Do Cats Live Longer On Wet Food? The Truth!
Contents
- Why Do People Say Cats Live Longer On Wet Food?
- Best Wet Food To Buy For Your Pet Cat
- Tiki Cat Luau Wet Food
- Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Variety Pack
- Weruva Mideast Feast Wet Cat Food
- Crave Grain Free High Protein Wet Cat Food Trays
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food
- What Are The Other Ways To Help Your Cat Live Longer?
- Keep Your Pet Cat Hydrated
- Clean The Litter Box Every Day
- Groom Your Pet Cat Regularly
- Let Your Cat Play
- Watch The Weight Of Your Pet Cat
- Take Your Cat For Regular Checkups
- Final Verdict
- Sources
Many cat owners hear that cats live longer on wet food. It is a common belief, but is it true?
Do cats live longer on wet food? No study has proven that wet food alone makes cats live longer. Wet food does have a real benefit: it is at least 75% water, so it helps cats take in more moisture. A complete and balanced diet, a healthy weight and regular vet care matter most for a long life.
Both wet and dry foods can be complete and balanced. Many owners feed a mix. Below, I cover what wet food does well, some popular wet foods, and other ways to help your cat stay healthy.
Why Do People Say Cats Live Longer On Wet Food?
The idea comes from wet food's high water content. Canned food contains at least 75% moisture, while dry food contains only 6 to 10%, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center.
Cats often don't drink much, so wet food is an easy way to add water to their diet. Your vet may recommend it for cats with certain urinary or kidney problems.
Wet food is usually more palatable but more expensive. Dry food is cheaper and convenient. Neither one "depletes" nutrition; what matters is that the food is complete and balanced for your cat's life stage.
If you have more than one cat, feed them separately so you can see how much each one eats. If your cat suddenly refuses food, it may dislike the brand, but it could also be a sign of dental pain or illness. Call your vet if your cat stops eating.
Best Wet Food To Buy For Your Pet Cat
Here are five popular wet cat foods. Recipes and formulas change, so check the current label, and ask your vet which food suits your cat's age and health.
Tiki Cat Luau Wet Food
Tiki Cat Luau is a grain-free wet food line with several fish and chicken recipes. Check each label for a "complete and balanced" statement before making it your cat's main food.
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Variety Pack
This Blue Buffalo Tastefuls variety pack gives cats several recipes to try in one box. Blue Buffalo markets the line as made without corn, wheat or soy.
Weruva Mideast Feast Wet Cat Food
If your cat likes fish, Weruva Mideast Feast is a fish recipe in gravy that can switch things up. Check the label to confirm the formula is complete and balanced for your cat's life stage.
Crave Grain Free High Protein Wet Cat Food Trays
If you don't like storing leftover wet food in the refrigerator, single-serve trays like these from Crave are an option. Snap the pack in half, peel back the lid, and serve.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food
This chicken-based pate is labeled for mature cats. Ask your vet whether a senior formula is right for your older cat, especially if it has kidney or weight concerns.
What Are The Other Ways To Help Your Cat Live Longer?
Food is only one part of a long, healthy life. Here are other things that help.
Keep Your Pet Cat Hydrated
Cats should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Wash and refill the bowl daily. Some cats drink more from a wide bowl or a water fountain.
Clean The Litter Box Every Day
Scooping daily keeps the box appealing and lets you notice changes in urine or stool right away. If your cat strains or makes frequent trips with little urine, call your vet right away.
Groom Your Pet Cat Regularly
Brushing removes loose hair and helps you spot lumps, skin problems or weight changes early. Show your vet anything new.
Let Your Cat Play
Toys and daily play give indoor cats exercise and an outlet for their hunting instincts. Exercise helps keep weight under control.
Watch The Weight Of Your Pet Cat
Obesity is the most common nutrition-related problem in cats, according to Cornell. It can lead to arthritis and diabetes.
A cat that is too thin is not healthy either. Ask your vet to check your cat's body condition at each visit.
Take Your Cat For Regular Checkups
Yearly vet exams, or more often for senior cats, help catch problems like kidney disease, dental disease and diabetes early.
Final Verdict
Wet food has not been proven to make cats live longer on its own. Its high moisture is a real benefit, and many cats do well on a mix of wet and dry food. Feed a complete and balanced diet, keep your cat at a healthy weight, and see your vet regularly.
Sources
- Feeding Your Cat, Cornell Feline Health Center
