Joybuy Insights

Food for Cats and Kittens: How to Choose Wisely Without Falling for Common Pitfalls

Choosing food for cats and kittens isn’t just about looking at the picture on the packet or being won over by a promise like “rich in chicken”. Age, neutering, ingredients and the actual portion size all play a part in whether a product is right for your pet.

Cat owners often come up against three common pitfalls:

  • Confusing complete food with complementary food: a treat can reward your cat, but it doesn’t replace their meals.
  • Relying on the headline ingredient: a “chicken” recipe may only contain a small proportion of it, though it must still appear in the ingredients list.
  • Forgetting about age and lifestyle: kitten kibble doesn’t meet the same needs as food designed for a neutered adult cat.

Here are the points to check before you fill your basket with kibble, treats or accessories.

The Essential Criteria Before You Buy

1. Check Whether It Says “Complete Food” or “Complementary Food”

A complete food is designed to cover your cat’s daily ration when fed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Cat treats, on the other hand, are complementary foods: they’re for rewarding your pet or adding a little something special, but they can’t replace their main meals.

For treats, remember to check:

  • the maximum recommended amount per day;
  • the age they’re suitable for;
  • their energy content per piece, if stated;
  • whether you need to reduce the usual meal portion slightly.

The Catisfactions Chicken treats, for example, recommend up to 12 treats per day for an adult cat. Their ingredients list includes cereals and 4% chicken – far more informative than just the “with chicken” claim on the front of the packet.

2. Match the Recipe to Your Cat’s Age and Profile

A growing kitten doesn’t have the same nutritional needs as an adult. Kitten kibble should therefore be chosen according to the weaning stage and the age stated on the packaging. The Purina One Bifensis Kitten Chicken recipe is presented as a complete food for kittens from weaning up to 12 months, as well as for pregnant or nursing queens. It contains 17% chicken and has 41% crude protein and 20% fat in its analytical constituents.

For a neutered adult cat, the portion size and energy density need particular attention. WHISKAS Croq Chicken dry cat food for neutered cats is aimed at adult cats aged at least 1 year. The product page recommends between 30 and 75 g per day depending on the cat’s weight, with a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days.

If your cat is overweight, has digestive issues or any specific health problem, these guidelines are no substitute for veterinary advice.

3. Check Storage and Pack Size

Dry cat food is convenient for everyday use, but it needs to be stored in a cool, dry place, away from air and moisture. After opening, some manufacturers recommend using the product within four weeks to preserve its taste and texture.

A small bag is ideal for trying out a recipe or for a cat that doesn’t eat much. A larger size can reduce how often you need to reorder, provided the contents are used up before they lose their freshness. For treats, resealable pouches and pre-portioned packs make storage easier while limiting exposure to air.

Selection by Your Shopping Profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a Budget
CATISFACTIONS Chicken Treats For Cats And Kittens - 60g

CATISFACTIONS Chicken Treats For Cats And Kittens - 60g

Why this choice suits this profile: At 60 g, this small size lets you try a reward without ending up with a stockpile you don’t need – especially handy when your cat’s tastes are still unknown.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page clearly states it’s a complementary food for adult cats and gives a maximum daily amount.

Main advantage and key features

60 g size, crunchy texture with a soft centre, and 28% crude protein according to the product page.

Recommended for: Premium Enthusiasts
Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg.

Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg.

Why this choice suits this profile: Its 1.5 kg bag is ideal for households looking for a recipe specifically formulated for kittens, in a more generous pack size.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its name clearly states it’s a cod recipe for kittens, not a generic adult cat product.

Main advantage and key features

1.5 kg bag and a recipe from the N&D Ocean range designed for kittens.

Recommended for: Specific Uses and Heavy Users
PAWZ Road Interactive Cat Toy with Rocket Shape Scratching Post

PAWZ Road Interactive Cat Toy with Rocket Shape Scratching Post

Why this choice suits this profile: This piece of furniture combines play and scratching – a great combination for indoor cats that need several activities within paw’s reach.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its wooden base and scratching post create a proper dedicated space, rather than just a toy sitting on the floor.

Main advantage and key features

Stated dimensions of 40 × 30 × 63 cm, natural sisal, ball track and feather toy.

Recommended for: Households with a Neutered Adult Cat
WHISKAS Croq Chicken Dry Cat Food 1.4kg

WHISKAS Croq Chicken Dry Cat Food 1.4kg

Why this choice suits this profile: This recipe is designed for neutered cats aged at least 1 year and provides feeding guidelines based on weight.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target age and neutered status are clearly stated, with a recommended transition period of 7 to 10 days.

Main advantage and key features

1.4 kg bag, 30% crude protein, 11.5% fat and dual-texture kibble according to the product page.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full selection, updated in real time, of products that meet these exacting criteria as well as European safety standards.

Treats, Toys and Accessories: Checks Not to Miss

The ingredients in salmon cat treats can vary considerably from one recipe to another. The Catisfactions Salmon treats state 4% salmon, with a limit of six pieces per day for kittens and 20 for adults, according to the product page. These bites remain complementary foods, so they need to fit into your cat’s overall dietary balance.

A catnip toy or one containing silver vine should be checked regularly. Remove it as soon as a seam starts to come undone, the stuffing becomes visible, or any part looks like it could come off. This is especially important with a kitten.

A scratching post also needs to be stable, tall enough and placed somewhere your cat actually spends time. The material matters, of course, but location and sturdiness are often the real factors that determine whether it gets used day in, day out.

FAQ on Food for Cats and Kittens

How much kibble should I give a kitten?

Follow the feeding table on the packaging, taking into account the kitten’s age, weight and activity level. The Purina One Kitten recipe recommends, as a guide, 50 to 65 g per day between 6 and 12 weeks, then 65 to 75 g between 12 and 26 weeks. These amounts should be adjusted as your kitten grows and develops.

Can treats replace cat kibble?

No. Treats are complementary foods. They can be used for training or during playtime, but they don’t replace a complete food. Fresh water should also always be available.

How long can I keep an open bag of dry cat food?

Reseal the bag after each use and store it in a cool, dry place. If the label recommends using the product within four weeks, stick to that timeframe. If the smell, texture or appearance changes, it’s best not to give it to your cat.