If you’ve ever spotted visible pieces of white or sometimes yellow pieces of fat in your cat’s KatKin and wondered “is this really okay?” - you’re not alone. The short answer is: yes. Not only is fat safe for cats, it’s an essential part of a healthy feline diet.
Here’s why we include it, what it does for your cat, and what to do if your cat needs to eat a lower-fat diet.
Why cats can eat more fat than humans
Cats aren’t small humans - and their bodies work very differently to ours.
Over a quarter of a cat’s natural, ancestral diet is made up of protein and fat. Fat is one of their most important sources of energy, helping to fuel everything from playtime zoomies to essential bodily functions.
Cats also process fat and cholesterol differently. Most of the cholesterol in a cat’s body is carried as HDL (often called “good cholesterol”), which means cats can safely eat diets that are higher in fat without the same risks humans face.
That’s why, here at KatKin, we don’t shy away from fat - we use it intentionally and responsibly.
Why some KatKin meals have visible fat
All of our recipes are carefully formulated by a Board-Certified Vet Nutritionist to support long-term cat health. In some meals - particularly Mooo and Baaa - you may notice visible white or yellow pieces of fat.
There are two main reasons for this:
These meats naturally contain more fat
We don’t use emulsifiers or artificial processing aids to reduce the amount of visible fat
The fat pieces separate during cooking, and then solidify when frozen, making it more visible
We believe in keeping our meals as close to their natural state as possible. Because we don’t artificially bind or disguise ingredients, the fat stays visible - which can look unusual if you’re used to heavily processed cat food.
But rest assured: it’s completely normal, nutritious, and safe.
💡Tip! If your cat tends to leave the fatty bits behind, try this:
Microwave their food for 15 seconds
Give it a good stir with a spoon
The warmth melts the fat into the meat juices, creating a rich, tasty gravy that many cats love
Why fat is nutritionally important for cats
Fat isn’t just about calories - it plays a vital role in your cat’s overall health.
Fatty acids like Omega 3 and Omega 6 are essential for:
Maintaining healthy skin and a glossy coat
Supporting a strong immune system
Keeping joints and cartilage healthy for comfortable movement
That’s why you’ll see ingredients like sunflower oil or fish oil in some of our recipes - they’re there to provide these essential nutrients, not fillers.
What if my cat needs a low-fat diet?
While none of our recipes are considered high in fat, there is natural variation depending on the protein used.
For example:
Gobble (turkey) is one of our leanest options
Oink (pork) contains more natural fat
If your cat has a condition where fat intake needs to be managed - such as pancreatitis or high cholesterol - choosing leaner recipes may be appropriate.
We always recommend:
Reviewing the nutritional breakdown on each recipe page
Sharing this information with your vet
Working together to decide what fat level is right for your cat
A note on pancreatitis
For many cats with pancreatitis, eating enough and maintaining weight is often more important than strictly avoiding fat. Highly palatable, nutrient-dense food can help encourage appetite and recovery - something our fresh recipes are designed to support.
The bottom line
Fat plays a crucial role in feline nutrition, and it’s included in KatKin meals by design, not by accident. Whether your cat eats a mix of recipes or needs something leaner, our meals are carefully balanced to support their health at every stage of life.
If you’re ever unsure, we’re always happy to help - and your vet can guide you on what’s best for your individual cat.