Cat-Care - The short answer
- Both wet and dry can be healthy. Prioritize complete-and-balanced formulas, steady routines, and hydration. Mixed feeding often gives the best of both worlds—moisture from wet, convenience and dental benefit from dry—if portioned correctly.
- Core principles
- Complete and balanced first: check labels meet AAFCO/FEDIAF life-stage standards.
- Hydration matters: wet boosts moisture; dry needs extra water access.
- Routine over novelty: consistent timing and portions stabilize digestion.
- Change slow, measure fast: switch over 10–14 days while tracking stool and appetite.
- Vet partnership: tailor to age, weight, dental, urinary, and medical needs.
- 14-day beginner action checklist
- Days 1–2: Inventory and goals. Confirm current food is “complete & balanced” for your cat’s life stage (kitten, adult, senior). Define goals: weight control, hairball help, urinary support, budget, convenience. Set feeding schedule: 2–3 meals/day for adults; more for kittens.
- Days 3–4: Portion baselines. Calculate daily calories from packaging feeding guides as a starting point (they’re estimates). Split the allotment across meals. Prepare a simple log: meal size, type (wet/dry), water intake, stool quality (firm/soft), and appetite.
- Days 5–6: Introduce mixed feeding. Aim for a starter ratio like 50/50 by calories (not grams). Example: half of daily calories from wet, half from dry. Keep water bowls/fountain fresh; wet food adds moisture but doesn’t replace drinking water.
- Days 7–8: Gradual switch method. If changing brands or protein, blend slowly in the same bowl: 75% old / 25% new → 50/50 → 25/75 → 100% new over 10–14 days. Advance only if stool stays normal and appetite is good.
- Days 9–10: Texture and bowl tweaks. Serve wet slightly warmed (body temp) to boost aroma; stir with a spoon of warm water if needed. Use wide, shallow bowls to avoid whisker stress. Store opened cans covered in the fridge; use within 48–72 hours.
- Days 11–12: Fine-tune ratio. Adjust wet:dry based on goals:
- Hydration/urinary focus: 70–100% wet.
- Weight control/satiety: more wet (volume for fewer calories) or measured dry with puzzle feeders.
- Grazing convenience: timed access to measured dry; keep wet to mealtimes.
- Days 13–14: Review and lock routine. Weigh your cat (carrier method) and compare to day 1. If weight up/down >2% in two weeks, adjust calories by 5–10% and recheck weekly. Book a vet chat if chronic issues (vomiting, soft stool, hairballs) persist.
- Ongoing: Keep treats under 10% of daily calories. Rotate proteins/brands cautiously every few months if your cat tolerates variety; stick to one change at a time.
- Common mistakes and fixes
- “Dry cleans teeth” → Kibble alone doesn’t replace dental care; consider dental diets, chews, and brushing.
- “Wet makes cats gain weight” → It’s about calories; wet often has fewer calories per gram and improves satiety.
- “Switch fast to what they like” → Rapid changes cause GI upset; transition over 10–14 days with logs.
- “Free‑pouring dry is fine” → Measuring cups or a scale prevent silent overfeeding.
- “One formula fits all” → Age, activity, urinary history, and dental status change the ideal mix.
- When to contact a veterinarian
- Refusal to eat >24 hours, repeated vomiting/diarrhea >24 hours, or sudden lethargy.
- Rapid weight loss or gain, bloated abdomen, painful belly, or blood in stool.
- Kittens, seniors, or cats with chronic disease showing any feeding intolerance.
- Signs of dehydration: tacky gums, low appetite, reduced urination, or straining.
- Disclaimer
- Educational only, not medical advice; if unsure, contact your veterinarian promptly.