Once your cat turns a year old, he’ll be ready to take on an adult diet. Kittens need extra protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats to support their energy and growth needs, but adult cats require far less.

There are a lot of brands and varieties out there. While the higher-quality ones are more expensive, they provide more nutrition per serving—meaning your cat won’t need to eat as much. Since every cat has unique needs, you should ask your veterinarian for food recommendations during your cat’s last checkup before adulthood.

Some cat food basics to keep in mind:

• Although you can feed your adult cat once a day, leaving him dry food to “free feed” on after that, it may be better to give him two daily servings to prevent overeating.
• Consider a combination diet of moist and dry food. Wet food provides a good water-to-protein balance, while dry food helps keep your cat’s teeth clean.
• Cats need taurine—an essential amino acid found only in animal-based protein. A vegetable-based diet is inadvisable.
• Consider rotating your cat’s moist food selection so that he doesn’t get bored.
• Clean your cat’s water bowl daily, and make sure it is always full.

If your cat isn’t getting the nutrition he needs, you very well may see changes in his coat—matted and faded hair, for example. Consult your veterinarian before supplementing his diet to ensure you don’t do any further harm.