Good Feeding Schedule For Cats: Cat Feeding Schedule 101

If you're wondering how often you should feed your cat, then fret not. This article will guide you in creating a good feeding schedule for cats. Ensure your cat is eating healthy and happy with these tips and information.

How Much And How Often Is Cat Feeding Allowed

When it comes to feeding your cute little feline friends, it’s necessary to create a balance between what’s too little and what’s too much. Overfeeding is a serious problem that can cause deadly repercussions for our precious friends, whereas underfeeding can leave our kitties feeling hungry and miserable (along with other health problems).

With that being said, it’s no wonder that many cat parents these days are all tied up with finding the right schedule for their cats. How much and how often should we feed them anyway?

Thankfully, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association has set an easy standard for everyone to follow regarding feeding guidelines for cats. It’s available for download on their site.

Their daily calorie intake is mainly decided by two factors: weight and body condition. Of course, body condition, in this case, is also decided by other variables like age, health, and environment.

An excellent starting point is by dividing the amount you feed them into two: one in the morning and another one in the evening. This should help regulate your cat’s eating habits and prevent them from overindulging.

Choosing high-quality cat food that provides all the essential nutrients your cat needs is also important. Avoid giving them table scraps or human food, as these can upset their stomach and cause health problems.

Remember to always provide fresh water for your cat, especially if they eat dry food. And if you're ever unsure about how much or how often to feed your cat, consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice.

Feeding My Cat All Day: Is It Good?

If you're like many cat owners, you might be tempted to leave your feline friend with a bowl of food all day, allowing them to eat whenever they please. But is this really the best feeding schedule for your cat?

While free feeding might seem convenient, it can actually lead to some negative consequences for your cat's health. For one, it can lead to overeating and obesity -- just like humans, cats can struggle with weight gain when they have access to unlimited food.

Additionally, if your cat grazes on food throughout the day, monitoring their appetite and ensuring they're getting the proper amount of nutrients can be harder.

So what's a better approach? Instead of leaving food out all day, try setting specific meal times for your cat. This way, you can ensure they're getting the right amount of food at regular intervals throughout the day. Generally speaking, most cats do well with two or three meals per day.

Of course, every cat is unique and some may have different needs when it comes to feeding schedules. It's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian about what would work best for your pet's individual situation.

Meal Feeding With Dry Food

Meal feeding with dry food is a popular option for many cat owners. This method involves feeding your cat specific amounts of dry food at set times throughout the day. Here are some tips for creating an adequate feeding schedule for your cat using dry food:

Divide the food into meals

Once you know how much to feed your cat, divide the total amount into smaller meals throughout the day. For example, if your cat needs one cup of dry food per day, you could split that into two half-cup meals or three third-cup meals.

Stick to a schedule

Cats thrive on routine, so it's important to feed them at the same time every day. Choose a feeding schedule that works for you and your cat, and stick to it as closely as possible.

Use a feeding chart

Are you perhaps one of the forgetful kind of people? Keeping track of your cat’s meals through a feeding chart is a good way to ensure they’re getting the right amount of food each day without memorizing things. This is also a good way to help you monitor your cat's weight.

Meal feeding with dry food is a very convenient option for busy cat owners. Moreover, it helps prevent overeating and obesity in cats. Still, consult your vet to determine the best feeding schedule and food amount for your furry friend.

How To Feed Kittens

Is your furry friend a bit on the younger side? Then you’ll probably have to feed them differently than adults. They’ll need meals a bit more frequently but in small amounts because of their small stomachs.

Here’s a little information to help you get started on making a feeding schedule for them:

Age Matters

Kitties six months and under need to be fed several times a day. This changes once they get older, up to a year old, in which case they could be fed twice a day. After, they can be fed once or twice a day like adult cats.

Portion Control

Kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult cats, so feeding them kitten food specifically designed for their needs is important. Make sure to follow the feeding instructions on the package and give them the recommended portion size for their age and weight.

Consistency is Key

Try to feed your kitten at the same times every day to establish a routine. This will also help you keep track of how much they're eating and make sure they're not overeating or undereating.

Water is Important

Make sure your kitten has access to clean, fresh water at all times. You can also add a little bit of wet food to their diet to help keep them hydrated.

Feeding your kitten a balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients and calories is crucial for their growth and development. With a sound feeding schedule and portion control, your little feline friend will grow up healthy and happy.

Tips For Sticking To A Good Feeding Schedule For Cats

You’ve probably made a feeding schedule for your cat by now, but the question is, can you stick to it? Here’s some tips to help you stay on track:

Set reminders

Unless you’re some technophobe, then you probably have a phone in your pocket. If so, then use them! Phones have built-in calendars and reminder systems that help you ensure you don’t forget to feed your cat.

Measure out portions in advance

Feeding time gets way quicker and easier if you measure out your cat’s food portions in advance. This is especially helpful for those who buy food in bulk, as it might be troublesome to divide it appropriately.

Don't give in to begging

Felines are smart, wily creatures, and they’re not above using their cuteness to get extra treats. However, sticking to the feeding schedule you’ve established is necessary.

If you big into their large, doleful eyes, you risk overfeeding them and disrupting their eating habits. While the effect may not be as large now, it may develop into tricky behaviors that will be hard to dispel.

Be consistent

Being consistent is necessary when it comes to your pet, whether it be their exercise time, their training, and even their feeding schedule. This helps in maintaining a healthy weight for your pets.

If you follow these tips, you’ll have a well-fed, healthy cat lounging in your lap real soon. You can also check out some of our awesome cat merch to really get into the feline spirit.

FAQ

How many hours should I wait to feed my cat?

It depends on their age. Senior cats and kittens have different schedules from adult ones.

Is it better to feed cats on a schedule?

Yes, if you want to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.

How often should you feed indoor cats?

They should be fed no different than the tips outlined in this article.