroy some nutrients, but would it be better overall to cook it anyway, just to ensure it is safe?

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Below is NOT a question of mine, but just some of the information I've compiled about feeding fish to your cat. Especially, human level fish food (a can of tuna, without anything added for cats).

“The Nutritional Benefits of Fish for Cats

Fish is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for your cat's health. Protein helps build and repair tissues, supports the immune system, and maintains healthy skin and fur. Fish is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits for cats.

Omega-3s can help reduce inflammation, promote healthy brain function, and support heart health. Additionally, omega-3s can help keep your cat's coat shiny and healthy. Adding fish to their diet can be especially beneficial for cats with skin allergies or other skin conditions.

The Risks of Feeding Your Cat, Fish Everyday

While fish can be a nutritious addition to your cat's diet, there are also some potential risks. One issue is the presence of heavy metals like mercury and lead, which can accumulate in fish over time. These metals can be toxic to cats if consumed in large amounts, so choosing fish that are low in these contaminants is important.

Another concern is the thiamine deficiency that can occur if cats are fed raw fish exclusively. Thiamine is an essential B vitamin that cats need to maintain good health, and a lack of it can lead to neurological problems, seizures, and even death. Therefore, feeding your cat cooked fish or a balanced commercial diet that includes thiamine is essential.

In addition, feeding your cat fish daily can lead to an imbalance of nutrients in their diet. Fish is not a complete source of cat nutrition and needs some important vitamins and minerals to thrive. Therefore, offering fish as an occasional treat rather than a staple food in your cat's diet is best.

Choosing the Right Fish for Your Cat

If you decide to feed your cat fish, choosing the right type of fish is important. Some types of fish are higher in mercury and other contaminants than others, so choosing low-mercury fish is essential. Good options for cats include: Wild-caught salmon, Trout, Herring, Sardines, Catfish.” (Can Cats Eat Fish Everyday?)

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That's kind of all I have for now, I thought I'd have more questions by now but I feel like I'm sort of figuring it out? Anyway, thanks again for all the help and advice! I'm trying to stay away from other forum-based opinions (off Cat Forum, I mean), as well as opinions from companies trying to sell cat food. A lot of my resources are vetted, but may still not be perfect - please, let me know if a resource I've chosen isn't reputable!

 

ANOTHER UPDATE (8/24/25):

Spoiler: ⇩ Post ⇩ Hi again, my questions in the very last post still stand. I've done a ton more research, and have compiled a long list of the foods my cats have tried and whether or not they liked it. Here is the masterlist - please, let me know your opinions on any and all cat food brands! I am very much interested in finding more things for them to try, as I work on my cats' dry food addiction. Also, I am curious if I am feeding them enough? I try to give them around 3 oz of wet food per day, with treats, supplements, and meal toppers added, but sparingly. Their wet food is split into two daily meals, one in the morning and the other in the evening. This is alongside 1/2 cup of dry food, which my two cats share throughout the day. I feed my cats fish 1 meal per week. Could I add a bit more fish to their diet, or should I avoid it? Finally, can anyone recommend a really good senior cat food to try? I've tried Royal Canin, Tiki Cat, Weruva, Purina Pro Plan, and others. For my senior cat, she's not as picky as the other one, but I've noticed she enjoys a lot of variety with her wet food. I'd love to stick with one highly recommended brand that she enjoys, and just swap out the flavors. Thanks in advance!

 

Tiki Cat and Weruva are great quality cat foods and I'm so happy to hear your cats like them. I wish my cats would eat those. Nulo is great too. If your cats like variety, that is great. Sadly, Tiki Cat was recently acquired by Blue Buffalo. I hope they don't ruin the formula.

You are feeding way too much dry food. If I were you, I would decrease or eliminate the dry food and feed two 3 oz cans wet food per cat per day.

Once a week for fish is enough. I would not feed them more than that as the fish used in cat food is usually of very low quality - full of antibiotics and high in heavy metals.

IMO, life stage cat foods like senior, kitten, etc., are a gimmick. Look at the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and calorie content and usually the only difference is they are more or less calorie dense. As long as you are feeding a good quality wet food, I would not bother with a specific "senior food".

 

Question (9/3/25):

Spoiler: ⇩ Post ⇩

Hi again, I have been continuing my research, and have come up with more questions, especially in regards to the above post.

From above, "You are feeding way to much dry food. If I were you, I would decrease or eliminate dry food and feed two 3 oz can wet food per cat per day."

