Cat Food Made Simple

This means that the foundation of any good cat diet is high-quality animal protein. Whether you feed wet food, dry food, or a combination, the first ingredient should be a named meat source, not a byproduct or grain filler.

Wet food provides higher moisture content, which is critical for cats. Cats evolved in desert environments and have a naturally low thirst drive. Many cats on dry-food-only diets are chronically mildly dehydrated, which can contribute to urinary and kidney problems over time.

Dry food is convenient, stores well, and can support dental health to a degree. It is also more calorie-dense, which means portions need to be carefully measured.

The ideal approach for most cats is a combination: wet food as the primary meal for hydration and protein quality, with a small amount of dry food for variety.

A general guideline for an average adult indoor cat (4 to 5 kg) is 200 to 250 calories per day. This translates to roughly one standard can of wet food (150-180g) plus a small portion of dry food, or the equivalent in either format.

Adjust based on your cat's body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above.

• Onions and garlic (all forms, including powdered)
• Grapes and raisins
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Raw eggs (risk of salmonella and avidin interfering with biotin absorption)
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters and gums)

Milk is not toxic but most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Despite the popular image, milk causes digestive upset in most cats.

Senior cats (7+ years) may benefit from food with added joint support and easier-to-digest protein sources. Monitor kidney function through regular bloodwork, as kidney disease is common in older cats.

Cats with urinary issues often benefit from increased water intake and sometimes prescription diets that manage mineral content.

Track your cat's eating patterns daily. Not just whether they ate, but how much and how enthusiastically. Omelo's daily check-in captures these observations and flags when patterns change over time.

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