Cat Feeding Guidelines: How Often Should I Feed My Cat

What Should I Feed My Cat?

Every pet owner wonders if they are taking good care of their pet, with questions about feeding being at the top of the list. (Spoiler alert: The fact that you’re reading this probably means you’re doing great!) Cats are mercurial much of the time; they often do what they want and can seemingly switch between being cuddly and being distant from one moment to the next. Talk about mixed signals!

Since you can’t always rely on your feline friend to tell you what their exact needs are, it can make it hard to determine just how often they need to be fed. So if you’re wondering just how much to feed a cat, look no further than this comprehensive guide.

How Often Should I Feed My Cat?

The short answer is: it depends, and mostly on the age of your cat. Most adult cats should eat up to two times per day – though don’t be alarmed if you struggle to get your cat to eat more (or less often. It may just be because your cat is already getting the nutrition they need, and not overly food motivated.

Kittens, on the other hand, need to eat more often. You may be surprised to learn that despite their small size, kittens need to eat more than adult cats to support their healthy growth. Rather than feeding them a larger quantity of food in the same number of feedings, it’s better for your kitten if you spread out feedings throughout the day, with three or four feedings being the sweet spot. That way, your kitten has less of a chance to 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, you can consider tapering the number of feedings down to two or just one feeding(s) per day.

Chart: How Much to Feed a Cat

There is a relatively easy way to find out how much to feed a cat: a cat food requirements chart! Fortunately for us, many intelligent cat experts and researchers have done the math to figure out exactly how much food your cat (or kitten) needs.

The chart below outlines how much to feed your cat, though keep in mind, no chart is perfect. This should serve as a general guide to help inform feeding habits, though you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your vet if you have questions.

If you are feeding your pet a combination of wet cat food and dry cat kibble, it’s a good idea to start with wet food. Cats especially aren’t all that great at drinking enough water (but let’s face it, most people aren’t, either). Wet food keeps your pet hydrated, which makes digestion easier, especially when it comes to dry food. On top of that, canned cat food is often better for your pet's overall health, especially wet cat food made with natural ingredients.

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. You may find your biggest issue with canned cat food is that your cat(s) love wet food! Often, we hear pet owners report that their beloved friends become fiends when it comes to wet food and will overeat far past fullness. Since this is so often the case, controlling portions, feeding times, and the quality of food are important factors when it comes to keeping your cat healthy.

Check out the chart below to see how much wet food to feed a cat:

Again, these charts are meant to be a helpful tool in providing general feeding guidelines – cats can be finicky, and feeding habits can vary. You should always consult a veterinarian if you have concerns regarding your cat’s individual feeding habits.

How Much Dry Food Should I Feed My Cat?

Dry cat food serves as a convenient, nutritionally dense, and tasty option for your pet – though a diet consisting of only dry cat food is not as hydrating as wet food, which can be a concern for some cats. Cat kibble diets can be adequate for your cat’s health as long as you pick a quality cat food and ensure your cat stays hydrated with access to fresh water throughout the day. (And be sure they’re actually drinking enough!)

Here is a chart to help you stay on track when feeding your cat dry food:

Ensuring your cat's health and happiness often starts with their diet, and ensuring a healthy balance between wet food and dry food is crucial. While wet food provides the necessary hydration and is a favored choice among many of our 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 the cat feeding charts above, you’ll be armed with the necessary info to make the best decisions about their diet.

The importance of choosing a high quality natural cat food cannot be overstated. Whether you're selecting wet cat food or cat kibble, opting for healthy options with quality ingredients that avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives will go a long way towards ensuring your cat gets the purest form of nutrition. Remember, every cat is unique, and their dietary needs can vary with age. Keeping a close eye on your cat’s health and adjusting their diet as needed, while incorporating natural and wholesome ingredients, is a sure-fire way to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout all their nine lives!

Updated October 15, 2024