How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Your Cat? A Feeding Guide for Different Age Groups

How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Your Cat? A Feeding Guide for Different Age Groups

The frequency of feeding cats has always been a controversial topic. Most cats are either fed ad libitum with dry food, or fed only once or twice a day. The feeding frequency usually depends on the owner's convenience. But is this the best way to feed cats?

In addition, all commercial cat foods have feeding guidelines. However, these are just "guidelines." Every cat has a different activity level and a different metabolic rate. Don't be surprised if a 12-pound adult cat needs less food than a 10-pound cat. Because the former may need to lose weight.

The feeding instructions on the bag always seem misleading to inexperienced cat owners. Especially those who put cat food out and let their cats eat at will, and when they see their cats are overweight, it may be too late.

So how much should we feed? How often is it suitable?

In fact, this mainly needs to be treated differently for cats of different ages. Below, we will introduce it to you based on the experiences of many cat friends.

I. Kittens

Kittens have undeveloped stomachs, are often delicate, and cannot digest many things, so you need to pay attention to their diet at this time.

For kittens under three months old, it is best to feed them goat milk powder as the main diet. Owners should determine the amount of food based on the kitten's age. Generally, kittens from 1 to 14 days old are fed three times a day, 5 grams each time; if they are 14 to 28 days old, they are fed 10 grams each time, four times a day. If the kittens are over 28 days old, they can be fed 5 times a day, 25 grams each time.

II. Adult Cats

Adult cats are generally fed with dry food as their main diet. First, you need to feed them scientifically according to the cat's actual situation, figure out their food intake, and then use dry food as the main diet, supplemented with other foods, to achieve a comprehensive and balanced nutrition.

Secondly, adult cats should be fed 1~2 meals a day. If the cat has gastrointestinal diseases, it should eat less and more often.

Parents should cultivate the habit of feeding their cats regularly and in fixed quantities from an early age to avoid excessive eating leading to stomach discomfort.

III. Senior Cats

As cats get older, their teeth and sense of smell begin to decline, and their appetites are not as good as before.

For senior cats, it's enough to feed them three times a day at fixed times and in fixed quantities. Be sure to feed them each time, not too much or too little.

Older cats have less activity and their gastrointestinal motility is slower, so parents can add fiber to their food to prevent constipation.

Summary of experience

The feeding frequency and amount of food for cats need to be determined based on factors such as the cat's age, activity level, and physical condition.

Kittens: Choose special kitten milk powder and feed according to their age and weight.
Adult cats: Feed 1-2 meals a day, pay attention to the cat's food intake, and avoid overfeeding.
Senior cats: Feed 3 meals a day, pay attention to the palatability and digestibility of the food, and add fiber to prevent constipation.

Regardless of the age group of cats, you should feed them according to their actual situation and have regular checkups to ensure their healthy growth.

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