Why So Many Cat Food Manufacturers Are Wrong – The Foods You Should Avoid Feeding to Your Cat, and the Best Foods To Help Them Thrive

Many cat food manufacturers would tell you that their cat foods are the best choice for your kitty – and so many are either lying or just plain wrong. Plus, many small treats you might think are acceptable for your cat to occasionally snack on can be dangerous too. It’s essential to be a vigilant and informed pet owner, deciphering labels and understanding ingredients to ensure your cat’s diet is genuinely beneficial. Don’t be swayed solely by marketing claims; prioritize your cat’s well-being by making well-informed nutritional choices.

Dry Cat Food

Cats paws on dry food in a bowl.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Dry cat food is one of the worst offenders – manufacturers will tell you it has everything your cat needs, but it is packed with grains and filler that a cat doesn’t need in their diet. 

Wet Cat Food

cans of cat food
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

Wet cat food is much better than dry food. However, it still often contains additives and unnecessary filler that bulk out the food so that it can be produced cheaply.

Vegetables

3 DIY Homemade Cat Food Recipes That Are Healthy Too FC fruit and veggie pic
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

Cats are carnivorous, so they don’t need a diet containing vegetables. Wild cats have a tiny amount of vegetables in their food, which comes from the stomachs of their prey only, and it isn’t necessary.

Fruits

Fruits and cats
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Fruits aren’t just unnecessary for cats – some of them are toxic. The citric acid found in some fruits can cause diarrhea, while grapes and raisins are highly toxic and can cause kidney failure.

Salads

Most salad items aren’t toxic or harmful to cats
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Most salad items aren’t toxic or harmful to cats. Still, the tiny amount of nutritional benefits they provide aren’t worth them being a part of your cat’s regular diet.

Nuts

Human hands cracking a hazel nut
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Nuts aren’t typically toxic to cats, but they aren’t healthy either – they contain the wrong kinds of fats. Just like in humans, some cats can be allergic to nuts too.

Chocolate and Other Treats

Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

You should avoid sharing your candy bar with your cats – chocolate contains theobromine, an ingredient that humans can metabolize but kitty stomachs can’t, making it a toxin as it builds up.

Milk

Cat sitting near a can of milk outside.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

You know that stereotype about cats lapping up a bowl of milk? Bad idea – at least, cow’s milk is bad. Goat’s milk or kefir is OK, and it’s best that you buy it from a pet food manufacturer, usually at an independent pet store.

Bone Broth

Broth in a white bowl being spooned out.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Bone broth sold pre-made in stores isn’t suitable for cats because of the salt and onion it contains. Bone broth sold in pet stores should be suitable.

Raw Food is Best

Ragdoll Cat Food The Ideal Raw Food Diet Charlie rubbing his mouth on a Fetching Foods Rabbit Bag IMG_5516
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

The best food you can feed a cat is a raw food diet. Wild cats eat a raw diet, so providing one to your kitty is the most natural thing you can do.

Health Benefits of Raw Food

Homemade Raw Cat Food for Ragdoll Cats One Reader's Journey image5
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

The benefits of switching to a raw diet vary but can lead to improved digestion, stronger bones and teeth, reduced urinary and kidney infections, and increased energy levels.

Raw Food Options

Primal FELINE FREEZE-DRIED NUGGETS Small Batch Rabbit Primal feline RAW FROZEN PRONTO Fetching Foods Rabbit IMG_5530
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

Raw food can be purchased fresh or frozen; freeze-dried raw treats are also available. You can use raw food as a whole meal, or there are toppers to add to existing meals.

Switching to Raw Food

Whole Life Pet Daily Supplements for Cats Product Review Addie and Ash eating digestive one
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

Switching to any new cat food takes time as your cat adjusts. Be consistent with meal times, consider adding a natural broth, and play with your cat before feeding time to get them in the ‘hunting’ mood.

Alarming Moments: Cats Caught in Embarrassing and Compromising Situations

Crazy cat look
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Sometimes you’ll catch your kitty in a compromising pose – as these cats prove.

Feline Fiascos: Cats Caught in Embarrassing and Compromising Situations

Does Your Cat Twitch When Being Pet?

Grumpy cat looking at the camera
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome – sometimes called rippling skin syndrome – is a condition that can affect some cats. It gives them extremely sensitive skin, which can cause them distress, particularly if they are petted in that area.
LEARN THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Unfairly Labeled: Cat Lovers Speak Out Against the Harmful Stereotypes and Unjust Treatment of Orange Cats

Orange cat starring intently at the camera
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Orange cats are more likely to be males than females, but are they the airheaded species of the feline world? Many hilarious videos of cat antics can be credited to fuzzy, ginger kitties, but can the urban legends be true? Can their sweet, affectionate, and simple nature be attributed to genes? 

Cat Lovers Speak Out Against the Harmful Stereotypes and Unjust Treatment of Orange Cats

The Hidden Triggers: Identifying Common but Unnoticed Allergens Affecting Your Cat’s Health

Grumply cat with gold eyes
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

If your cat is constantly licking, biting, and itching a lot, it could be a sign they’re suffering from allergies. But you might not realize what they’re allergic to – and it could be something you’d never even considered.

Uncovering Hidden Allergies for Cats

Two Largest Cat Breeds – 17 Pound Cats?!

A Maine Coon cat and kitten
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Maine Coon cats and Ragdoll cats are the two most popular large cat breeds in the world. They both have long, beautiful coats and imposing figures, and they are both outstanding cats, but there are some key differences between these two gorgeous cats. 

18 Differences in Ragdoll Cats Vs Maine Coon Cats

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Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,

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