Purina Pro Plan Cat feeding guidance
Guides to feeding cats

What do cats eat?

Cats can be fussy, curious, or wonderfully particular. This guide brings together the essentials: whether cats are carnivores, what kinds of food are commonly fed, and what to keep in mind when choosing meals and treats.

Purina Editorial Team 3 min read UK article
Nutrition guidance for everyday feeding
Cat looking at food

Feeding cats with confidence

Every cat is different. Some will happily eat the same meal every day, while others inspect every bowl as if it were a new invention. The key is to choose a complete, balanced cat food that suits your cat’s age, lifestyle and health needs.

Where possible, keep treats as treats, and use them alongside a full diet rather than instead of one. If you are unsure about the best option for your cat, speaking to a vet is the most reliable next step.

What the article covers

Are cats carnivores?

Cats are obligate carnivores and need nutrients that come from animal protein.

Vegetarian or vegan diets

Home-made vegetarian or vegan diets are not recommended for cats.

Wet food, dry food, and complementary food

Different formats can support different routines, hydration habits and preferences.

What cats like to eat

Odour, taste and texture all matter, and many cats show clear preferences.

“Each cat is unique in their preference, and it’s important to understand what cats like to eat to ensure that they’re getting all the nutrients they need to thrive.”

Common feeding formats

Pro Plan hairball and healthy skin salmon dry cat food
Dry food

Often called kibble

Convenient to portion, with some recipes designed to support oral health.

Pro Plan sterilised turkey in jelly wet cat food
Wet food

Pouches and tins

Commonly served as pâté, chunks in gravy, or jelly; helpful for cats that drink less.

Pro Plan sterilised beef and chicken in gravy wet cat food
Complementary food

Treats and extras

Designed to sit alongside a complete diet, not replace it as a full meal.

Discover the Pro Plan cat range

High quality nutrition developed with Purina vets for lifelong wellbeing. The range includes options for different needs and preferences, from delicate digestion to sterilised maintenance and adult recipes.