What Food Do Cats Eat: Complete Nutrition Guide for Owners

Cats require a meat-based diet as obligate carnivores, needing specific nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A found primarily in animal tissues. Commercial cat foods formulated to meet AAFCO standards provide complete nutrition, while certain human foods like cooked chicken or fish can be occasional supplements. Never feed cats chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, or xylitol-containing products, which are toxic.

Understanding exactly what food do cats eat properly is essential for their health and longevity. As a cat owner, you need reliable information that separates nutritional facts from common myths. This guide delivers science-backed insights about feline dietary requirements, helping you make informed decisions about your cat's nutrition.

The Biological Basis of Cat Nutrition

Cats aren't just small dogs—they're obligate carnivores with unique nutritional requirements that have evolved over millions of years. Unlike omnivores, cats must obtain certain nutrients exclusively from animal tissue because their bodies lack the metabolic pathways to synthesize them.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats require:

• Taurine (essential for heart and eye health)
• Arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid)
• Vitamin A (in its preformed retinol state)
• Niacin (from animal sources)
• Specific amino acids like arginine

Without these nutrients, cats can develop serious health conditions within weeks. This biological imperative shapes everything about what food do cats eat properly.

Commercial Cat Food Options Compared

When selecting commercial products, understanding the differences between options helps you choose what food do cats eat for optimal health. The following comparison highlights key considerations:

Type	Moisture Content	Protein Source Quality	Best For	Considerations
Wet/Canned Food	70-80%	Generally higher meat content	Cats with urinary issues, seniors, picky eaters	Helps with hydration; more expensive per day
Dry Kibble	5-10%	Often contains plant proteins	Active adult cats, dental health	Higher carbohydrate content; watch portion sizes
Freeze-Dried/Raw	2-5%	Premium animal proteins	Cats needing high-protein diets	Requires rehydration; higher risk of bacterial contamination

All complete and balanced commercial cat foods should display an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement indicating they meet nutritional standards. The Cornell Feline Health Center emphasizes that formulated diets provide consistent nutrition that's difficult to achieve with homemade options.

Safe Human Foods for Cats (Limited Options)

While commercial foods should form the foundation of what food do cats eat, certain human foods can serve as occasional supplements:

• Cooked lean meats: Small portions of boiled chicken, turkey, or beef (no seasoning)
• Cooked fish: Occasional salmon or tuna (limit tuna due to mercury)
• Plain pumpkin: Helps with digestion (not pie filling)
• Cooked eggs: Scrambled or boiled without butter or oil

Remember that treats should comprise no more than 10% of your cat's daily calories. The FDA warns that even safe foods become problematic when fed in excess, potentially causing nutritional imbalances.

Timeline of Feline Nutrition Understanding

Our knowledge of what food do cats eat has evolved significantly:

• Pre-1940s: Cats fed table scraps and dairy; taurine deficiency issues unrecognized
• 1970s: Research identifies taurine as essential; commercial foods begin fortification
• 1987: AAFCO establishes first feline nutritional standards
• 2000s: Recognition of carbohydrate sensitivity in cats
• Present: Focus on species-appropriate moisture content and protein quality

This progression shows why current recommendations about what food do cats eat differ significantly from outdated practices. The American Association of Feline Practitioners now emphasizes moisture-rich diets that better mimic cats' natural prey.

Foods That Are Dangerous for Cats

Knowing what not to feed your cat is as important as knowing what food do cats eat safely. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center identifies these common household items as toxic:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures
• Onions/Garlic: Damage red blood cells leading to anemia
• Grapes/Raisins: Cause acute kidney failure
• Xylitol: Found in sugar-free products; causes rapid insulin release
• Alcohol: Even small amounts can be fatal
• Caffeine: Causes cardiac and neurological problems

If your cat ingests any toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Time is critical in poisoning cases.

Special Dietary Considerations

Cat nutrition isn't one-size-fits-all. Different life stages and health conditions require specific approaches to what food do cats eat:

• Kittens: Need higher protein and calorie density; specially formulated kitten food until 1 year
• Senior cats: May require adjusted protein levels and joint-support nutrients
• Overweight cats: Need controlled portions with high protein to preserve muscle mass
• Cats with health issues: Kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary problems require veterinary-prescribed diets

The International Society of Feline Medicine notes that approximately 60% of house cats are overweight, making proper portion control essential. When determining what food do cats eat for weight management, consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations rather than relying on package guidelines.

Practical Feeding Guidelines

Implementing proper feeding practices ensures your cat receives optimal nutrition from what food do cats eat:

• Portion sizes: Most adult cats need 20-30 calories per pound of body weight daily
• Feeding frequency: Adult cats benefit from 2-3 meals daily; kittens need 3-4
• Water access: Always provide fresh water, especially with dry food diets
• Transitioning foods: Mix new food gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset

Monitor your cat's body condition regularly. You should be able to feel but not see ribs, and notice a visible waistline from above. Adjust portions based on activity level and body condition, not just package recommendations.

When Homemade Diets Might Be Appropriate

While commercial foods generally provide the most reliable nutrition, there are limited circumstances when homemade diets under veterinary supervision might be appropriate:

• Severe food allergies unmanageable with commercial options
• Specific medical conditions requiring precise nutrient control
• Temporary dietary restrictions during medical treatment

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association cautions that 86% of homemade cat diet recipes found online are nutritionally incomplete. If considering this approach, work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to formulate a balanced diet.

Common Questions About Cat Nutrition

Understanding what food do cats eat involves addressing frequent concerns cat owners have:

Can cats eat dog food in an emergency?

No, cats cannot eat dog food even temporarily. Dog food lacks essential nutrients cats require like taurine and arachidonic acid. A single meal won't cause immediate harm, but regular consumption leads to serious health issues including heart disease and vision problems.

How much wet food should I feed my cat daily?

Most adult cats need approximately 5.5-6 ounces of wet food daily, divided into two meals. However, this varies based on the cat's weight, age, and activity level. Check the feeding guidelines on your specific product and adjust based on your cat's body condition. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.

Are raw diets safe for cats?

Raw diets carry significant risks including bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli) that can affect both cats and humans. While cats have more acidic stomachs than humans, they can still become ill from pathogens. If considering raw feeding, consult your veterinarian and ensure proper food handling protocols. Commercially prepared raw diets undergo safety testing that home-prepared versions cannot match.

Why do cats need taurine in their diet?

Taurine is an essential amino acid cats cannot produce themselves. It's critical for heart function, vision, and reproductive health. Taurine deficiency causes dilated cardiomyopathy (a fatal heart condition) and retinal degeneration leading to blindness. Commercial cat foods supplement taurine because cooking processes destroy this heat-sensitive nutrient found in raw meat.

Can cats survive on a vegetarian diet?

No, cats cannot thrive on vegetarian or vegan diets. As obligate carnivores, they require nutrients found exclusively in animal tissue. Despite some commercial vegan cat foods available, veterinary nutritionists warn these cannot provide complete nutrition. The American Veterinary Medical Association states there are no nutritionally adequate vegetarian diets for cats, as synthetic nutrient supplementation cannot replicate all necessary components found in meat.