UK cat owners have no idea what they should be feeding their pets

A recent poll of 1,000 cat owners revealed that 17% are unsure about their cat's dietary needs and how much they should be eating, with a further 23% admitting to the same.

Nearly one in three (29%) confessed they don't know the ideal weight for their cat, while 63% only have some confidence in their knowledge of their pet's overall health.

Sarah McNamara, a nutritionist from cat food brand Harringtons, which commissioned the study, emphasised: "Understanding your cat's nutritional needs is essential for a long and happy life."

"Proper nutrition can prevent health issues like obesity, diabetes, and digestive problems," she added.

She also stressed the importance of choosing a balanced diet that aligns with your cat's specific needs, as it can improve their energy levels and overall quality of life.

"Cats are obligate carnivores and need high-quality, digestible protein to thrive," she explained.

She advised cat owners to check the ingredients list for a high meat content when choosing cat food in the supermarket, ensuring that the protein in the recipe comes entirely from animals.

"By paying close attention to meaty ingredients, and portion control, owners can ensure their pets stay healthy and active for years to come," she said.

Take the quiz to find out how well you know your cat's needs:

The research also discovered that 27% of owners aren't sure about their cat's activity levels, and 24% don't know if any supplements should be provided.

However, a whopping 95% believe that the choice of food is crucial to their cat's overall health and wellbeing.

Despite this, 32% have admitted to feeding their cat food without being completely confident that it's suitable for them.

The survey revealed that cat owners often feed their pets with cheese (39%), bacon (22%) and even pieces of potato (13%).

It also found that 28% of the respondents are currently concerned about their pet's physical health, while 23% admitted to worrying about their cat's mental wellbeing, according to data from OnePoll.com.

On average, cat-owning adults take their pets to the vet three times a year, with symptoms including loss of appetite (32%) or excessive sleepiness (19%).

A spokesperson for Harringtons commented: "Cats are very mysterious creatures, which is why they have made such popular pets for thousands of years."

"They often live by their own strange cycles, and some days will seem to go ages without food or play, then suddenly wolf down bowls, or sleep for 12 hours straight. It can be hard to know for sure if your cat is really unwell, but it's always best to err on the side of caution, particularly when it comes to what you feed them."

TOP 10 CAT HEALTH ATTRIBUTES OWNERS AREN’T SURE ABOUT:

How my cat’s gums should look

What signs of illness to look out for

How much my cat should weigh

Nutrients my cat needs

What various movements mean from my cat (e.g. tail in the air)

How active my cat should be

How my cat’s breath should smell

How often to clean my cat’s claws

What supplements, if any, my cat should have

How much my cat should be eating