Short answer — it depends on your cat (age, health, preferences), but here are evidence-based, easy-to-buy picks available in Australia right now (recommended options by category, with why and where to get them). These suggestions are current as of 12 September 2025.

Top picks (by category)

• Premium natural wet (best for general health, high meat, low carbs): Feline Natural (canned). Very high animal-protein recipes, grain-free and widely recommended in Australian reviews as a top “healthy” wet option. (simplycatcare.com)
• Vet‑recommended everyday wet (balanced, reliable): Hill’s Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken (wet). Frequently recommended by vets and Australian review guides as a palatable, balanced everyday wet food. (vetslovepets.com.au)
• Best vet therapeutic (urinary disease): Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare or Royal Canin Veterinary Urinary S/O (wet or dry) — prescription diets clinically formulated to manage and reduce recurrence of urinary crystals/stones; should be used under veterinary direction. (hillspet.com.au)
• Good value dry (widely available, balanced): Purina ONE Adult (e.g., Salmon & Tuna). Often rated “best overall/value” in Australian roundups and easy to find in supermarkets/pet retailers. (articles.hepper.com)
• Premium air‑dried / low‑carb alternative: Ziwi Peak (air‑dried / freeze‑dried). Great for adding high‑quality, low‑carb animal protein (use as main or topper). Note: premium price. (myrainbowpets.com.au)
• Australian hypoallergenic / novel-protein options: Lifewise (kangaroo/lamb formulas) or Australian boutique brands — useful for suspected food allergies or elimination trials. (petsonline.com.au)

Why pick a wet food or mix wet + dry?

• Wet food supplies much more moisture than dry kibble, helping dilute urine and reduce risk of urinary problems (cats naturally drink little; wet food helps hydration). For many adult cats a diet with regular wet food is beneficial. (aaha.org)

Where to buy in Australia

• Major pet retailers and online stores that stock these lines: Petbarn, Petstock, Pet Circle and veterinary clinics (prescription diets). If you need a prescription product (Hill’s/Royal Canin urinary/kidney diets) buy through your vet or their authorised retailers. (petbarn.com.au)

Quick picks for common situations

• Adult indoor, generally healthy: Aim for mostly wet + a high‑quality dry if you want kibble. Try Hill’s Science Diet wet or Feline Natural wet; Purina ONE as the dry. (vetslovepets.com.au)
• Kitten: Feed a kitten‑formulated diet (Hill’s Science Diet Kitten and Purina One Kitten are common recommendations). (vetslovepets.com.au)
• Senior cat or dental issues: Wet diets or specially formulated senior diets (Hill’s Science Diet 7+ etc.) are recommended. (nine.com.au)
• Sensitive stomach/skin or allergies: Use sensitive / limited‑ingredient formulas (e.g., Hill’s Sensitive, Delicate Care, Lifewise kangaroo) or do a vet-supervised elimination trial. (hepper.com)
• Weight management or medical conditions: Use vet‑recommended prescription diets (Hill’s, Royal Canin) for conditions like urinary disease, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity. Always consult your vet first. (hillspet.com.au)

How to choose a specific product (quick checklist)

• Look for a “complete and balanced” statement (AAFCO/feeding‑trial or nutrient profile). That ensures the food meets minimum nutrient needs. (fda.gov)
• Choose the right life stage (kitten, adult maintenance, senior) and any special medical formulas only with vet approval. (aafco.org)
• Prefer foods with a named animal protein high on the ingredient list (e.g., “chicken”, “salmon”), and check guaranteed analysis (protein/fat) if you compare formulas. (petmd.com)
• If hydration/urinary health matters, favour wet food or a wet+dry program. (aaha.org)

Feeding / switching tips

• Transition slowly over ~7–10 days (mix increasing amounts of the new food) to avoid vomiting/diarrhoea or refusal. If digestive upset occurs, slow the transition or contact your vet. (petsradar.com)

A short, practical buying suggestion for “buy now”

• If you want one simple, safe purchase today for a healthy adult indoor cat: buy a high‑quality wet food as the main meal (Feline Natural or Hill’s Science Diet wet) and a reliable dry for convenience (Purina ONE or Royal Canin Indoor). Add an air‑dried topper like Ziwi Peak for variety if you want a higher‑meat option. Buy from Petbarn / Petstock / Pet Circle or ask your vet for prescription products. (simplycatcare.com)

If you want, tell me (no need to be exact) your cat’s age and any health issues (urinary, vomiting, weight, allergies) and I’ll give a single best product recommendation for that situation plus an Aussie retailer link.