How to feed an adult cat

Cats are a unique species whose nutritional needs have evolved over millions of years. By understanding the origins of the domestic cat and the composition of its natural diet, we can build a feeding plan that supports its health, well-being, and longevity. With ERA foods, this can be done surprisingly easily — as long as we know how to combine different food types correctly.

The Origin of the Cat and Its Natural Diet

Our domestic cat (Felis catus) descends from the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which still lives in the wild in the arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East. Based on genetics and behavior, the domestic cat is still biologically the same animal as its ancestor: a small, solitary predator and obligate carnivore.

Wildcats hunt primarily rodents such as mice and voles. This means that the domestic cat’s body is adapted to an animal-based, low-carbohydrate, moisture-rich diet consisting of prey animals.

In the dry regions of Africa, access to water is limited. Over time, cats have evolved to conserve water very efficiently: they produce highly concentrated urine and obtain most of their required moisture from prey — for example, mice, which are 60–70% water.

This adaptation can still be seen in modern cats: many drink only small amounts of water, even when it is freely available. This is not a “flaw" but a natural inheritance from their desert ancestors.

At home, however, things are different. If the diet consists mainly of dry food, total water intake may not be sufficient. Over time, this can put stress on the urinary tract and kidneys. That’s why the moisture content of the diet is just as important as the quality of the nutrients.

When a cat’s diet is based on adequate animal protein and proper moisture levels, it supports the body’s natural function — just like its ancestors in the desert.

Composition of a Natural Prey Animal (e.g., a mouse)

Moisture: 60–70%
Protein: 18–22% as fed (approx. 55–65% on a dry matter basis)
Fat: 8–12% as fed (approx. 23–35% on a dry matter basis)
Carbohydrates: < 5%
Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio: approx. 1.1:1
High in taurine and essential micronutrients

Nature has already provided the blueprint — the only challenge is how to replicate that nutritional profile at home, without feeding actual mice.

ERA Foods as the Foundation of a Natural Diet

ERA products offer high-quality, grain-free options for feline nutrition. They contain plenty of animal-based protein and essential nutrients such as taurine and omega fatty acids.

Dry food alone does not match the moisture content or macronutrient profile of prey, which is why combining dry and wet food is key.
Here are a few examples:

ERA Salmon & Duck – Dry Food

Estimated animal-based protein: 50–70% of total protein*
Crude protein: 33%
Crude fat: 16%
Carbohydrates: approx. 30%
Moisture: 10%
Taurine: 2500 mg/kg added

*The share of animal protein is an estimate based on the ingredients and their protein content. Most of the protein of ERA Salmon Duck dryfood comes from animal sources (chicken, duck, salmon), with only a small share from plants (peas, chickpeas, sweet potato).

ERA Sybarite Tuna & ERA Sybarite Shrimp – Wet Food examples

Estimated animal-based protein: 90–95% of total protein
Crude protein: approx. 8%
Crude fat: 4%
Carbohydrates: 3–4%
Moisture: 82%
Meat content: 85% (chicken, liver, fish/shrimp)

In wet foods, most protein is of animal origin. The small plant-based portion comes mainly from minor ingredients (e.g., carrot, pea flour) and does not significantly affect the protein source.

When ERA dry food is combined with ERA wet food in the right ratio, the overall nutritional profile comes much closer to the composition of natural prey.
Dry food provides nutrient density and protein, while wet food provides moisture and a higher proportion of animal protein. Together, they create a balanced and easy-to-implement feeding model.

Moisture – A Key Element in Feline Nutrition

Many cats naturally drink little water — a legacy from their desert-dwelling ancestors. At home, especially with a dry food–heavy diet, this can lead to insufficient hydration, putting stress on the urinary tract and kidneys. Adequate moisture in the diet is therefore a vital part of maintaining feline health.

Cats that drink well: can get part of their hydration from drinking, so the dry-to-wet food ratio can be more balanced.
Cats that drink poorly: need more moisture directly from their food to prevent urine from becoming too concentrated and to support kidney health.

