+12

Feeding

Feeding your European Shorthair well

Europe

The European needs a complete and balanced diet, rich in animal proteins and adapted to their age, their level of activity and their physiological status. The quality of intake matters more than volume alone.

A menu for every age

Their needs change as they grow

  • Kitten: A growth diet rich in protein and energy is recommended, with several small meals per day to support development.

  • Adult: The food must cover maintenance, muscle mass and the actual activity level, with an adjusted ration to avoid overweight.

  • Senior: A more digestible formula adapted to aging helps preserve weight, hydration and overall comfort, under veterinary supervision if needed.

Which food?

Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?

Good-quality kibble can be suitable, ideally supplemented with a portion of wet food to support hydration. The choice should remain consistent with its age, any neutering, and its daily activity.

Portion sizes

How much should you feed?

The daily ration must be calculated according to weight, actual activity and the energy density of the food. A cat living mostly indoors does not have the same needs as a very active subject with access to the outdoors.

WeightDaily amountMeals per day
3 - 4 kg52 - 76 g2
4 - 5 kg64 - 92 g2
5 - 6 kg76 - 108 g2

Changing food

How to switch foods successfully

Any change in diet must be done gradually over 7 to 10 days to limit digestive upsets. The proportion of the new food is increased little by little while observing appetite, stools and overall comfort.

Hydration

Don't overlook water

Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. A fountain, several water points and the addition of wet food can help cats who do not drink much spontaneously.

A little extra

Treats in moderation

Treats should remain occasional and represent a small part of the daily energy intake. They are useful for rewarding or enriching the environment, but not for compensating for boredom or replacing play.

Good habits

Make mealtimes count

  • Regularly weighing the portion helps avoid excess.
  • Favor complete foods rich in animal protein.
  • Splitting meals can improve satiety in food-motivated cats.
  • Brushing more during shedding season limits hair ingestion.

Never feed these foods

As with other cats, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, alcohol, caffeine, cooked bones and very fatty or very salty foods, as they can cause digestive, neurological or renal disorders that are sometimes serious.

Ready to welcome your European Shorthair?

Find a verified breeder near you and get off to a great start, right from the food bowl.

Find a breeder