About Whiskas
Whiskas stands as one of the UK's most recognised and trusted cat food brands, providing nutritious and delicious meals for felines since 1958. Owned by Mars Petcare, a division of the American multinational Mars Inc., Whiskas offers a comprehensive range of wet food, dry kibble, treats, and cat milk products that cater to every life stage from kitten to senior. The iconic purple packaging and memorable "8 out of 10 cats prefer Whiskas" slogan have made this brand a household name for British cat owners seeking quality nutrition at accessible prices. The origins of Whiskas trace back to 1936 when the Stirling Packing Company was founded in Vernon, California. The company, later rebranded as Kal Kan, focused on processing meat-based products suitable for pets and began producing canned pet food. In 1958, the brand entered the UK market under the "Whiskas" name, establishing a European presence that would later expand globally. This early UK market entry gave Whiskas a significant first-mover advantage in British cat food. Mars Inc. acquired Kal Kan in 1968, bringing the brand into the Mars Petcare family alongside Pedigree dog food. Forrest Mars, the visionary behind Mars's pet food expansion, renamed Kal Kan cat food to Whiskas and Kal Kan dog food to Pedigree, creating unified international brands. In 1989, the American market also adopted the Whiskas name, unifying the brand globally and enabling coordinated advertising campaigns across markets. Today, Whiskas operates under Mars Petcare, one of the world's largest pet care companies. Mars Petcare also owns veterinary hospitals, pet services, and other major pet food brands. The WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute, Mars's pet nutrition research centre, develops the nutritional formulations that underpin Whiskas products. This scientific backing ensures Whiskas products meet the genuine nutritional needs of cats rather than simply appealing to owner preferences. The Whiskas product range encompasses wet food, dry food, treats, and specialist products for different life stages. Wet food comes in various formats including pouches (the most popular format), tins, and foil trays. Meaty pieces are available in sauce, gravy, or jelly, allowing owners to cater to their cat's texture preferences. Flavour varieties span poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), fish (salmon, tuna, cod, ocean fish), and meat (beef, lamb) options. Whiskas dry food provides convenient, economical everyday nutrition in kibble format. The crunchy texture helps maintain dental health while delivering complete nutrition. Dry food comes in various pack sizes from small bags for trial purposes to bulk boxes for regular feeders. Flavours typically include chicken, salmon, and tuna variants. Life stage specific products ensure appropriate nutrition throughout a cat's life. Whiskas Kitten formulas contain elevated protein levels (up to 35.7% crude protein) to support the rapid growth and development of young cats. These products provide the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that kittens need during their crucial first year. Adult formulas provide balanced maintenance nutrition for cats aged 1-7 years. Senior formulas address the changing needs of older cats with tailored nutrient profiles. Whiskas treats and snacks offer reward options for training, bonding, or simply spoiling beloved pets. These products complement the core feeding range without replacing proper meals. Cat milk provides a lactose-free alternative to regular milk, which many cats cannot digest properly. This treat allows cats to enjoy milk without digestive upset. The famous Whiskas advertising slogan "8 out of 10 cats prefer Whiskas" became deeply embedded in British popular culture. The claim was so memorable that it inspired the name of the British panel show "8 Out of 10 Cats" presented by Jimmy Carr. However, following a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority, the slogan was modified to "8 out of 10 owners who expressed a preference said their cat prefers it" to ensure accuracy and compliance with advertising standards. Whiskas products are manufactured at Mars Petcare facilities including factories in Melton Mowbray and Birstall, Leeds, in England. This UK manufacturing presence ensures product freshness for the British market and supports local employment. The distinctive purple packaging with the stylised cat head silhouette logo ensures instant recognition on supermarket shelves. Whiskas products are widely available across UK retailers. Major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose stock comprehensive ranges in their pet food aisles. Convenience stores carry core products. Pet specialists like Pets at Home offer extensive selections. Online retailers including Amazon and specialist pet websites provide home delivery options. The brand's market leadership ensures excellent availability. When comparing Whiskas to competitors like Felix, Sheba, and supermarket own-brands, each serves different positions in the market. Felix (also owned by Nestlé Purina) competes directly at similar price points with similar formats. Sheba (another Mars brand) offers more premium, indulgent options. Own-brands provide budget alternatives. Whiskas occupies a mainstream position offering reliable quality at accessible prices, making it the default choice for many British cat owners. For UK cat owners seeking trusted nutrition backed by decades of pet food expertise, Whiskas delivers the quality that has made it a household name since 1958. Whether feeding kittens, adults, or seniors, in wet or dry format, Whiskas provides complete nutrition that cats enjoy eating. Using Grocefully to compare Whiskas prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on this essential pet care purchase.