Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about cat food recommendations, nutrition, and our platform.
Getting Started
❓How does the cat food recommendation engine work?
Our recommendation engine analyzes your cat's breed, age, weight, lifestyle, and health conditions to match them with the best cat food options. We use expert nutritional guidelines and ingredient analysis to provide personalized recommendations based on your cat's unique needs.
Do I need to create an account to get recommendations?
No, you don't need to create an account. Our recommendation tool is free to use and doesn't require any registration. Simply fill out the form with your cat's information to get personalized recommendations.
Is the recommendation tool free?
Yes, our cat food recommendation tool is completely free to use. We believe in making quality nutritional information accessible to all cat parents.
Recommendations
❓How accurate are the recommendations?
Our recommendations are based on current veterinary nutrition research, ingredient analysis, and established nutritional guidelines. However, every cat is unique, and we always recommend consulting with your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes, especially if your cat has health conditions.
Why are some products linked to Chewy?
We partner with Chewy to provide direct purchase links for recommended products. This helps you easily find and purchase the food we recommend. We clearly disclose any affiliate relationships and maintain editorial independence in our recommendations.
Can I get recommendations for multiple cats?
Yes! You can use our recommendation tool multiple times for different cats. Each cat may have different nutritional needs based on their age, breed, lifestyle, and health status.
What if my cat has special dietary needs?
Our recommendation engine takes into account health conditions, special needs, and dietary restrictions. Be sure to fill out all relevant health information in the form. For serious health conditions, we always recommend consulting with your veterinarian.
Nutrition & Ingredients
❓What makes a good cat food?
A good cat food should be high in quality animal protein (cats are obligate carnivores), have appropriate fat content, limited carbohydrates, and be free from artificial additives. The specific needs vary based on your cat's age, lifestyle, and health status.
Should I feed dry or wet food?
Both can be part of a healthy diet. Wet food provides more moisture (important for cats who don't drink much water) and is often higher in protein. Dry food is convenient and can help with dental health. Many veterinarians recommend a combination of both. Our recommendations will suggest the best option based on your cat's needs.
What ingredients should I avoid?
Generally, you should avoid foods with excessive fillers (corn, wheat, soy), artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), and artificial colors. However, the best approach is to focus on what your cat needs rather than just avoiding certain ingredients. Our recommendations help you understand ingredient quality.
How do I read cat food labels?
Cat food labels can be confusing. Key things to look for: the guaranteed analysis (protein, fat, fiber percentages), the ingredient list (ingredients are listed by weight), and the AAFCO statement (which indicates if the food meets nutritional standards). Our recommendations explain why specific foods are recommended for your cat.
Health & Weight
❓How do I help my cat lose weight?
Weight management requires a combination of appropriate nutrition and portion control. Our recommendation engine can suggest foods that are lower in calories and higher in protein to help with weight management. Always work with your veterinarian to create a safe weight loss plan for your cat.
What food is best for senior cats?
Senior cats often benefit from higher protein content, easier digestibility, and specific nutrients for joint and kidney health. Our recommendation engine considers your cat's age and can suggest appropriate senior formulas.
My cat has kidney disease. What should I feed?
Cats with kidney disease typically need prescription diets that are specifically formulated for kidney support. These diets are usually lower in phosphorus and may have controlled protein levels with high-quality protein sources. Our recommendation engine can identify if your cat needs a prescription diet, but you should always work closely with your veterinarian for cats with kidney disease, as dietary needs vary based on the stage and severity of the disease.
About CatFood.com
❓How is CatFood.com different from other pet food sites?
CatFood.com is focused specifically on cat nutrition and uses a data-driven approach to recommendations. We don't manufacture food or push specific brands. Our goal is to provide unbiased, science-based recommendations to help you make the best decision for your cat.
Do you sell cat food?
No, we don't sell or manufacture cat food. We provide recommendations and comparison tools. When you click through to purchase recommended products, you'll be directed to retailers like Chewy where you can make your purchase.
How do you make money?
We may earn affiliate commissions when you purchase products through our links to retailers like Chewy. However, this doesn't influence our recommendations - we maintain editorial independence and our rankings are not for sale.
Can I trust your recommendations?
Our recommendations are based on veterinary nutrition research, ingredient analysis, and established nutritional guidelines. We clearly disclose any affiliate relationships and maintain editorial independence. However, we always recommend consulting with your veterinarian, especially for cats with health conditions.