“8 out of 10 cats prefer Whiskas!” Many British cat lovers grew up with that famous slogan (which, after a complaint to the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority, had to be changed to “8 out of 10 owners who expressed a preference said their cat preferred it”). Whiskas is one of the best-known cat food brands in the world, owned by Mars Petcare, the same company behind Sheba, Iams and Royal Canin. It’s everywhere in the UK and Europe, while in the US the brand (once sold as Kal Kan) is now much harder to find, with only a few products available, mostly online.
So questions like “Is it okay to feed my cat Whiskas?“, “Is Whiskas bad for cats?” and “What is Whiskas made of?” keep coming up. I’m not a vet, but I’ve kept cats for years, and I’ve looked at what vets and pet nutrition experts say. Let’s take an honest look at this food.
What Is Whiskas Made Of?
It’s easy to check what’s in any cat food: just read the ingredient list and the “typical analysis” (in the UK) or “guaranteed analysis” (in the US) on the package. Recipes vary by product and country, but here’s what you’ll typically find in Whiskas and similar budget foods.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they need animal protein. Here’s what to look for on the label:
1. “Meat and animal derivatives.” This common term on UK and European labels covers meat as well as by-products such as organs (liver, kidneys, lungs and so on). By law, these come from animals that were fit for human consumption, even if they’re parts people don’t usually eat, and organ meats can actually be very nutritious for cats. The catch is that the term doesn’t tell you exactly which animals or parts are used. Many budget wet foods list only a small percentage of the named meat (for example, “with chicken” may mean as little as 4% chicken), with the rest made up of unspecified animal derivatives. Premium brands usually name specific meats.
2. Fats and preservatives. Animal fats provide energy and flavor. Dry foods need antioxidants to stop the fat from going rancid. Some foods use synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT; BHA is classified as a “possible” carcinogen in humans, which is why many pet food brands now use natural preservatives such as mixed tocopherols (vitamin E). Check the label if this matters to you.
3. Cereals and vegetable protein. Budget dry foods often contain a lot of cereals (such as corn and wheat) and plant proteins. Cats can digest cooked starches to a degree, but they don’t need many carbohydrates, and a high-carb diet can contribute to weight gain in less active indoor cats. Look for a food where an animal protein is listed first.
4. Colorings. Some budget dry foods contain added colors to make the kibble look appealing, though that’s purely for the owner’s benefit: cats don’t care what color their food is.
5. Palatability enhancers. Why do cats love Whiskas so much, and why can it be hard to switch them to another food? Budget foods are often coated with flavorings called “digests” that make them very tasty to cats. These aren’t addictive drugs, as some internet rumors claim, but they can make a cat reluctant to try something new.
Whiskas wet foods (pouches and cans) have one big advantage over dry food: their high moisture content, which helps keep cats hydrated.
Is It Okay to Feed Your Cat Whiskas?
Here’s the honest answer: Whiskas complete foods are formulated to be “complete and balanced,” meaning they’re designed to provide all the nutrients a cat needs, in line with industry nutritional guidelines (FEDIAF in the UK and Europe). Many cats eat Whiskas their whole lives and stay healthy. So it isn’t “poison,” as some articles claim.
But “adequate” isn’t the same as “ideal.” Compared with premium foods, budget brands like Whiskas usually contain less named meat, more cereals and fillers and less detail on the label about exactly what’s inside. Many owners and vets prefer foods with higher-quality, clearly named protein sources, especially for cats with health issues.
Another thing to consider is “cheapness.” A budget food can seem economical, but foods with more filler are less energy-dense, so your cat may need to eat more of them to feel full. Compare the feeding guidelines and calorie content on the package, not just the price per bag, to see what a day’s food really costs.
Water is important, too. Cats that eat only dry food tend to drink too little, and over time, concentrated urine can contribute to urinary crystals and stones. Whatever brand you choose, include wet food in your cat’s diet and make sure fresh water is always available (many cats prefer a water fountain).
What About Kittens?
If you do feed Whiskas to a kitten, choose a product labeled specifically for kittens: kitten formulas contain the extra protein, calories, calcium and DHA growing kittens need. Never feed adult cat food or “cat milk” as a kitten’s main diet. When in doubt, ask your vet.
The Bottom Line
So, should you feed your kitten or adult cat Whiskas? In my opinion, if your budget allows, there are better options with more meat and clearer labeling. But if Whiskas is what you can afford, a complete Whiskas food, especially wet food, is a reasonable choice for a healthy cat, and it’s far better than feeding table scraps or a homemade diet that isn’t balanced.
Whatever you choose, watch your cat: a shiny coat, good energy, healthy weight and normal litter box habits are the best signs that a food suits it. And take your cat for regular checkups to help it live a long, happy and healthy life.
What do you think? Do you feed your cat Whiskas? Share your experience in the comments!
