Are you a new cat parent, or do you have doubts about your cat’s feeding schedule? There are a lot of pet food opinions out there, and it can be difficult to know what to trust. Should your cat eat twice a day? Three times? Even more frequently?
In this article, we’ll discuss how many meals a cat should eat each day, why set mealtimes are important, and more.
How Many Meals Should Cats Eat Each Day?
Cats should eat at least two meals a day, with three or more being ideal. Cats tend to become hungry around eight to ten hours after finishing a meal. If they go longer than twelve hours without food, they may develop nausea, making it more difficult to keep down meals.
When we think about pet care, we should consider how an animal behaves naturally. For cats, this means eating many small meals throughout the day rather than one large feast. Of course, our housecats (hopefully!) aren’t hunting mice or birds, so we also have to factor in our own lifestyles and schedules when making a decision.
If you’d like to give your cat more daily meals, first calculate how much food they need per day. Divide this number by the amount of meals you’re feeding. You should end up with smaller but more frequent meals, which will prevent you from overfeeding as you make the switch!
The Importance of a Feeding Schedule
Another important thing to consider when feeding your cat is consistency. Ideally, your cat will eat at the same times each day–or as close to it as possible.
Cats are creatures of habit and enjoy routine. They also rely on it to know what’s happening in their lives, since things like mealtimes are completely outside of their control. They like to know when their food is coming!
If you struggle to feed your cat’s meals on time, or want to provide an extra meal when you’re not home, consider using an automatic feeder that will dispense their meals for you. This can also help reduce begging near mealtimes, as your cat will associate meals with their feeder rather than with you.
Is Free Feeding Okay for Cats?
Many people choose to free feed their cats, which means leaving out kibble and letting them eat as they please. While this is beneficial in certain circumstances, it’s typically not recommended.
The biggest problem with free feeding is that it can lead to obesity. You can combat this by leaving out a set amount of food each day, but some cats will eat it all at once, leaving them feeling hungry the rest of the day.
Another issue with free feeding is that it can be difficult to monitor how much your cat is eating. If they develop health issues that affect their appetite, you might miss this important symptom, leading to a later diagnosis and, potentially, a worse prognosis.
However, some cats like to graze, and won’t get enough to eat if they’re only fed two meals a day. Health issues can also make free feeding essential.
For instance, I free feed my cat with kidney disease, as he has a low appetite and is underweight, even with dry food available to him around the clock! However, I also offer meals of canned food, which makes timing his medications easier and keeps him on the routine he’s grown used to.
No two cats are the same. We recommend that you carefully consider these factors, talk with your vet, and make the best decision for your unique cat.
Why is my Cat Always Hungry?
If your cat always seems to be hungry, you should first talk to your vet to rule out health issues and make sure they aren’t underweight. Health issues that can cause constant hunger include hyperthyroidism, cancer, and intestinal parasites.
Changes in appetite are typically cause for concern, whether your cat is more or less hungry than usual. However, appetite can also be linked to your cat’s age and exercise levels.
If they’re eating enough, it might be that they’re bored and need more mental enrichment or physical exercise, rather than more food. Or, perhaps they would prefer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
It’s good to take your cat’s preferences into account when you can. However, keep their health in mind as well! Don’t feed more than is recommended just to satisfy their cravings, as this can hurt them in the long run if they become overweight or develop health problems from overeating.
What Happens if a Cat Misses a Meal?
Whether you’ve forgotten to feed your cat or they refuse to eat, missing one meal isn’t the end of the world. However, missing meals regularly can lead to problems or indicate health issues.
If you struggle to feed your cat on time, consider an automatic feeder to keep them on a consistent routine. If the problem is a lack of food, you may be able to find help through your local shelter, rescue organizations, or food pantry. Please don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Cats who refuse to eat for more than one day should be seen by a veterinarian right away, as this is typically a sign that they’re suffering from a health issue. While a range of health problems can cause appetite loss, some possibilities include dental problems, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal issues.
What if My Cat Doesn’t Finish Their Food?
If your cat isn’t finishing their meals, you may be feeding too much per meal. Consult with your veterinarian, or check your cat’s body condition yourself, to see if they’re at a healthy weight.
Underweight cats who aren’t eating enough often have an underlying medical issue causing their lack of appetite, so a vet visit is required. Seeing a vet is also a good idea if the change in appetite is new, even if your cat is at a healthy weight or is overweight.
Changes in appetite often indicate a health problem, but can also be due to disliking a new food, the food being spoiled, or your cat being stressed.
Should Kittens Free Feed?
Veterinarians typically recommend against free feeding kittens. While they do need extra calories to support their growth, free feeding can lead to early obesity and lifelong health problems.
Instead, focus on feeding three to four meals throughout the day, and make sure you’re feeding the right amount of kitten food, rather than food made for adult cats.
Kitten food contains more calories to support growth. It’s also higher in protein, fat, and other key nutrients. Most cats should be switched to adult food at around 10-12 months old, though some larger breeds benefit from remaining on kitten food until 18 months of age.
Remember to switch your kitten’s food slowly, and to discuss any dietary changes with your veterinarian.
How Often Do Senior Cats Need to Eat?
For most cats, sticking to the same feeding schedule from their adulthood to their senior years works well. This means your senior cat should eat at least twice daily.
However, some senior cats benefit from smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This is especially true for those with health issues, as we discussed above.
During the senior years, cats are also more prone to health problems. Many will require switching to a prescription diet to help treat things like kidney disease or urinary issues.
If you have questions about your cat’s diet, talk with your vet during your cat’s next check-up! They can provide answers based on your cat’s age, health, and other factors specific to your unique situation.