Does My Cat Need Both Wet and Dry Cat Food?

Wet Cat Food Hydrates to Promote Urinary Tract Health

Cats have a naturally low thirst drive and often don't drink enough water on their own. Insufficient hydration leads to infrequent urination, which can cause mineral crystals or urinary stones to form — painful and potentially dangerous if they block the urethra. Urethral obstruction is a medical emergency. Signs include straining to urinate, producing little or no urine, or expressing pain while trying to go. Contact your vet immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Wet food is high in moisture and helps supplement your cat's daily water intake. One wet food meal per day — or mixing canned food into dry kibble — promotes more frequent urination and reduces the risk of mineral buildup. Make sure they always have access to fresh water too. Browse our pet feeding and watering collection for water fountains and bowls that encourage drinking.

Adding Wet Food Can Help Manage Weight

Dry cat food is more calorie-dense due to its higher carbohydrate content and lower moisture. Adding wet food balances out the carbs with more protein. Research from The Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition shows that cats fed a moisture-rich diet tend to eat less overall — supporting weight loss and encouraging more activity. This is especially important for indoor cats, who are naturally less active. See our guide on keeping your indoor cat healthy and active.

Because wet food is higher in protein and fat than carbohydrates, it better satisfies a cat's instinctive feeding behavior and supports a healthy metabolism. Mixing wet and dry food gives your cat a complete nutritional profile.

Wet Cat Food Adds Extra Enjoyment

When given a choice, most cats prefer a mix of wet and dry food over dry alone. Wet food adds flavor, variety in protein sources, and different textures — making mealtime more engaging. If your cat is a picky eater, mixing wet and dry food can provide the variety they crave without constantly changing formulas.

For more on cat nutrition at every life stage, see our guides on adult cat nutrition basics and how to switch your cat's food.