As pet owners, we constantly find ourselves asking a plethora of questions regarding the well-being of our furry friends. One question that often pops up for cat owners, especially those who are new to the feline world, is, “How often should you feed your cat?” This is an important consideration, as the frequency and quantity of feeding your cat can directly influence a cat’s health and happiness.
Before we delve into details about feeding your cat, remember that every cat is unique, and factors like age, health, weight, and activity level will dictate their dietary needs.
Thus, while this guide will provide general recommendations, it’s always advisable to consult with a veterinarian for a meal plan tailored to your cat’s specific needs.
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Cat Feeding Guidelines By Age
Kittens
Your cuddly little kittens have a higher energy demand than adults, and require more frequent meals to support their rapid growth and high activity level.
Typically, kittens under six months should be fed three to four times a day. Feeding your kitten a combination of both wet and dry food will ensure they receive the necessary nutrients while also getting accustomed to different food textures.
Adult Cats
As your kitten matures into an adult cat (around one-year-old), their metabolism slows down, and so do their dietary needs. For most adult cats, feeding them twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening – is sufficient. It mirrors their natural hunting behavior, with two main meals and an occasional snack.
However, an indoor cat with a sedentary lifestyle might require less food or more portion-controlled feeding to prevent obesity. It’s also important to note that while dry food can be left out for ‘free feeding,’ wet food should not be left out for more than 30 minutes to an hour, as it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Senior Cats
When your cat reaches the senior stage (around seven years old), their dietary needs may change again due to age-related health conditions, such as kidney problems or dental issues.
Some senior cats may prefer more frequent, smaller meals. So, feeding them three to four times a day might be beneficial. Others might need special diets that your vet will recommend.
Cat’s Health Condition and Weight
If your cat has a health condition like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or obesity, it might need a more specific feeding schedule. For instance, diabetic cats often need to have a meal at the time of their insulin injections to prevent a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.
Cats suffering from obesity might need portion control, more exercise, and possibly a special diet. Again, your veterinarian’s advice is crucial in these cases.
The Role of Physical Activity
Just like humans, cats with higher activity levels may need more food than those who spend most of their day lounging.
An outdoor cat that roams around a lot, or an indoor cat that spends a good portion of its day playing and exercising, may need more meals or larger portions to maintain a healthy weight.
Can I feed my cat the same food every day?
Certain cats may indeed thrive on a consistent daily diet. This could be due to a range of factors, such as health conditions that respond well to dietary stability like inflammatory bowel disease or food allergies.
Additionally, some cats may have a “delicate stomach” that doesn’t handle change well, or they might simply be extremely picky eaters.
Should I leave food out for my cat all day?
Or, What is free feeding? The practice of ‘free feeding‘ or ‘grazing‘—letting your cat have continuous access to dry food throughout the day—can significantly affect their lifespan.
This feeding method heightens the risk of various health complications, including problems with the urinary tract, excessive weight gain, diabetes, kidney ailments, and psychological concerns.
What is the best time to feed cats?
It’s advisable for cats to consume a minimum of two meals daily, spaced roughly 12 hours apart. However, an equally acceptable feeding routine can consist of breakfast, lunch, afternoon meals, dinner, and a small feed just before bedtime.
If the gap between meals exceeds 12 hours, the cat’s stomach may produce excessive acid, leading to feelings of sickness.
Also Read: Secrets To Happy and Loving Cat
What Can You Feed Your Cat?
What is the best food to feed my cat?
Simply put, cats are carnivores by nature, requiring protein derived from meat for optimal health. Essential for a robust heart, sharp eyesight, and a thriving reproductive system, protein plays a key role in their diet.
Serving your cat-cooked variants of meats such as beef, chicken, turkey, and moderate portions of lean cold cuts is a beneficial way to provide this. It’s crucial, however, to avoid raw or rotten meat as it may lead to health complications in your feline friend.
Can cats eat canned tuna?
Cats may develop a strong liking for tuna, irrespective of whether it’s canned for cats or human consumption. Occasional tuna treats are generally harmless.
However, a constant intake of human-grade tuna can result in nutritional deficiencies, as it lacks the complete range of nutrients necessary for a cat’s health.
Additionally, excessive consumption of tuna may lead to mercury toxicity in cats.
