How Often Do You Feed House Cats?

Our pets are like an extension of ourselves. Many times our own food habits are reflected in our pets. We have a tendency to overfeed them simply because they seem to be looking at us with beseeching eyes. There is no universal schedule when it comes to feeding cats. The frequency and quantity will depend on several factors that will have to be taken into consideration by the cat's owners.

  1. The Right Diet for a Cat

    • Your cat is a natural carnivore and cannot thrive on a vegetarian diet. The human system has the ability to extract Vitamin A from leafy vegetables. Cats do not possess this ability and need Vitamin A in naturally occurring forms. They also require niacin, as well as fatty acids like arachidonic acid and taurine. A cat gets all of this from a meat diet. Cats also have a higher need for protein and fat, compared to other animals. Calcium is high on the requirement list, too, especially for kittens. While their bodies do require fiber, the levels needed are not too high. Adult cats need around 240 calories a day.

    Frequency of Feeding

    • Kittens must be fed in proportion to their body weight during their formative years. You should feed your kitten up to three meals a day for the first half year. After this, you can drop down to twice a day.

      If your cat is in good health and is strong, then it can also manage on one solid feed a day. Cats that are ill will need the frequency of their meals reconsidered. A veterinarian will have to suggest when to feed cats suffering from diabetes.

      Cats with hyperthyroidism will be hungry all the time, and a consultation with a vet on diet is advisable.

      Cats are schedule-oriented, and it is simple to train them to a particular routine when it comes to feeding. The times may be based on your schedule to ensure that your cat gets fresh food. Some cat owners fill a bowl of dry food for the cat to satisfy any sudden hunger pangs. They also have fixed times for canned or packaged cat food.

    Tips

    • If you are feeding your cat canned food, opt for a premium brand, since these are low-bulk. This means that a large portion of the food is digestible and gives the cat the nutrients it requires. Too much wet food can cause your cat to have smelly breath and feces, and it also runs the chance of spoiling. If your cat is on a steady diet of dry food, then ensure it can get water when it wants to. If you have a picky cat on your hands, then have one or two alternatives available to make meal time more interesting for your pet.