According to Purina Institute, Booger (for example) will need around 286 calories per day. Of course, this is just one calculator. According to the Merck Vet. Manual's Calorie Counter, Booger needs 311 calories per day*. And, according to VetCalculator, Booger needs around 310 calories (MER) per day. Now, with some quick math, I don't think it would be good or healthy for either of my cats to only feed only two 3 oz cans per day. If a can is around 73 calories, I'd need to feed at least four to get around 300 calories. Which is fine for me, but I want to double check - as I lower their dry food, and increase their wet food, I'm gonna need a lot more wet food, right?

*The Merck calculator also was able to calculate how much to feed Booger per day; based on this 3 oz can of wet food, I should be feeding him 4.5 cans per day in order to meet his calorie needs.

 

286 calories sounds like way too much for Booger. That may work for Madame as she is a large Maine coon cat. Will they even eat 3 cans a day? Note that their ribs should be palpable but not visible. Granted the "visible" part may be difficult to gauge with a Maine coon aa their fur is usually long.

 

Vet Visit UPDATE (9/3/25):

Spoiler: ⇩ Post ⇩

Just came back from the vet! Here's my post all about it

Thank you for responding so soon, Catty Did! Our vet did some math with us, and for him to lose weight right now, he should be eating around 250 calories per day. He is a 14-15 pound cat, who lives indoors and is neutered. And, for most of his life, has been eating only dry cat food. So he's a beefy boy! The vet wants him to lose 1 kg, and the calorie count she recommended was calculated based on losing some weight. Otherwise, if he were to maintain his current weight, I would be feeding around 300 calories per day.

The calorie counters say Madame would eat more, and our vet agrees. I will be going by the Merck Veterinary Manual's Calorie Counter, which our vet says is reputable! On a personal note, I really do trust our vet. Though this is her first time examining Booger, I've brought four rats there over the course of three years, and she's been wonderful throughout!

Anyway, I guess, in the end, you and I are both correct! Booger should receive around 2.7 (3 oz) cans of wet food per day, and you said two, so you're correct there. I was feeding him too much food, especially dry food. On the other hand, Madame needs more food in general, to the amount I was trying to feed originally, as she is larger, a different breed, and is not trying to lose weight. I guess where I am struggling is how do I feed two cats separately? I don't want to cause either cat to have any issues with food, and I fear shooing them away from each other's dishes will just cause stress.

Here's a picture of Booger from the vet today. He's a bit thick of a boy, but he's just built big, he's not overly fat.

 

Booger looks exactly like one of my kitties! Hard to tell from that pic if he's overweight.

I feed my two cats in different rooms. Granted they are not isolated from each other and are both nibblers. Neither one encroaches on the other while they are eating, though later on they do eat out of each others dishes. But it is still adviseable to feed cats asparately as feeding right next to each other can be stressful - note, in nature, they hunt and eat alone even if they live together in colonies.

It's really difficult for cats to become overweight on a canned only diet as it has moisture which fills them up. Generally, if a cat overeats canned food, they will vomit (scarf and barf). I would listen to your vet about calorie count as it can be dangerous for a cat to lose weight too fast. A general guideline is if a cat needs to lose weight, they need to get at least 15 calories per pound of ideal weight. That means if his ideal weight is 12 lbs, he needs to get at least 180 calories per day.

 

Hi all! I've continued to switch my cat's diet to be primarily wet food, from an all-dry food diet. Since I've started, their diet has been almost all swapped around, and they both share around 1/4 cup of dry food per day, with a wet food meal twice a day.

Their morning meal is the lighter of the two meals. This, for example, has two types of wet cat food, one type of wet meal topper, two dental treats, one pork liver treat, and a sprinkling of dry/crushed topper.

Their evening meal is the "heavier" of their meals. This has a similar base of two types of wet cat food and one type of wet meal topper, but I added a freeze-dried cat treat as a topper, as well as a sprinkling of dry/crushed topper.​

I recently started reading about raw diets and treats, and I'm very interested. My past cat, Bumbles, was an indoor/outdoor cat and had access to hunting his own prey. I understand the benefits of organs and bones in the cat's diet, so I'm trying to include more raw meals and treats. Feel free to give me advice about brands, too! I completely understand how some might feel it's not a good idea to feed a raw diet, and feel free to let me know your thoughts, but please understand - I am only doing what I think is good or healthy for my cats. Thank you for being here 💕

 

In the age of bird flu, I would not feed a cat a raw diet. My vet cautions of this.