What to Feed Your Cat: Complete Nutrition Guide for Indian Cat Parents

The single biggest mistake cat parents make is feeding their cat like a dog. Cats are obligate carnivores. They need animal protein as the primary ingredient in every meal. They cannot synthesise taurine, arachidonic acid, or vitamin A from plant sources. A diet deficient in taurine causes heart failure and blindness — and it happens slowly enough that you will not notice until it is serious.

Cats evolved in deserts. Their natural prey — mice, birds, lizards — is about 70% water. This means cats have a low thirst drive. They do not drink enough water on their own. - Wet food: Provides hydration, closer to natural prey composition. Reduces risk of urinary crystals and kidney problems. More palatable for picky eaters. - Dry food: Convenient, does not spoil quickly in Indian heat. Better for dental health. But cats on dry-food-only diets are chronically under-hydrated. - Best approach: A mix of wet and dry. Or dry kibble with plenty of water access and water-rich treats.

- Boiled chicken (no bones, no skin): The gold standard protein for cats - Fish (boiled, deboned): Good but should not be the only protein. Raw fish destroys thiamine. - Boiled eggs: Excellent protein. One egg every other day is enough. - Chicken liver: Rich in taurine. Give 2-3 times a week in small amounts. - Rice: Small amounts as a filler, but should never be the main component. - Curd: Small amounts. Many cats are lactose intolerant despite the stereotype.

- Onions and garlic: Even more dangerous to cats than dogs. Destroys red blood cells. - Raw fish: Contains thiaminase which breaks down vitamin B1. Can cause neurological problems. - Milk: Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Causes diarrhea, not nutrition. - Grapes and raisins: Kidney toxicity. - Lilies: Not food, but cats chew on them. Every part of a lily is fatally toxic to cats.

- Kittens (under 1 year): 3-4 small meals daily. Growing kittens need roughly 200-300 calories per day. - Adults: 2 meals daily. An average 4 kg cat needs about 200-250 calories per day. - Indoor cats: Need fewer calories than outdoor cats. Indoor cats in Indian apartments are especially prone to obesity. - Pregnant or nursing cats: Need 1.5 to 2 times normal calories.

- Dull, flaky coat: Usually indicates a fat or protein deficiency - Chronic vomiting after meals: Could be food intolerance, eating too fast, or poor quality food - Constipation or very hard stools: Not enough fibre or hydration - Excessive weight gain: Too many calories, too little activity - Urinary problems (straining, blood in urine): Often linked to low water intake and mineral-heavy dry food

In Indian summers, dehydration is a real risk for cats. Signs include dry gums, skin that does not bounce back when pinched, and lethargy. Place multiple water bowls around the house. Some cats prefer running water — a small fountain helps. Add water to dry food. Offer ice cubes to play with.

"My cat only eats Whiskas, is that enough?" — Whiskas is adequate but not premium. If budget allows, supplement with fresh boiled chicken. "Can cats eat rice and dal?" — Rice is fine as a small portion. Dal is not ideal — cats do not digest legumes well. "My cat is not drinking water" — This is extremely common and dangerous. Switch to wet food, add water to kibble, and try a water fountain.

Every cat is different. What works for a Persian will not work for an Indie cat. Log what you feed, how much, and watch for changes in coat quality, energy, stool, and weight. Omelo lets you track meals and symptoms together, so when something changes, you can see exactly what shifted.