UNDERSTANDING YOUR FELINE COMPANION
Lucia Fernandes, Feline Behaviour & Anxiety Specialist (CoE, Oplex Certified)
Cat Nutrition Basics - Complete Guide to What Cats Really Need
Published: November 13, 2025
Author: Lúcia Fernandes, Certified Feline Behavior & Nutrition Specialist
A clear, science-based guide for everyday cat parents
As a certified cat behavior and nutrition specialist, I have seen firsthand just how much nutrition can affect not only the health of your cat but also their stress levels, litter box habits, and emotional well-being.
My aim is to make nutrition simple, science-based, and deeply practical for everyday cat parents.
Nutrition forms the very basis of health, mood, and behavior.
I've seen the same pattern hundreds of times:
When a cat's diet supports its biology,
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Health improves.
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Behavior stabilizes,and the bond with the owner becomes stronger.
This guide delivers the science, the practical steps, and clarity you need to feel confident in feeding your cat, even when faced with an overwhelming pet food world.
Cat Nutrition Essentials - At a Glance
1. Cats Are Obligate Carnivores — What That Really Means
Cats evolved to eat prey that is:
• 70–75% moisture
• High in animal protein
• Rich in essential amino acids: taurine
• Very low in carbohydrates
This is why most diets today create problems nutritionally such as:
• Urinary crystals
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Obesity
• Constipation
• Diabetes
• Stress-related behaviors
COMING SOON Learn how nutrition affects behavior
2. Wet Food: The Closest to Their Natural Diet
Wet food supports:
• Urinary health
• renal function
• Digestion
• Weight management
•Hydration: This is very important.
Best for: Most cats, especially those with urinary concerns, dehydration, constipation, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, or stress.
Compare wet vs dry
3. Dry Food (Kibble): Pros, Risks, and When It's Acceptable
Benefits
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Long shelf life
Disadvantages
• only 10% moisture
• high in carbohydrates often contains fillers, dyes, sugar
• encourages overeating
• linked with dehydration and urinary problems
If you choose to feed kibble:
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Combine it with wet food
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Choose grain-free or high-protein formulas
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Add hydration: water or broth
Grain-Free Benefits:
• more protein
• Fewer allergens
• Less digestive stress
Grain-Free Risks
Some brands replace grains with potato or tapioca and they still high in carbs.
Recommendation:
Always check the ingredient list. Protein should be #1 and preferably animal-based.
4. Grain-Free Kibble
A raw diet can:
• Improve digestion
• Improve coat and skin
• Help with allergies
• Support muscle
• Encourage natural chewing behavior
BUT…
It requires:
• Strict hygiene to avoid cross contamination
• Nutritional balancing
• Veterinary oversight
Not all cats tolerate raw, and not all homes are suitable.
COMING SOON Raw feeding pros & cons
5. Raw Diets: Excellent but Require Professional Balance
Top feline specialists agree
Best daily routine:
• 2–3 wet food meals
• Small portion of high-quality kibble
• Fresh water always available
This supports:
• Calm behavior
• Reduced begging for food
• Better controlled weight
• Predictable routine for the cat. This leads to a better litter box habits
6. Feeding Routines That Keep Cats Healthy and Emotionally Balanced
7. Nutrition & Behavior: The Connection Most Owners Miss
Poor nutrition can trigger:
• Litter box avoidance
• Aggression
• Irritability and Anxiety
• Over-grooming
• Stress behaviors
A biologically appropriate diet stabilizes mood and reduces stress.
COMING SOON Why cats avoid the litter box