FAQs

Based on current information, it’s very unlikely. Research shows that dogs and cats are not infected easily with this virus, and there’s no evidence that they can transmit the virus to people or other pets at home.

At this time, research suggests it’s very unlikely your pet can contract COVID-19 and there's no evidence they can infect others at home. We recommend:

• thorough handwashing
• keeping pets away from anyone infected
• confining pets if they've been around someone infected

Your pets’ fur is like any other surface so it’s important you practice thorough hand washing after handling them, keep pets away from anyone infected and confine pets if they've been around someone infected.

There’s no scientific evidence that masks protect pets from infectious diseases or air pollutants. Pets’ faces are more varied than human faces so a mask is unlikely to fit properly. Also, we can't explain to pets why we are putting something on their face so they may get scared.

When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals if you are sick. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets.

Please be assured that the current coronavirus outbreak does not pose a food safety risk to humans or pets, either through packaging or the food itself. The processing conditions involved in the production of our food products are sufficient to destroy the virus.

We source ingredients from many regions around the world, and only use high-quality ingredients that meet local laws as well as meeting our own high standards. The processing conditions involved in the production of our food products are sufficient to destroy the virus.

Pet food is essential, and we are continuing to make the foods your pet needs and loves. There is no shortage of our pet food and we want to ask all pet owners to please be considerate and only purchase the food your pet needs.

Yes! Ideally choose a similar food (dry or wet) and slowly incorporate small amounts of the new food over the course of one week to ensure that a sudden change does not cause a dietary upset.

We know this can be a worrying time and you always want what’s best for your pet. We are working closely with all our pet shelter partners and would encourage you to speak to them for any support in your local area.

One is training, which is primarily for kittens. When somebody brings us a kitten, that’s one of the things we talk about - how to train them to use a scratching post. It’s very effective. But it’s much less successful with adult cats. There are also those vinyl nail caps for cats (aka soft claws). They can be used successfully. The caps are put on with surgical adhesive and the cats usually get used to them within a day or two. They last about a month. They’re especially good for cats that need to be kept indoors for a short period of time. 

But it can be done long-term if done properly. Trimming nails, if you do it weekly, can help if the problem is scratching people, but it won’t stop a cat from damaging furniture.

There are a couple of good reasons. Medically, sometimes you have to remove a claw if the claw is damaged beyond repair or if it has a tumor. Sometimes it’s also a trauma to the owners. There are people whose immune systems are suppressed or the elderly on blood thinners who can’t be exposed to the bacteria on a cat’s claws. But the majority of declawing are due to social issues -- where cats are being destructive and tearing up furniture.

Pick a good feeding site. And particularly in a kitten, feed it a variety of flavors and forms of food. Always offer the different foods in separate containers. Your kitten can’t tell you what he likes and dislikes. So keep offering him choices so you can find what he’ll like and what he doesn’t. It’s like kids. You want to expose them to lots of different choices.

Not eating is not normal for cats. If a cat isn’t eating but otherwise seems healthy, then it probably doesn’t like the food. So, I’d change the food. But if it’s not eating and seems lethargic or sick, then take it to your veterinarian immediately.

In nature, cats are very open to trying new foods. So if a cat is finicky, something is preventing its natural feeding behaviors. Then it’s a matter of figuring out what that is. It can be any number of things from it just doesn’t like the food to it’s too frightened to eat. Sometimes, just breaking a cat’s routine can put a cat off its food. This is especially true with indoor cats. They often perceive change as a threat.

It's always best to introduce a new diet gradually by mixing small amounts of the new food with their usual food for a few days.

This isn't anything to worry about. Cats are known for sniffing out the smallest change in look, smell and taste. You might want to tempt them a few times so that they get used to it.

Treating your cat makes up around 10% of your cat's daily calories.

Your cat will still need their main meal, just remember to adjust how much you give them so they don't eat too much.

Yes, we do. Please select from the following, based on your cat’s age and food preference. 

