Cat-Care - The one-sentence answer
- Feed complete-and-balanced cat food as the default; add only cat-safe extras in tiny amounts, and strictly avoid the well-known toxic or risky human foods below.
- Core principles
- Default to completeness: commercial “complete and balanced” cat food covers daily needs.
- Cats ≠ small humans: some human-safe foods are toxic to cats; when unsure, skip it.
- Tiny tastes only: safe extras should be plain, unseasoned, and under 10% of daily calories.
- Hydration first: wet food and fresh water beat broth or milk; many broths contain onion/garlic.
- Safety over novelty: if a new food causes GI upset or behavior change, stop and monitor.
- 14-day starter checklist
- Days 1–2: Set the food zone. Quiet corner, non-slip bowls, and a separate water station (not beside litter). Keep trash sealed and countertops clear to prevent scavenging.
- Days 1–3: Choose a complete cat food (wet or dry, or a mix). Read the label for “complete and balanced.” Avoid products with onion/garlic powders or vague “broth” if not cat-specific.
- Days 1–4: Establish play–hunt–eat–sleep. Short wand play before meals reduces gulping and night zoomies. Schedule 2–3 meals for adults; 3–4 smaller meals for kittens.
- Days 1–14: Keep a simple log. Note food offered vs. eaten, stool quality, any vomiting, and energy. Weigh weekly at the same time; feel ribs with light pressure (not buried).
- Days 3–5: Introduce water variety. Offer a wide bowl or a fountain; place extra water spots away from food. Skip flavored waters unless cat-specific and onion/garlic-free.
- Days 4–7: Learn the do-not-feed list (below). Post it on the fridge; share with family/roommates. Include plants—move lilies and other toxic plants out of the home.
- Days 5–10: Safe treats trial. Test one at a time in pea-sized portions: plain cooked chicken/turkey, plain cooked egg (fully cooked), a bit of canned tuna in water (not daily), or commercial cat treats.
- Days 6–10: Kitchen risk-proofing. Secure pan handles, cool hot foods before leaving unattended, store chocolate, coffee, alcohol, xylitol gum/candy, and yeast dough out of reach.
- Days 7–12: Gradual diet transition if needed (75/25 → 50/50 → 25/75 over 7–10 days). Pause if loose stools or vomiting occur; hold the current mix for 48 hours.
- Days 8–14: Vet onboarding. Confirm weight goals, discuss any supplements (usually unnecessary with complete diets), and review household hazards. Ask about a parasite plan if offering raw foods (many vets advise against raw for safety).
- Day 10–14: Finalize rules. Treats under 10% calories, human food only from the “safe” list, no bones, no seasonings, and never force new foods.
- Common mistakes and corrections
- “A little onion/garlic for flavor is fine” → Wrong; both can cause red blood cell damage. Use plain, unseasoned meats only.
- “Milk is a healthy treat” → Many cats are lactose intolerant; offer water or cat-formulated lactose-free treats.
- “Bones clean teeth” → Cooked bones splinter; raw bones carry risks. Use dental diets or vet-approved chews instead.
- “Grapes/raisins are harmless” → They can cause kidney issues; avoid entirely.
- “All broths are safe” → Many contain onion/garlic; use cat-specific broth or plain water.
- When to contact a veterinarian
- Sudden distress, collapse, or breathing trouble.
- Known ingestion of any toxic food/plant/chemical.
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, or any blood in stool/vomit.
- Refusal to eat for over 24 hours, severe lethargy, or unusual behavior.
- Kittens, seniors, or cats with chronic disease showing any concerning sign.
Safe foods (small amounts, plain, unseasoned)
- Commercial complete cat food (wet/dry), cat treats.
- Plain cooked chicken, turkey, lean beef or pork (no fat trimmings, skin, bones).
- Fully cooked egg (tiny amounts), plain cooked fish like salmon/whitefish or canned tuna in water (occasional).
- Plain pumpkin purée (100% pumpkin), small amounts of plain cooked carrot/green beans/peas if tolerated.
- Plain rice/oatmeal in tiny amounts for upset stomachs—only under guidance.
- Cat-specific lactose-free milk or broth with no onion/garlic; water is best.
Do-not-feed list (toxic or risky)
- Onion, garlic, chives, leeks (any form: raw, cooked, powder, broth, baby food with these).
- Chocolate, cocoa, coffee, tea, energy drinks (caffeine/theobromine).
- Alcohol, unbaked yeast dough (alcohol and bloat risk).
- Grapes and raisins (kidney risk).
- Xylitol (in sugar-free gum/candy/syrups/peanut butter).
- Macadamia nuts; all nuts are choking/fat-pancreas risks.
- Bones (cooked or small raw bones), skewers, toothpicks—splinter/choke hazard.
- High-fat scraps, bacon grease, skin, trimmings (GI upset, pancreatitis risk).
- Salt-heavy, spicy, or seasoned foods; deli meats (nitrates, salt, spices).
- Onions/garlic-laced broths, soups, sauce bases; many “human” broths.
- Dairy for many cats (lactose intolerance; individual tolerance varies).
- Raw fish (thiaminase/parasites) and high-mercury fish as staples.
- Raw diets without strict hygiene and vet guidance (pathogen risk to pets and people).
- Medicinal herbs, essential oils, cannabis/edibles; any human medications.
- Lily plants (all parts, water in vase), poinsettia/mistletoe/philodendron, aloe; avoid toxic houseplants.
- Disclaimer
- Educational only, not medical advice; if exposure or illness is suspected, seek veterinary care immediately.