Cat Feeding Guidelines: How Often Should I Feed My Cat

Every pet owner wonders if they are taking good care of their pet (spoiler: you’re doing great sweetie!), with questions about feeding being top of the list. Cats are mercurial much of the time; they often do what they want and can switch between being a cuddler and a distant loner in a second. Talk about mixed signals! It makes it hard to determine their basic needs, like how often they need to be fed. If your wondering how much to feed a cat, look no further than our comprehensive guide.

How Often Should I Feed My Cat?

This answer depends on the age of your cat. Most adult cats eat up to two times per day. Don’t be alarmed if you struggle to get your cat to eat more often (or less often), it may just be because your cat is full already if you are trying to feed more than twice per day. 

Kittens, on the other hand, need to eat more often. Kittens need to eat more than adult cats to support their growth. Rather than feeding them more in fewer or the same number of feedings, spread them out over three or four feedings throughout the day. That way, your kitten won’t overeat and still gets the right amount of food to grow big and healthy. Once your kitten reaches adulthood, which is usually around one year, then you can consider tapering the number of feedings down to two or one feedings per day.

Chart: How Much to Feed a Cat

There is a relatively easy way to find out how much to feed a cat: find a chart that outlines cat food requirements. Fortunately, many intelligent cat enthusiasts and researchers have done the research to figure out exactly how much food your cat needs under different circumstances. Here is a chart so you can see just how much to feed your cat, keep in mind these charts are not perfect, but serve as a general guide to help inform feeding habits: 

If you are feeding a combination of canned cat food and cat kibble, it is a good idea to start with the wet food. Cats are not big fans of drinking enough water (let’s face it, most people aren’t either). Wet food keeps them hydrated, which makes it easier to digest dry food. On top of that, canned cat food can be better for your pets overall health, just make sure to pick up a natural cat food.

How Much Wet Food Should I Feed My Cat?

If you are wondering how much wet food to feed a cat, the first step is to control how much your cat has access to at one time. The problem with canned cat food is that cats love wet food! Your cat will continue eating far past when they normally would stop if you let them, so controlling portions, feeding times, and quality of food are very important when it comes to keeping your cat healthy. Check out this chart to see how much wet food to feed a cat:

Again, these charts are meant to help guide general feeding habits and are in no way perfect. Always consult a professional if you have concerns regarding your cats feeding.

How Much Dry Food Should I Feed My Cat?

A dry cat food diet is not as hydrating or nutritionally dense than a wet food diet, which is why you will feed your cat less if only using dry food. Cat kibble diets can be adequate for your cat’s health as long as you pick a quality food and ensure your cat stays hydrated throughout the day. You’ll have to make sure your cat has access to fresh water and make sure that they drink enough. Otherwise, incorporating wet food into your cat’s diet may be needed. Here is a chart to help you stay on track with your cat’s feeding schedule:

Ensuring your cat's health and happiness often starts with their diet. The balance between wet food and dry food, often referred to as cat kibble, is crucial. While wet food provides the necessary hydration and is a favored choice among many furry friends, incorporating a high-quality dry cat kibble can also contribute significantly to their overall health. By understanding the specific needs of your cat based on their weight and age, as outlined in our feeding charts, you can make the best decisions about their diet.

Additionally, the importance of choosing natural cat food cannot be overstated. Whether you're selecting wet food or cat kibble, opting for natural options helps in avoiding unnecessary additives and preservatives, ensuring your cat gets the purest form of nutrition. Remember, every cat is unique, and their dietary needs can vary. Keeping a close eye on their health and adjusting their diet as needed, with an emphasis on natural and wholesome ingredients, will go a long way in keeping your pet happy and healthy!

Updated December 25, 2023