.jpeg)
National,
August 8, 2025: With the
rise of cat ownership in urban India, a new national survey conducted by
Eval360 Research, in collaboration with veterinarians, endorsed by SACA (Small
Animal Clinicians Association of India) Chandigarh, and SAPA (Small Animal
Practitioners Association SAPA),Guhawati, has uncovered significant nutritional
challenges faced by cats on home-cooked diets. The study, supported by
Mars Petcare India, comes at a crucial time as International Cat Day (August
8), a day dedicated to understanding and creating cat-friendly
environments.
According
to a Mars Pet Parent Survey, 43% of Indian cat owners consider
their cats “the most important part of their lives,”
highlighting the growing need for proper pet care education. This year’s
International Cat Day theme, #CatFriendlyEveryDay, focuses on precisely
this—understanding a cat’s needs, which includes their diet, to ensure their
well-being.
To
understand the perspectives of pet nutrition and the gap that exists in the
feeding practices across pets, we interviewed more than 500 veterinarians
across India. We utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methods to
analyze their views on pet parent awareness, current feeding practices, and
common myths, allowing us to gain key insights.” said Pankaj Jha (Co-founder,
EVAL360 Research and Advisory Services).
Cats’
digestive physiology is different from humans in handling food or nutrient
requirements. Many foods that are fine for humans can cause stomach problems,
or serious health issues in them. Our food including vegetarian food can cause
inadequate or malnutrition while raw meat/ eggs , garlic or onion, chocolates
or grapes can lead to health issues or toxicity. It may be tempting to share
our food with cats but their bodies need special diets to stay healthy. Feeding
an unbalanced or inadequate diet causes several health issues affecting skin
and coat , oral health and digestive health as well as obesity related
health problems. Cat parents should provide balanced pet food and check with a
vet before giving them any human food. Keeping pets on the right diet is one of
the best ways to show love and care.” said, Dr Umesh Kallahali, Small
Animal Consultant, Mars Petcare”.
Debunking Common Cat Food
Myths
The survey directly
addresses several widespread myths about cat nutrition, providing a clear,
fact-based guide for pet parents
Myth: People think that milk should be given to cats. But this is
a myth, adult cats don’t have enzymes to digest lactose
Most
cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest milk. Dr.
Saurabh Kumar (Lucknow) said: “People think that milk should be given to
cats. But this is a myth. The reason for not providing milk to adult cats is
that they don’t have the enzymes to digest lactose.”
Myth: Homemade food is always better or
sufficient for a pet’s nutritional needs.
88%
of vets say home-cooked
food does not meet a cat’s nutritional needs. Dr. Saloni Mishra
(Jaipur) said, “Cats require essential nutrients like amino acids
(L-carnitine and Taurine, especially for cats) and vital minerals like zinc,
selenium, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids that aid a healthy coat, skin, and
immune system for the Indian scenario.”
Myth: Commercial
pet foods are harmful and cause health issues like allergies or seizures.
The study reveals vets
observe significant health improvements when pets switch from home-cooked to
nutritionally complete packaged food. 70% of vets reported weight
control, 66% observed increased energy, and 61% noted fewer digestive issues.
Myth: Packaged
pet food is like “junk food” for humans or made from inferior
by-products.
Veterinarians highlight
the scientific advantages of packaged pet food over home-cooked food.
A remarkable 91% of vets feel that nutrient balance and calorie
precision are key scientific benefits, and 79% point to safety,
quality, and digestibility. Experts note that globally manufactured pet
foods are “research based” and provide nutrients in appropriate
proportions missing in homemade options.
Veterinarians
recommend feeding cats scientifically balanced, complete diets that
meet their life stage, breed, and health needs. If home-cooked meals are
preferred, pet parents must ensure these are vet-guided and supplemented
appropriately. Above all, they should stop treating cats like small humans—and start
feeding them like cats.
This
International Cat Day, let’s go beyond cuddles and care, let’s feed with facts.
