Commercial cat foods are prepared specifically for various age, weight or affliction classes.

There are soft, hard and semi-moist foods for overweight cats, underweight cats, adult cats, senior cats and kittens. You can also find special foods prepared for cats who get hairballs frequently, have tartar buildup on their teeth or are required to eat a specific diet due to diabetes or bladder stones.

Not to mention treats for cats to help with hairball control and tartar buildup on their teeth.  Or you can prepare nutritous treats yourself.

Please read your labels carefully...just because a cat food is more expensive does not necessarily make it better.

Cats are considered "obligate carnivores" which means they require a high protein content in their diet from animal sources (meat, poultry or fish.) Neutered cats need at least 25% animal protein in their diet, while breeding and nursing cats need as high as 40% animal protein.

Labels should list "chicken", "beef" or "fish" as the first ingredient. If the label simply reads "meat by-products" the protein content is not enough for the good health of your cat (by-products can include heads, feet, entrails, feathers, etc - these are not a high-quality source of protein, especially for breeding or nursing cats.)

**Important note: Do not feed a cat dog food. Dog food lacks a specific amino acid, called Taurine, that is absolutely essential for a healthy heart in cats, as well as important to keep their eyesight sharp!