That’s why we’ve created two feeding models — one for good drinkers and another for cats that don’t drink enough.
This way, the feeding model can closely mimic natural nutrition and support the cat’s physiology.

Option 1 – Cats That Drink Well

This model is suitable for cats that actively drink from their water bowl.

Feeding recommendation:

50% ERA dry food
50% ERA wet food
Fresh water always freely available

Result:

Estimated food moisture: 45–50% — actual total moisture may be even higher if the cat drinks well, potentially reaching the ideal 60% or more
Good protein level, moderate carbohydrates
Suitable for most healthy adult cats

Option 2 – Cats That Drink Poorly

This feeding model suits cats that naturally drink very little. It’s also particularly important for cats prone to urinary tract problems — such as urinary crystals, stones, or infections. Adequate moisture helps dilute urine and reduce the risk of urinary issues, making this model ideal for many adult and senior cats.

Note: ERA foods are not veterinary diets. If your cat has a diagnosed urinary condition or other illness, consult your veterinarian for the right diet or medical food. The feeding model described here is preventive and supportive, not a replacement for prescribed treatment.

Feeding recommendation:

30% ERA dry food
70% ERA wet food
Add a small amount of water to the wet food if needed
Fresh water always freely available

Result:

Moisture content rises to around 60%, close to that of natural prey. Any additional water the cat drinks further increases total hydration.
Carbohydrate content is lower compared to a dry food–heavy diet, supporting a metabolism adapted to low carbs.
Fewer carbs mean less metabolic stress and better energy balance — especially for less active or overweight cats.
Excellent for cats in the risk group for urinary and kidney issues.

ERA Feeding Models vs. Natural Prey

Note: The moisture percentage below refers to moisture from food only. If the cat drinks water, total moisture intake can be much higher.

Feature	Natural Prey	ERA 50/50	ERA 30/70
Moisture	60–70 %	~45–50 %	~60 %
Protein	18–22 %	~20.5 %	~18.5 %
Fat	8–12 %	~10 %	~9 %
Carbohydrates	< 5 %	~17 %	~11 %
Ca:P	1.1 : 1	1.45 : 1	1.45 : 1
The proportion of animal-based protein of total protein	100 %	~70–85 %	~80–90 %

Why This Matters

Adequate hydration supports kidney and urinary tract health.
Higher animal protein supports muscle maintenance and metabolism.
Lower carbohydrates reduce the risk of weight gain and metabolic disease.
ERA foods are fortified with taurine to ensure sufficient intake of essential nutrients.

Tips for Maintaining Your Cat’s Hydration

Wet Food

Offer wet food in several small portions throughout the day. This matches the cat’s natural eating pattern and maintains steady moisture intake.
Add a small amount of warm water to the wet food to further increase moisture.
If your cat is picky, add the water gradually — many won’t even notice.
Always serve fresh food.

Dry Food

Add warm (not hot) water to the dry food and let it soak for a few minutes before serving.
Start with about 1 part water to 2 parts kibble and adjust as needed.
Soaked food often smells more appetizing and is easier to chew.
Always serve soaked food fresh.

Encourage Drinking

Even if your cat already drinks well, encouraging additional water intake can still support overall hydration and urinary tract health
Provide fresh water at all times — ideally in several spots.
Try a cat water fountain: many cats prefer moving water to still.
Replace the water regularly and keep bowls clean.
Some cats prefer shallow, wide bowls so their whiskers don’t touch the edges.
Monitor urination and drinking behavior — a noticeable decrease can signal a health problem and should be checked by a vet.

Practical Feeding Tips

Feed your cat 2–5 times per day, depending on age and activity level.
Always serve wet food or soaked dry food fresh.
Observe your cat’s drinking habits and adjust the feeding model accordingly.
Make sure your cat always has access to fresh water.

With ERA foods, you can build a diet that closely mimics natural nutrition and supports your cat’s well-being in the best possible way.
Choose the feeding model based on your cat’s drinking habits — this brings you closer to the moisture and nutritional profile of a prey-based diet in an easy and safe way.

Natural model — practical implementation.