It can be difficult to know how often to feed your cat and how much to feed your cat at mealtimes. Here’s our guide to ensuring your cat is eating the right amount.
Cats have very specific nutritional requirements, and it’s important to understand that these needs differ depending on your cat’s breed, size and life stage. You also need to take into account any allergies and additional health considerations. Our Cat Food Finder Tool can recommend the right diet for your unique cat’s needs.
Whether your cat eats dry food, wet food or a combination of the two, to keep them happy and healthy it’s essential to keep track of how much and how often you’re feeding them. Here’s what you need to know.
How often to feed a cat
The number of meals you give your cat every day will depend on a number of factors. Up until the age of six months, kittens will grow rapidly and expend a lot of energy, so you should feed them kitten-specific food four times per day. After this stage, their meals will need to be reduced to prevent unnecessary weight gain and you may decide to feed your cat twice a day.
If you’re feeding your cat dry food only, you can also leave their daily serving in their bowl and allow them to nibble on it throughout the day whenever they feel like it. Most cats prefer to graze and leaving some dry food out for the day allows them to satisfy themselves.
How much to feed a cat
As a general rule, start by using the feeding instructions on the back of the cat food packet as a guide to how much to feed your cat. These instructions will be broken down into different amounts depending on your cat’s age and weight.
However, your cat’s lifestyle is a factor that needs to be taken into consideration, so you should not rely on this information alone. You’ll need to monitor the effects of your cat’s diet over a period of weeks and adjust accordingly if your cat is losing weight or gaining additional kilos. This process may take some time, but if you’re careful and patient, you’ll be able to find the best amount for your individual cat’s health and well-being, and avoid overfeeding. Talk to your local Greencross Vets if you’re unsure of how much you should be feeding your cat.
Remember that not all cat foods are created equal and choosing a super premium cat food will mean that a smaller serving gives your cat a complete and balanced diet, and also provide the best results for your feline friend’s overall health. Use our Cat Food Finder Tool or talk to your friendly local Petbarn team for help and advice about choosing the best food for your cat.
