Common Cat Feeding Mistakes

Even well-meaning cat owners make feeding mistakes that can impact their cat’s health over time.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

1. Free-feeding dry food: Leads to overeating and obesity, especially in indoor cats
2. Eyeballing portions: Use a scale or measuring cup — even small overfeeding adds up
3. Switching food abruptly: Causes digestive upset. Always transition over 7–10 days
4. Too many treats: Treats should be ≤10% of daily calories
5. Feeding dog food: Lacks taurine and other nutrients cats need
6. Ignoring water intake: Especially with dry-food-only diets
7. Feeding human food: Many common foods are toxic to cats
8. Not adjusting for age: A kitten’s food isn’t right for a senior, and vice versa

Return to our Cat Feeding guide for a complete nutrition overview.

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