• Whiskas Kitten Dry Food
• Whiskas Adult Tasty Mix Wet Food 
• Whiskas Wet Food For Kitten and Adult

Our marketing teams have to work with specialist agencies to find the cats featured in our advertising. We still love to see pictures though. Why not post a picture on our facebook page?

We recommend storing dry, or unopened wet WHISKAS® Cat Food products in a cool dry place, not subject to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Our dry products should not be stored in areas of humidity (washer, dryer, refrigerator, etc.) or near odorous materials (detergent, fertilizer, etc.). If possible, store our dry products in a plastic container (keep the product in the bag with top folded closed for best storage).

All of our products have a best before date to help shops keep control of products on their shelves. When the date is passed, it doesn't mean that the food will be harmful. It might not be as nutritious and begin to lose its flavor and texture.

Yes. Any unused portion needs to be refrigerated in a sealed container. We recommend using the food within four days of opening. You may allow the food to sit at room temperature for up to thirty minutes or microwave the food for a few seconds (in a microwave-safe dish - not in the can!) prior to feeding, as some cats do not care for cold food.

Shelf life studies are conducted on our products to determine optimum quality over time. If you have a concern about the freshness of your product, please note the Batch number of the product.

We do not tolerate forced labor in any aspect of our supply chain and we are extremely concerned about allegations of abuses taking place in the Thai fishing industry. We believe that as a global business we have a responsibility to contribute to the change that the Thai fishing industry needs to make to become a reliable and sustainable supply chain. As such, it is vital that we engage with, rather than abandon the industry, to improve conditions and to stamp out any human rights abuses. We do not believe that targeting one supplier is driving the change needed in the region.

We are working with a reputable third party organization to establish transparency and visibility across all the tiers of our supply chain within Thailand. The findings are due to be ready in July, after which we will be in position to publicly publish a specific and detailed plan.

We are genuinely committed to sustainable seafood sourcing across all dimensions of sustainability including social, environmental and economic factors. Through our Fish Sustainability commitment, our goal is to source 100% sustainable fish by 2020. Through partnerships with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in Europe and Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program in the U.S., we have introduced responsibly sourced fish in all of our WHISKAS® lines. To read more please visit https://sustainability.mars.com/en-en/pet-nutrition-cat-sustainability

For any cat, to get the best balance of nutrition, we always recommend feeding food that’s specially formulated for their age.

No. Our WHISKAS® Adult Dry Cat Food has been formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for adult cat maintenance only. We have a kitten formula in our dry line (WHISKAS® Kitten with Chicken) that delivers great taste and that is specially formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages.

No. WHISKAS® Milk Plus is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only as it does not meet the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages or adult cat maintenance. We recommend feeding your weaned kitten a mixture of WHISKAS® Kitten (with Chicken) Dry Food and WHISKAS® Wet Food.

Always note the weight of your cat and follow the feeding guideline printed on WHISKAS® Products.

It depends on the size and variety of the product. Please refer to the calorie statement which appears under the guaranteed analysis on product packages, or the Our Products section of whiskas.com.au to find out the calorie content for your specific product.

No. Dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements and should be fed food that is formulated for them. However, if your dog accidently eats WHISKAS® Cat Food, your dog should be fine if he is not on any special/restricted diet.

All of our packs have feeding guidelines to help you work out how much food to feed your cat. We know that every cat is different so yours might need more or less food, according to their own weight, age and how much exercise they do. If you’re unsure you can get in touch with our Consumer Care team.

Gradually introduce the new WHISKAS® Dry Food over a 7 day period to avoid digestive upsets. Reduce the current food and increase WHISKAS® Dry until you are feeding it exclusively.

• Day 1-2 75% CURRENT 25% NEW
• Day 3-4 50% CURRENT 50% NEW
• Day 5-6 25% CURRENT 75% NEW
• Day 7+ 100% NEW

Cats’ teeth are different from humans. They are designed for biting and tearing, so they are not efficient at chewing food. Depending on the size of dry kibble that they are eating, they may bite only once or twice before swallowing. If your cat is new to the diet, we recommend transitional feeding. As long as your cat does not vomit or exhibit other signs of digestive upset, then this should not be a concern.