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Quick answer: check whether the label says "complete food" or "complementary food". A complete food can form the basis of the diet; a complementary food (many gourmet tins, soups and treats) does not meet all needs on its own and must be combined with a complete food. Choose the right life stage (kitten, adult, neutered, senior) and adjust the portion using the manufacturer's feeding table.
Almost all cats love wet food, and it provides plenty of water, which is useful for a species that tends not to drink much. But not all tins and pouches are the same: the most important difference lies in one word on the label.
Complete or complementary: the key is on the label
| Complete food | Complementary food | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Formulated to meet the daily needs of the stated life stage. | Adds flavour, variety or hydration, but is not enough on its own. |
| Use | Can be the main diet, on its own or mixed with complete dry food. | Always alongside a complete food. |
| Examples | Many pâtés and mousses for kittens, adults or neutered cats. | Fillets in broth, soups, creamy treats. |
Benefits of wet food
- Hydration: it contains much more water than dry food.
- Palatability: helpful for fussy, older or poor-appetite cats.
- Fullness with fewer calories per gram: useful in some weight management plans your vet may recommend.
- Variety of textures: pâté, mousse, fillets in jelly or in gravy.
Dry, wet or mixed
Many households combine both: complete dry food as the base and wet food in one or two meals. If you do this, reduce the amount of dry food to make up for the calories in the tin. A simple way is to follow the mixed feeding table some manufacturers print on the packaging.
What to choose for each life stage
- Kittens: "kitten" formulas with a soft texture (creams or mousses) and energy for growth.
- Adults: maintenance recipes; alternate flavours if your cat accepts change well.
- Neutered: adapted recipes with calorie control.
- Senior: easy-to-eat textures and recipes specifically for older cats.
How to serve and store it
- Serve food at room temperature: many cats refuse cold food straight from the fridge.
- Remove anything left uneaten after a while, especially in summer.
- Keep an opened tin covered in the fridge and use it within the time stated by the manufacturer.
- Wash the bowl after every wet food meal.
Recommended wet food
Kittens: Schesir Kitten chicken creamView product
Neutered: Light chicken mousseView product
Senior: Schesir Silver chickenView product
After Dark pâté variety pack, 12 pcsView product
Browse all our wet cat food and dry cat food. Check each product page to see whether it is complete or complementary.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cat eat only wet food?
Yes, if it is a complete food for its life stage and given in the right amount. Talk to your vet if you have questions about quantity or dental health.
How many tins a day does a cat need?
It depends on the cat's weight and the calories in each tin. Check the table on the packaging and, if you combine it with dry food, split the total between the two.
Is pâté or fillets better?
It comes down to your cat's preference. What matters is that the product is complete if it is going to be the basis of its diet.
Does wet food help cats drink more?
It provides water through the food itself, which increases total fluid intake. A water fountain can also encourage your cat to drink.
For information only. If your cat is on a veterinary diet, do not change it without talking to your vet.