Indoor cats have different nutritional needs from outdoor cats and are prone to obesity and urinary tract issues. Proper diet management is essential for long-term companion cat welfare.
Obesity in indoor cats leads to diabetes, joint disease, and reduced lifespan. The common practice of leaving dry food freely available promotes overeating and inadequate hydration. Wet food diets better match feline evolutionary needs, providing protein and water in appropriate proportions. Puzzle feeders that slow eating and stimulate foraging behavior improve both physical and mental welfare. Weight management requires caloric calculation rather than simply restricting food. Many cats receive better nutrition when owners understand that high-quality wet food, even if more expensive, significantly reduces long-term veterinary costs.