ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, built our reputation on raw dog food, but Sydney and Australia-wide customers kept asking whether we could do the same for cats. This guide covers our raw cat food range, what makes it different from typical commercial cat food, and how to decide if it is right for your cat.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are built to process a diet of meat, organ and bone far more strictly than dogs. That biological reality shapes everything about how we approach raw feeding for cats.
Why Cats Have Different Nutritional Needs to Dogs
Unlike dogs, who can tolerate a reasonably varied diet, cats have a narrower set of nutritional requirements built around animal protein. They need higher protein levels, specific amino acids like taurine that only come from animal tissue, and cannot thrive on a diet built around plant-based fillers. This is one of the main reasons raw feeding appeals to cat owners looking for a diet closer to what a cat would eat instinctively.
What's In Our Raw Cat Food Range
Our cat food range is built around complete raw meals combining muscle meat, organ and bone in ratios formulated for feline nutrition, distinct from our dog meal mixes. Getting the ratios right matters more for cats than dogs, since an unbalanced homemade raw diet is one of the more common ways owners inadvertently cause deficiencies in DIY-fed cats.
Should You Raw Feed Your Cat?
Many cat owners consider raw feeding after noticing dull coats, poor stool quality or low energy on commercial dry food, and some evidence suggests a diet closer to a cat's natural prey composition may support coat condition and digestion. As with any diet change, individual cats respond differently, and a cat with an existing health condition should only transition under veterinary guidance.
Transitioning a Cat to Raw Food
Cats are famously particular eaters, and transitioning them to a new food, raw or otherwise, generally needs to be slower and more patient than a typical dog transition. Introduce raw food gradually alongside their current diet, increasing the proportion over one to two weeks, and expect some cats to take longer than others to accept a new texture and smell. Never let a cat go without eating for more than 24 hours during a transition, since cats are prone to a serious liver condition if they stop eating for an extended period, and a vet should be consulted if a cat refuses food for longer than a day.
Portion Sizes for Cats
Cats generally need to eat a smaller percentage of their body weight than dogs, and portions should be adjusted based on age, activity level and whether the cat is desexed, since desexed cats often need fewer calories. Our meal planner quiz can help estimate a starting portion size for your cat based on these factors.
Food Safety for Raw Cat Feeding
The same food safety principles that apply to raw dog feeding apply to cats: proper refrigeration or freezing, clean preparation surfaces and bowls, and not leaving raw food out for extended periods. Cats' shorter digestive tracts process food quickly, which is one reason many owners feel comfortable with raw diets for cats when handled hygienically.
Common Questions From New Cat Customers
We regularly hear from customers who have raw fed dogs for years and want to extend the same approach to their cat, alongside customers who are entirely new to raw feeding and starting with a cat. Both groups benefit from starting with a smaller trial quantity before committing to a full ongoing order, since every cat's preferences and needs are different. If you already raw feed a dog in the household, our first-time raw feeder guide covers general transition principles that apply loosely across species, though cats need their own slower pace and species-specific formulation.
Multi-Pet Households
Feeding a raw diet to both a dog and a cat in the same household is common, but it is worth remembering that dog and cat formulations are not interchangeable. A cat fed a dog-formulated meal over time may miss out on nutrients like taurine that are essential for feline health, and vice versa a cat formulation is not appropriately balanced for a dog's needs. Feeding pets separately, with the correct species-specific food, avoids one pet eating the other's meal and getting an unbalanced diet as a result.
Storage and Freezer Planning
Raw cat food is typically supplied frozen and portioned, making it straightforward to store alongside a dog's raw meals in the same freezer. Planning ahead with a week or two of stock on hand means you are never caught short, and defrosting only what you need in the fridge overnight helps maintain food safety and quality right up until serving.
Signs Raw Feeding Is Working Well
A glossy coat, firm and less odorous stool, stable weight and good energy are generally positive signs that a raw diet suits your cat. Regular vet checkups remain the best way to confirm your cat's overall health regardless of diet, particularly for older cats or those with pre-existing conditions.
Getting Started With Our Cat Range
If you are curious whether raw feeding suits your cat, our sample pack is a low-commitment way to trial a protein before moving to a full subscription. For general independent background on feline nutrition, the VCA Hospitals resource library covers foundational cat nutrition topics worth reading alongside your own vet's advice.
Ongoing Support
Our team is on hand across Sydney and the rest of Australia to help you choose the right starting protein and portion size for your cat, and to answer questions as you settle into a raw feeding routine together. For a deeper dive into feline raw feeding fundamentals, our comprehensive guide to raw cat food covers nutrition basics in more depth.
Choosing the Right Protein to Start With
Just as with dogs, some cats show a stronger preference for one protein over another, and starting with a single, simple protein rather than a varied mix makes it easier to spot how your cat responds before introducing more variety. Many owners find that starting with a chicken-based option is a good first step, since it tends to be well tolerated, before rotating in other proteins from the range over subsequent weeks as their cat settles into the new diet.
What to Expect in the First Few Weeks
The first few weeks of any diet transition are the most important for monitoring your cat closely. Expect some experimentation with acceptance, occasional pickiness, and a settling-in period before stool consistency and appetite stabilise into a new normal. Keeping a simple log of what your cat eats and how they respond can help you and your vet identify what is working and flag anything that needs a closer look sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is raw food good for cats?
Yes, when properly formulated for feline nutritional needs, raw food can suit many cats, though individual response varies.
How is cat nutrition different from dog nutrition?
Cats are obligate carnivores needing higher protein and specific nutrients like taurine that only come from animal tissue.
How do I transition my cat to raw food?
Introduce raw gradually over one to two weeks alongside their current diet, and never let a cat go without eating for over 24 hours.
What is in ardam's raw cat food range?
Complete raw meals combining muscle meat, organ and bone in ratios formulated specifically for feline nutrition.
How much should I feed my cat?
Portions depend on age, activity level and desexed status. Our meal planner quiz can suggest a starting point.
Is raw cat food safe to prepare at home?
Yes, with proper refrigeration, clean preparation surfaces and not leaving food out for extended periods.
My cat won't eat the new food, what should I do?
Try a slower transition and different textures. Consult your vet if your cat refuses food for more than 24 hours.
Can I trial the cat range before subscribing?
Yes, our sample pack lets you trial a protein with your cat before committing to an ongoing order.
Reviewed by the ardam team.
