Typically, cat owners and their cats experience stares that could hurt in a cat and owner relationship over what to feed the cat and how much to feed them. One of the most commonly asked queries cat owners ask is about feeding and how often should I feed my cat
How often do I feed my cat? is a question I have fielded to pet owners getting their first cat, busy people, and people that have had cats for many years. This is because this is a common question in society.
Most people make a mistake. Guidelines for feeding the cat do not apply to everyone. The cat’s age and the cat’s activity level, health, and personality all play a role in how and what the cat eats.
A fat, lazy, senior cat has needs that are different to a hyper, energetic, young cat. An indoor cat is different than an outdoor cat.
We will discuss the feeding dos and don’t in this guide that you have most likely not seen as your feeding guide that is based on my experience and also in the field and practical step my guide helps you implement it today.
Table of Contents
- The Importance of Cat Feeding Guidelines
- How Frequently Should I Feed My Cat? The Brief Answer
- Feeding Kittens: Small Stomachs, Large Appetites
- Adult Cats and Meal Timing
- Special Feeding Needs of Senior Cats
- Does Wet vs Dry Food Change How Often You Feed Cats?
- Scheduled Meals vs Free Feeding
- Caloric Intake and Portion Control
- How to Tell You’re Feeding Too Much or Too Little
- Feeding Mistakes Cat Owners Make
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Feeding Your Cat: A Final Thought
The Importance of Cat Feeding Guidelines
Feeding a cat is more than just filling the bowl. It is about the cat’s health. Feeding directly affects a cat’s weight, energy, digestion, and overall health.
Irresponsible feeding is a main contributor to obesity in cats, which leads to serious issues like heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.
Many owners I’ve talked to believe cats will self-regulate. Some do, but the majority don’t.
Cats have been hunters by nature and are used to going after prey in small, frequent meals. Even though the prey is now a food bowl, the instinct to ‘hunt’ is still there.
That’s why having a strong knowledge of cat feeding guidelines is so beneficial to the overall health and longevity of your cat’s life.
How Frequently Should I Feed My Cat? The Brief Answer
The best option for the majority of adult, healthy cats is to provide them two meals a day.
We can keep it simple for the moment.
Most veterinarians suggest feeding adult cats twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. This schedule matches a cat’s internal clock and helps to avoid obesity and other related diseases resulting from overeating.
Some cats need more than two meals a day, like very active cats, to help curb begging. Others do need stricter meal schedules to avoid gaining weight. A good way to maintain this, however, is to be consistent. Cats thrive on predictable schedules.
Small Stomachs, Big Appetites
Now, if you get a new kitten, everything you knew about feeding adult cats needs to be thrown out the window.
How many times a day should you feed a kitten?
For the first six months, 3–4 meals per day
When they get to six months to a year, you can drop to 2–3 meals per day.
Kittens require a lot of food because they are constantly growing. Unfortunately, the risk of them skipping meals turns into a risk of them getting stunted from poor or no growth and low energy.
A lot of the new pet parents I meet worry when their kitten is begging for food. Feeding them good-quality kitten food is usually fine.
And when your cat reaches one year old, you have to feed them in a more structured way.
Feeding schedule for adult cats
- Morning meal
- Evening meal
That’s it.
Providing only two meals a day helps to regulate hunger and keep blood sugar levels stabilized. If your cat jumps on your head at 5 a.m., begging for food, pushing breakfast a bit later can help break that habit.
This is where a lot of cat feeding guidelines stress the importance of routine. Try to feed at the same times every day.
Senior Cats and Special Feeding Needs
Hungry senior cats may need a bit more attention around food.
As cats grow older, their metabolism changes, and it is common for seniors to lose muscle mass. On the other end, some become less active and gain weight easily.
Feeding tips for senior cats
- Stick to 2 meals a day, unless otherwise advised
- Choose senior cat food, if recommended by your vet
- Weigh your cat monthly
- Watch for changes in appetite, chewing, or begging
If your older cat suddenly refuses to eat or instead starts begging, don’t ignore it. Changes in appetite for senior cats can indicate more serious problems.
Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Does It Change Feeding Frequency?
Yes, it can.
Feeding dry food
Dry food tends to be more calorie-dense, and it is easy to overfeed. If dry food is a large portion of your cat’s diet, it is important to measure it out. Most cats do best with scheduled meals rather than free feeding.
Feeding wet food
Compared to dry options, wet food has more water and moisture content, as well as fewer calories per unit weight. Some owners feed cats wet food in smaller portions more frequently. Still, two meals per day should work with most cats.
Many guidelines suggest that owners feed dry food and wet food equally. In this case, owners would be helping their cat with hydration and feeding dry food.
One of the most debated topics in cat feeding is free feeding versus scheduled meals.
Free Feeding
This is the most convenient option but can also lead to weight gain and other health issues that may go undetected due to appetite changes.
Scheduled feeding
Scheduled feedings allow you to take control over your cat’s diet, as you will know exactly how much they are eating.
From what I have seen, in most households, especially with indoor cats, controlled feeding is preferred.
Caloric intake
It’s not just how often you feed, but how much you feed that matters.
Most adult cats need approximately 20 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight per day, not including activity level. Most food packages have guidelines; however, these should be taken as rules.
That affects portion sizes:
- Neutered or not.
- Indoor or outdoor
- Activity level
- Age and health
If your cat is gaining weight, meals should be reduced slightly. Don’t eliminate meals. Small adjustments work better.
Signs You Are Feeding Too Much or Too Little
Cats can’t tell you in words, but they do send signals.
Signs of overfeeding
- Lethargy
- Weight gain
- Food left in the bowl
- Vomiting after meals
- Signs of underfeeding
- Weight loss
- Low energy
- Aggressive food behavior
- Constant begging
If you’re confused, go get a vet. They can help.
Mistakes that can be made when feeding a cat
- Letting a cat graze all day.
- Feeding them too many treats.
- Not feeding them human food when they beg.
- Not feeding them too many treats.
- Incorrectly changing food.
- Not measuring portions.
Begging is not a sign that a cat needs food. It is a sign of a behavioral problem, and in many cases, begging is used for reinforcing a bad behavior. In fact, the best solution is to ignore.
How many meals should a cat have? What if the cat is overweight?
Normally 2 meals per day is recommended. 2 meals, set portion sizes, eliminate free feeding, and limit treats.
Can I feed my cat once a day?
Some cats do not have a problem being fed once, but in general, cats are better off being given at least two meals a day. With only one meal, your cat will become extremely hungry, which can lead to overeating.
Should indoor cats eat less often?
Not less often, but often in smaller amounts. Indoor cats are given smaller portions because they burn fewer calories than outdoor cats.
Can I mix wet and dry cat food?
Yes, a lot of vets recommend this; there is just a need to adjust the portions to prevent extra calories.
When is the best time to feed cats?
Choose the times that you will be able to stick to consistently every day. For most households, two feedings in the morning and evening are the most practical.
Final Thoughts on Cat Feeding Guidelines
If there is one thing to remember when considering how often to feed a cat it is that it depends on the individual cat.
Usually, two meals a day is the perfect amount of food for most adult cats. However, kittens will require frequent feedings, and there will need to be observation and adaptability for senior cats. Every pet will appreciate having a stable routine.
Pet parents need to keep an eye on their cat’s body, behavior, and energy to know when it is time to adjust their feeding schedule. This is what considerate pet parenting is all about.
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