Cat Nutrition: Complete Guide by Age
Cat Nutrition: Complete Guide by Age
Cats are strict carnivores. Unlike dogs, who are omnivores, cats have very specific nutritional needs that can only be met with a diet rich in animal proteins. However, the cat food aisle can feel like a maze of brands, formulations, and marketing promises. How do you navigate it?
Here’s a complete guide to properly feed your cat at every stage of their life.
The Fundamental Nutritional Needs of Cats
Before diving into brands or types of food, it’s important to understand what cats need physiologically.
Animal Proteins: The Absolute Base
Cats need at least 30 to 40% protein in their diet, and this protein must come from animal sources. Their bodies can’t synthesize certain essential amino acids from plant sources, particularly taurine. A deficiency in taurine can lead to serious heart issues (dilated cardiomyopathy) and blindness.
Fats
Fats provide energy and essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). A fat content of 10 to 20% is recommended. Arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that cats can’t synthesize themselves, must come from animal fats.
Water
Cats naturally drink very little. In the wild, they get most of their hydration from their prey (70-80% water). A cat fed exclusively on kibble risks chronic dehydration, which can lead to urinary (stones, cystitis) and kidney problems.
That’s why wet food (canned food, fresh pouches) is particularly important for cats.
Carbohydrates
Cats have no physiological need for carbohydrates. Their metabolism is designed to derive energy from proteins and fats. Kibble inevitably contains carbohydrates (starch) for manufacturing reasons, but the level should be kept as low as possible (ideally under 25%).
Feeding Kittens (0 to 12 Months)
From Birth to 4 Weeks
Kittens are exclusively fed on their mother’s milk. If the mother is absent or unable to nurse, use a specific kitten milk replacer (never cow’s milk, which can cause severe diarrhea). Brands like Royal Canin Babycat Milk or Gimpet Cat Milk are available in Switzerland.
From 4 to 8 Weeks: Weaning
Weaning starts around 4 weeks. Gradually offer kitten wet food or rehydrated kitten kibble with a bit of warm water. The texture should be soft so the kitten can eat easily.
- 4-5 weeks: Kibble porridge + milk replacer
- 5-6 weeks: Kitten wet food
- 6-8 weeks: Gradually drier kitten kibble
From 2 to 12 Months
Kittens have very high caloric and protein needs to support their rapid growth.
- Type of food: Premium kitten kibble + kitten wet food (ideal mixed diet)
- Number of meals: 3 to 4 meals a day until 6 months, then 2 to 3 meals
- Quantity: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and adjust based on weight and activity
- Transition: If you’re changing brands, do a gradual transition over 7 days
A kitten eats proportionally 2 to 3 times more than an adult cat. Don’t restrict them; they usually know how to self-regulate (unlike dogs).
Feeding Adult Cats (1 to 7 Years)
Choosing the Type of Food
Kibble
Advantages: Convenient, long shelf life, slightly promotes dental hygiene, affordable.
Disadvantages: Low in water (8-10%), often high in carbohydrates, quality varies widely between brands.
How to choose: The first source of protein should be a specific meat or fish (not "animal by-products"). The protein level should exceed 35%, and carbohydrates should not exceed 25%. In Switzerland, brands like Orijen, Acana, Applaws, or veterinary ranges offer good results.
Wet Food (Canned Food)
Advantages: High in water (75-80%), better for kidneys and urinary tract, highly palatable, closer to a cat's natural diet.
Disadvantages: Short shelf life once opened, higher price, less dental hygiene.
Our recommendation: A mixed diet (kibble + wet food) is the best compromise. For example, free-feeding kibble during the day and a portion of wet food in the morning and evening.
BARF (Raw Feeding)
BARF involves feeding your cat raw meat, offal, and supplements. It’s the diet closest to their natural feeding habits.
Advantages: Quality ingredients, good hydration, often better coat condition, less smelly stools.
Risks: Bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalance if the ration is poorly calculated. A cat needs taurine, preformed vitamin A, and arachidonic acid, which must be provided through offal and supplements.
Tip: If you want to switch to BARF, consult a veterinary nutritionist to establish the rations. In Switzerland, companies like Anifit or MjAMjAM also offer ready-to-use BARF menus.
Daily Quantity
For a 4 kg adult cat, you can expect:
- 50 to 60 g of kibble per day (if feeding only dry food)
- 200 to 250 g of wet food per day (if feeding only wet food)
- 30 g of kibble + 100-150 g of wet food (mixed diet)
Adjust based on your cat’s weight, activity, and metabolism. A neutered cat needs 20 to 30% fewer calories than an intact cat.
Water: A Crucial Issue
Make sure your cat always has fresh water available. Many cats prefer running water: a water fountain is a great investment (30 to 80 CHF in Switzerland). Place the water away from the food bowl and litter box.
If your cat drinks very little despite your efforts, increase the proportion of wet food in their diet. It’s the best way to keep them hydrated.
Feeding Senior Cats (7 Years and Older)
Starting at 7 years, a cat’s metabolism slows down, and some organs may start showing signs of wear.
Adapting the Diet
- Proteins: Maintain a high level (> 35%) to preserve muscle mass, unless there’s advanced kidney failure (in which case, your vet will prescribe an appropriate diet)
- Phosphorus: Reduce phosphorus to protect the kidneys. Quality "senior" foods are formulated with this in mind.
- Fats: Slightly reduce if your cat is gaining weight.
- Fiber: Slightly increase to promote intestinal transit.
- Antioxidants: Vitamin E, selenium, omega-3 to support the immune system.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Weight loss despite a normal appetite (hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, diabetes)
- Excessive thirst (kidney failure, diabetes)
- Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
- Frequent vomiting after meals
These signs warrant a quick veterinary consultation. Also, check out our article on the 12 signs your cat is sick so you don’t miss anything.
Common Feeding Mistakes
1. Giving Cow's Milk
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Cow's milk causes diarrhea. If your cat loves milk, give them special cat milk (lactose-free), available at pet stores.
2. Feeding Only Low-Quality Kibble
Supermarket kibble at 2 CHF/kg is packed with grains, questionable animal by-products, and sugar. In the long run, it promotes obesity, diabetes, and urinary problems.
3. Giving Toxic Foods
Some foods are dangerous for cats: onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, avocado, xylitol, cooked bones. Check out our article on toxic foods (also applicable to cats).
4. Feeding Only at Fixed Times
Cats are natural grazers. They prefer to eat 10 to 15 small meals a day rather than 2 large ones. If your cat doesn’t finish their food all at once, that’s normal. Leave kibble out for free feeding (unless your cat tends to gain weight).
Cat Food Budget in Switzerland
| Type of Food | Monthly Budget (CHF) | |--------------|---------------------| | Entry-level kibble | 20 - 30 | | Premium kibble | 40 - 60 | | Premium wet food | 60 - 100 | | Mixed diet (kibble + wet food) | 50 - 80 | | BARF (homemade) | 80 - 120 | | BARF (ready-made menus) | 100 - 150 |
In Summary
Cat nutrition should be rich in animal proteins, moderate in fats, and low in carbohydrates. Hydration is a major issue: prioritize a mixed diet (kibble + wet food) or, even better, a significant portion of wet food. Adjust the ration based on your cat’s age, weight, and lifestyle. And don’t hesitate to consult a veterinary nutritionist if you have any doubts.
If you have a Maine Coon or a Ragdoll, larger breeds will logically require higher quantities. Always adjust based on your individual cat.
Want to track your cat's diet and weight? Boopsy helps you log meals, track weight curves, and receive personalized reminders. Join the pack and take care of your feline friend.
