As fur parents, you often ponder on the nutritional needs and feeding frequency of your cats. You fear underfeeding your feline and the malnutrition effects it could have on its health.
Yet, overfeeding your cat is not an option. Else, it will grow fat. We bet you don't want that!
So, what can you do? How often should you feed your cat?
Unfortunately, there is no straight answer. This article summarizes the five factors you must consider on how to feed your cat right.
Like most animals - even humans -, cats eat more when they are young. In other words, your kittens will consume more feed than their counterparts higher up on the age ladder. But just how much?
For a start, not all kittens eat the same quantity or in the same frequency. Instead, they tend to consume more as they grow.
For example, kittens within the 6-month age range would ideally feed 3times daily. But it could be more. For the active ones that cuddle and meow all over you, the pattern might increase to about 4times.
Above 6months, your kitten is no longer a kid. At that point, reduce the frequency of meals to a max of two times per day.
When your cute paws age even more to about 5years and above, feeding once a day will suffice. However, that's if your cat suffers no ailments.
Yes? What kind of disease?
The most common diseases of animals are age-related. In the case of your cat, let's assume it's a teething or gum problem.
For gum-related diseases, nothing much will change in terms of feeding frequency for your cat. The only thing you will do is get easy-to-chew feed and in smaller sizes.
On the other hand, say your cat has a history of diabetes, you can't work with only the age factor. Neither will nugget-size feed help. In this case, you will meet with your veterinarian and work up a schedule. Nonetheless, cats with diabetes often feed after getting their insulin shots.
Pro tip: for other kinds of diseases, kindly check with your vet!
Maintaining a home by itself is already enough work. Now, add your office routine and family obligations. What time do you have left to feed your cat adequately?
In essence, regardless of how healthy your cat is or its age, your schedule is key to your feline's feeding patterns. So, what can you do?
The situation is a bit complex for kittens as they might feed thrice daily. In such a case, perhaps you could take them to work. Or hire a stopgap until you're back from the office. Else, you might not meet up with the 3-times-daily requirements.
For cats above a year and with sound health, find a schedule that works for you. If your mornings are free, use that. And if it's evenings, it'll work out. More so, your felines will soon adjust once you maintain the timetable.
The type of food you feed your cat also matters to how often it eats. For starters, does your feline even like the food? More importantly, are the foods healthy?
Generally, cats prefer more palatable food. Canned feed fits that category. However, be careful that your feline does not overfeed.
For cats with zero self-control, they might snack on the canned feed even when they are full. Such could lead to obesity.
Outside canned feed, you can also use dry food. It is usually more affordable than the former.
However, when using the dry feed, provide your pets with adequate water. Else, the pellets could block your pets' tracts.
Another thing you could try is mixing both canned and dry feed. By doing so, you'll save cost, and most importantly, serve your cat what it likes.
Your pet won't feed right if it's not comfortable. And that's regardless of its age, health status, or even favorite feed.
Besides your cat, even you, bending your back often to feed your pet can prove hectic. Also, your feline could also suffer a series of neck pain while eating.
When such pain becomes unbearable, your cat will hardly eat at all. Before that happens, we will advise you to invest in quality feeders.
Cat feeders help you with appropriate feeding proportions. Even better, their designs attract your felines. Lastly, your pets won't suffer any ache feeding from these aids.
Perhaps you don't know where to start; check out our store to select from our range of quality and affordable cat feeders. Remember that a cat that feeds well behaves adorably, so invest right!
If you would like to read more how to make your pet feel love and keep them healthy, make sure to check out some of our recent posts below.
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How Do Cats Communicate With Each Other
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