Can cats eat scrambled eggs?
Always ensure that eggs served to your cat are thoroughly cooked. Prepare the eggs in their simplest form without the addition of oil, butter, salt, or any other seasonings.
Scrambled eggs are a good choice as they are easy for your cat to digest and offer immediate access to the protein required for maintaining lean muscle mass and energy levels.
Can cats have cheese?
Cheese doesn’t inherently belong to the typical diet of a cat. As obligate carnivores, cats derive essential nutrients predominantly from meat.
Despite its high protein content, cheese can disrupt a cat’s sensitive digestive process. This is primarily because cats often have a low tolerance for dairy products.
Can cats eat yogurt?
Yes, cats can eat yogurt, but it should be given in moderation and only as a small treat. Yogurt can be a good source of probiotics, which can be beneficial for a cat’s digestive health.
However, it’s important to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt without any added sugars or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to cats.
Additionally, some cats may be lactose intolerant and can experience digestive upset from dairy products, so start with a small amount to see how your cat tolerates it. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding new foods to your cat’s diet.
Can cats drink milk?
The majority of cats lack the necessary enzyme, lactase, in their digestive systems to break down lactose, the sugar present in milk. This condition, known as ‘lactose intolerance,’ can result in cats becoming unwell if they consume milk containing lactose.
Symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, much like the effects of lactose intolerance in humans.
Can cats eat rice?
Rice, a common ingredient in numerous human meals, poses the question, is it suitable for cats? Yes, cats can indeed have some cooked rice occasionally. Additionally, rice is often found in various cat food products due to its potential to contribute to a well-rounded cat diet.
Can cats eat pasta?
The fundamental components of pasta—flour, water, and eggs—are generally safe for cats to consume. Given its soft texture, the form of the pasta, whether it’s rotini or linguine, shouldn’t pose a problem, making it acceptable for your cat to try in moderation.
Can cats eat broccoli?
Indeed, broccoli is a safe food for cats, and you might even find some cats eagerly anticipating it! Feel free to mix a bit into their usual meal or offer it as a rare treat.
However, remember not to overdo it as excessive broccoli can suppress a cat’s appetite for their primary, meat-based diet, or potentially cause digestive discomfort.
Can cats eat bread?
Similar to several foods we humans consume, cats can safely eat small quantities of baked bread occasionally. However, bread should not become a regular part of a cat’s diet but rather remain as an infrequent treat.
Can cats eat raw chicken?
Veterinarians concur that providing cats with raw chicken can enhance their hydration levels, as it holds more fluids compared to dry cat food. A properly planned raw diet can also guarantee that your cat receives well-rounded meals with the necessary nutrients to maintain a balanced diet.
Can cats eat ham?
Indeed, cats can consume ham. As obligate carnivores, they necessitate nutrients that are exclusively present in meat-based foods.
What fruit can cats have?
While cats, as obligate carnivores, require a diet primarily consisting of meat, they can safely enjoy certain fruits in moderation as a treat. Here are a few fruits that are generally safe for cats:
Apples: Apples are safe for cats to eat. However, make sure to remove the seeds and core as they can be a choking hazard and the seeds contain cyanide which is harmful.
Bananas: Cats can eat bananas in moderation, but keep in mind they are high in sugar.
Blueberries: Blueberries are safe for cats and can make for a fun, chase-able treat.
Cantaloupe: This fruit is safe for cats and they may even enjoy the aroma.
Pears: Pears are safe for cats to eat, but like apples, make sure to remove the seeds and core.
Watermelon: Cats can enjoy watermelon, but be sure to remove the seeds and rind.
At The End
Feeding your cat appropriately involves understanding their unique dietary requirements as obligate carnivores, and the impact various foods can have on their health. While cats primarily need a diet rich in meat-based proteins, they can safely consume certain fruits, cooked eggs, pasta, and even a bit of yogurt as occasional treats.
Foods like raw chicken can provide hydration and vital nutrients, and even a small amount of ham aligns with their carnivorous nature.
However, it’s important to remember that certain foods like milk, bread, and cheese should be given in moderation, if at all, due to potential digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies they might cause. Lastly, while some human foods are safe for cats, their primary diet should consist of high-quality commercial cat food to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients they need for optimal health.
