Proper feeding and nutrition is an important consideration for every cat owner. You want to make sure that health requirements are met. On the other hand, you also want to want to prevent your cat from overeating, as obesity can cause for bigger health problems later on. Some cat owners choose the “free feeding” method, where the cat has free access to food anytime, while others apply “portion control” and feed their cat more than once a day. But following a cat feeding schedule, alongside close weight monitoring, can definitely help you ensure that your cat gets the nutrition he needs every day.
So, what’s the best cat feeding schedule? Cats are pretty much like people, in that, every cat may have different needs and requirements. How much to feed a cat, how often should you feed him, and what types of food are just some of the questions that you might be asking. Knowing about the basics of feline habits and physical needs can help you can come up with an ideal feeding schedule for your cat. Here are a few things you must remember about cats:
·
Cats are
creatures of habit. A consistent feeding routine makes your cat feel more
secure.
·
Cats usually get
hungry 8-10 hours after the last meal. Feeding your cat once or twice a day is
generally acceptable.
·
Cats that
suddenly show loss of appetite are likely ill.
·
Kittens have
different feeding requirements compared to adult cats. See our detailed kitten feeding schedule
and guide.
·
Some cats are
more finicky than others. You may have to combine wet and dry food, switch food
brands occasionally, and make adjustments according to your cat’s eating
habits.
· A cat’s daily calorie requirement would depend on his weight. Referring to a cat feeding schedule chart could serve as your guide in making sure your cat is eating healthy.
How Often Should I Feed My Cat?
How often should cat owners feed their pets?
The answers would vary according to some factors, according to your cat’s age,
health, preference, and habits.
Your Cat’s Age
Kittens would require more food per pound and thus, more frequent
feeding time until they’re about six months old. Based on this kitten feeding schedule,
kittens need to be fed lee frequently as they grow older. At six months onwards,
feeding your cat once or twice a day is considered sufficient and is common
practice, given that the cat maintains a healthy weight.
Specific Health Needs
Diet and feeding would also have to be
adjusted if your cat has a health condition. For instance, veterinarians
commonly advise feeding diabetic cats at the times when they’re administered
insulin. In some cases, cats may develop gum or mouth problems, which would
call for finer sized kibbles or wet canned food to help them chew easier. Your
vet would offer recommendations on feeding in case your cat falls ill or has a
health condition.
Food Preferences
You may be wondering if it’s better to feed
your cat wet or dry food. Both types of food have their own advantages. You can
certainly feed your cat a combination of wet and dry cat food for a healthier,
well-rounded diet. The varying textures could be exciting for your pet, too.
However, your cat may actually prefer one type over another and this is of
course, something you’d also need to consider.
Feeding your cat specific portions at certain
times of the day comes with several advantages. For one, you can schedule
feeding, according to your own schedule, in consideration of your cat’s eating
habits. “Free feeding” or leaving out food available to your cat all day can be
a cause for obesity. It would be a better idea to provide treats or snacks in
between meals if your cat begs for food.
Portion-controlled meal feeding also makes it
easier for you to monitor your cat’s eating habits and see right away if there
is an arising health problem. If there are changes in appetite levels, or if
you notice anything like your cat guarding his food or speed-eating, you might
need to have him checked by the vet. If your cat is sick, it’s also easier to
administer medicine with meal-feeding.
Cat Feeding Guide: Wet and Dry Food
Combining a diet of wet and dry food can be
good for your cat. Dry food is easier to store, but lack the moisture that can
be found in wet cat food. The following cat feeding schedule template can help
you better estimate how much and how often you should feed your cat.
So how does this feeding chart work? As you
can see, the schedule takes into consideration how much your cat weighs, his
daily caloric requirements, and how much wet and dry food you can feed him in
order to meet those requirements. Every cat has different caloric needs,
depending not only on weight, but also on how active they are, whether or not
they’re neutered prone to obesity, and other “lifestyle factors.” You can use
some an online calculator to determine your cat’s unique
calorie needs.
The cat feeding guide by weight will help you
maintain a healthy weight for your cat. As an example, a cat weighing 10lbs can
be fed roughly 230 calories per day. Check his weight every week. If your cat
is gaining or losing weight, you definitely have to make some feeding adjustments.
Read the nutrition labels on your wet
and dry the cat food. Check for caloric content on the label and divide this
number to your cat’s daily calorie requirement. The total is the number of
calories your cat needs to consume within a 24-hour period.
Feeding cats properly isn’t exactly rocket
science. As long as you understand your cat’s preferences and needs, you can
come up and follow a healthy feeding schedule for your cat. If this is the
first time, you’re hearing about the advantages of a good feeding schedule, it’s
certainly worth considering if you want to ensure that your pet grows healthy.
Just remember to ensure your cat is getting the nutrition and calories he
needs. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to consult your vet.
January 21, 2021 at 05:55
Angela Canter says:
But my 8 months old kitten does not eat dry at all So, how to read your chart? Weight 6.30. Please reply