Your cat sniffs the bowl, takes two bites and walks away. An hour later, she's crying at the kitchen door like she hasn't eaten all day. Sound familiar?

Feeding cats can feel like a puzzle, especially with so many packs promising different things. The good news is that once you know how cats eat, the choices get much simpler. In this guide, we at Zigly Pet Care cover what to feed, wet cat food vs dry cat food, the habits worth building, the mistakes to skip, and when to call the vet.

What Should You Feed Your Cat?

Feed a complete and balanced cat food made for your cat's life stage. That one line solves most feeding worries.

Cats are obligate carnivores. Their bodies are built to run on animal protein, not grains or vegetables. They also need taurine, an amino acid that supports heart and eye health. It comes from meat and is added to good packaged cat food, which is why home-cooked meals and leftovers usually fall short.

Match the food to your cat's age:

• Kittens (up to 12 months): Need extra protein and energy for growth. Pick a kitten formula such as Royal Canin Kitten 36 or Sheba Rich Premium Chicken Loaf for kittens from our Kitten Food range.

• Adult cats (1 to 7 years): Need steady nutrition to stay lean and active.

• Senior cats (7+ years): May need gentler, easier-to-digest food. Your vet can help you choose.

Wet Cat Food vs Dry Cat Food: Which Is Better?

Both can be healthy. Many pet parents we meet at our centres happily use a mix of the two.

Cats naturally don't feel very thirsty. In Indian summers, and in homes running the AC all day, that can leave them short on water. A daily serving of wet cat food is an easy way to add moisture.

Our tip: use dry cat food as the base and add one wet meal a day. Just reduce the dry portion so the calories don't double up.

Cat Feeding Do's

1. Do start with the feeding chart. The pack's chart is based on weight. Use it as a starting point, then fine-tune with your vet based on your cat's body shape and activity.

2. Do feed small, regular meals. Kittens usually do well on three to four meals a day, and most adults on two. Fixed times also help you spot appetite changes early.

3. Do keep fresh water around. Place two or three bowls at home, away from the litter box. Wide, shallow bowls like the Pawpourri Whisker Relief Cat Double Wall Bowl suit cats who dislike their whiskers touching the sides.

4. Do switch food slowly. Mix the new food into the old over 7 to 10 days to avoid tummy upsets.

5. Do make mealtime fun. A slow feeder such as the Petstages Hunt N Snack Mat taps into your cat's hunting instinct and slows down speedy eaters.

6. Do keep treats small. Treats like Applaws lickables are lovely for bonding, but keep them to about 10% of daily calories.

Cat Feeding Don'ts

1. Don't give cow's milk. Most adult cats can't digest lactose well, so milk often leads to loose stools. Kittens who need milk should get a kitten milk replacer like Royal Canin Baby Cat Milk, with your vet's guidance.

2. Don't share risky human foods. Onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, caffeine, alcohol and anything with xylitol are toxic to cats. Keep lilies out of the house too.

3. Don't feed dog food. It isn't made for a cat's protein and taurine needs.

4. Don't try a vegetarian diet. Cats need nutrients that come from animal sources.

5. Don't overfill the bowl. Free-feeding without measuring is a common cause of weight gain, especially in indoor cats.

6. Don't leave wet food out for hours. In the heat, it spoils fast. Clear leftovers within about 30 minutes.

When to Call Your Vet

Call your vet the same day if your cat:

• Hasn't eaten for 24 hours (cats who stop eating can develop serious liver trouble)

• Is vomiting repeatedly or has diarrhoea

• Is suddenly losing or gaining weight, or drinking far more water than usual

Treat it as an emergency if your cat strains in the litter box and passes little or no urine, or has eaten something toxic.

For diet questions, our vets at Zigly Pet Care offer nutrition and lifestyle counselling. See our guide to how often your pet should visit the vet for regular check-ups.

Feed Smarter With Zigly Pet Care

Feeding cats well comes down to a few simple habits: the right cat food for their age, enough moisture, sensible portions and no risky extras. Get these right, and your cat will thank you with a shiny coat and steady energy.

Explore our full range of cat food on zigly.com with home delivery, or visit your nearest Zigly Pet Care centre for a chat with our vets and pet care team. We have 36+ centres across Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Ahmedabad.

FAQs

What to feed cats?

Feed cats a complete and balanced commercial cat food that suits their life stage: kitten, adult or senior. Cats need animal protein and nutrients like taurine to stay healthy. A mix of wet cat food and dry cat food works well for most cats. Always keep fresh water available.

What are the best foods to feed a cat?

The best food is one labelled complete and balanced for your cat's age, with real meat or fish as the main protein. Wet food adds moisture, while dry food is easy to portion and store. Your vet can help you pick the right formula for your cat's health needs.

Can you give cats milk?

It's best not to. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so cow's milk can upset their stomach and cause diarrhoea. Water is all they need to drink. Kittens who can't nurse should get a kitten milk replacer, ideally after speaking to your vet about how to use it.

What is the healthiest food for cats?

There isn't one food that suits every cat. The healthiest choice is a high-protein, complete and balanced cat food matched to your cat's age, weight and health. Many vets suggest including some wet food for hydration. Cats with conditions like urinary or kidney issues may need a vet-prescribed diet.

What are the five cat foods to avoid?

Five foods to keep away from your cat are onion and garlic, chocolate, grapes and raisins, cow's milk, and alcohol or caffeine. Onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, alcohol and caffeine can be toxic, while milk often upsets digestion. If your cat eats something toxic, contact your vet straight away.

What foods improve cat health?

A good-quality, protein-rich cat food is the foundation of good health. Adding wet food supports hydration, which matters for urinary health. Life-stage formulas help kittens grow and seniors stay comfortable. For specific concerns like hairballs or skin, ask your vet about targeted options before switching foods.