Skip to main content

Is wet cat food healthy for your indoor cat?

The wild relatives of the house cat definitely don’t eat dry, processed food. They eat raw meat, and lots of it. So, should your indoor cat consume a similar diet? Is wet cat food better for cats than dry cat food? What are the healthiest kinds of soft food? What essential cat food ingredients must you look for? Get the answers to these questions and more below.

Cat eating from metal bowl on floor
OlyaSolodenko/Getty Images

The importance of water

In nature, wild cats get the majority of their water from the meat they consume, meaning most wild cats drink little to no water. An indoor cat that eats dry food must, therefore, get all of their water from drinking. The average house cat that eats dry food drinks a few ounces of water per day. Wet cat food is a good alternative source of moisture for house cats. Soft cat food is usually about 75% water, while dry food is only 10% water.

Recommended Videos

Moreover, cats fed exclusively dry food have an overall lower water intake than those that eat wet food, even if fresh drinking water is available to them. An adequate amount of moisture in a cat’s diet may decrease the likelihood that they will form crystals in the urinary tract. Another study found that switching cats from dry to wet food decreases the incidence of cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder.

Dry food and dental health

Besides its effects on water retention and the urinary system, dry food may have an impact on a cat’s dental health. Some studies have shown that eating dry food provides a small benefit to dental health, while other studies have not made that connection. The abrasiveness of dry food may help break up plaque. However, some veterinarians believe that the high carbohydrate content and starchy coatings of dry foods may actually facilitate plaque formation. The high carbohydrate content of most dry foods means that cats fed dry food are also more prone to obesity and insulin resistance.

The best way to keep your cat’s teeth clean, though, as recommended by a majority of vets, is to regularly brush their teeth. The occasional tartar control chew or treat is not sufficient to clean your cat’s teeth, nor is a diet of exclusively dry food.

Comparing dry and wet cat food

A benefit of dry food, for the owner at least, is that giving it to your cat is very convenient. Unlike soft foods, dry foods do not harden when left out. Dry food is also sold in large quantities, as opposed to the individual serving containers that wet food is usually packaged in. Open cans of soft food should be refrigerated, but dry food can always be kept at room temperature. Dry food is also generally cheaper per serving than wet food.

Wet cat food is lower in calories per serving than dry cat food. This is why obese cats are sometimes put on a diet of soft food. In the United States, all cat foods must meet certain nutritional requirements, so both types contain all necessary nutrients. Soft food promotes the building of lean body mass, since it is high in protein. Wet cat food almost always has meat as its leading ingredient, unlike some dry foods that are laden with grains. Wild cats and domestic cats alike should primarily eat protein.

Flavor enhancers, artificial colors, fillers, preservatives, and other nutritionally unnecessary additives are more commonly found in dry foods than soft foods. As previously mentioned, soft cat foods keep your cat more hydrated than do dry foods. Note that wet cat food generally costs more than dry food per serving.

You’ve decided to feed your cat wet food — now what?

White cat eating from orange bowl
Olha Solodenko / Shutterstock

Wet cat foods are usually sold in single-serving pouches or cans, and may be sold on the shelf or in a refrigerator or freezer. Your primary concern regarding any commercial cat food should be its leading ingredients. These should be some type of meat. Most often, the meat will be beef, chicken, rabbit, or some kind of fish. However, more options like lamb- and duck-based foods are also available. If your cat has a sensitive digestive system, you may want to opt for foods that are made entirely of one meat as opposed to a mix of meats.

You can also choose to make your own cat food. There are entire cookbooks dedicated to cooking for cats. Some cats may prefer cooked foods, and you should cook most meats to kill any lingering bacteria. Raw chicken is safe for cats to eat, however. When made at home, cat food generally consists of meat, vegetables, and broth. This method allows you to best control exactly what your cat consumes.

Now that you’ve learned about the health benefits of soft cat food, hopefully you’ll want to at least supplement your cat’s diet with it. The flavor options are nearly endless, especially if you cook your own cat food! Make the switch from dry to wet today and see how much your cat enjoys their new diet.

Why do cats stick out their tongues? Surprising reasons explained
Health concerns to harmless changes: Reasons cats stick out their tongues
Side view of a cat sticking out its tongue

If you've ever wondered, "Why do cats stick out their tongues?" you're not alone. Whether you've noticed your cat doing it and wondered whether your cat is sick, or you've simply seen a cute TikTok, try not to worry. Most cats occasionally "blep" or stick their tongues out, and it's rarely a cause for concern. In fact, it's downright adorable! (Search for 'cat bleps' online when you're feeling down; the precious images are the perfect pick-me-up.)
What causes cats to blep? We'll explore a few potential reasons behind this strange yet adorable behavior.
Why do cats stick out their tongues? Here are a few reasons

As odd as this behavior may look, you'll be glad to know that you rarely need to worry about a cat sticking out their tongue.
Your cat is exploring the world with their tongue
One of the most common reasons for an exposed tongue is rather simple: your cat is literally exploring their surroundings. When your cat leaves their mouth open and tongue out, they're collecting pheromones on their tongue -- this is called the Flehmen response. Those pheromones give your cat important information about other cats around, including whether they're in heat, via electrical signals from body to brain. Who knew something so cute could be so helpful, too?
Your cat may show their tongue if they're missing teeth
Sometimes, cats let their tongue hang out a little because they're missing their canine or front teeth. These teeth help keep the tongue within the mouth, so if your cat is missing one or two of these teeth, it's more likely that their tongue will slip out from time to time. No worries!
Your cat is trying to please you with a behavior they think you like
You might even be reinforcing your cat to stick their tongue out without knowing! If you laugh at your cat, give them attention, or give them a treat when they do this behavior, they may quickly learn that sticking out their tongue gets a positive response. You might start to see your cat do this repeatedly, mainly to get a positive reaction from you. Whether that's 'good' or not is up to you to decide.
Your cat may let their tongue fall out of their mouth when they're relaxed
Sometimes, when cats are relaxed, their tongues naturally slip out. This happens because your cat's jaw loosens up as they relax, so their mouth opens up just enough to let the tongue through.

Read more
Why is my cat peeing everywhere? Find out the reason and how to fix it
Helpful tips if your kitty is guilty of this
A black and white cat sprawls out beside a blue litter box with a pile of litter on the floor

Whether you've recently adopted your feline friend or they've been your constant companion for years, inappropriate urination is a problem you want to nip in the bud — sooner rather than later. Inappropriate urination, otherwise referred to as elimination issues, are frustrating for all pet parents. Don't think you're at fault. An estimated 10% of all cats will experience house soiling at some point in their lives.

Sadly, inappropriate litter box use is one of the most common reasons cats are surrendered to animal shelters each year. You've come to the right place if you've been wondering, "Why is my cat peeing everywhere?" We'll share what you need to know about the most common reasons behind these issues, and we'll teach you how you can put an end to your fur baby's toilet troubles once and for all.
Why is my cat peeing everywhere?

Read more
Will cats share a litter box? How to make sure your pets live in harmony
Litter box setups for multi-cat households
Adult, cat teaches a kitten to use the litter box

The decision to bring home a new pet can be spontaneous or a well-thought-out process, but you still may find yourself caught off guard by all the shopping you'll have to do. Are you prepared to buy double the cat food? You might expect to purchase two of everything once your second kitty comes home, but some cat owners wonder, "Will cats share a litter box?"
Navigating the litter situation will take some adjustment from everyone, but your cats will figure out what works best for them. To help them get started, let's learn about different litter box setups for multi-cat households. Whether or not your cats share a litterbox, you can keep your home organized and clean with just a little planning.

Will cats share a litter box?

Read more