Is your cat being fed as often as it should? Does your cat still seem hungry after he´s eaten?
There is not an easy answer to how many times a cat or kitten should be fed, as your home life will play a big part in how you handle the feedings. If you´re at home all day or most of the day, you will be able to feed canned food to kittens or older cats several times a day. On the other hand, if you work full time you will come to rely more on dry cat food with maybe a canned food supplement early in the morning. Many cats eat in cycles; don´t mistake this for your cat not liking his food.
- Feeding kittens. Kittens need twice the nutrition of adult cats, for growth and energy. Their bellies can´t handle a large amount of food at one time. They need frequent feedings at first, then tapered off as they get older. Weigh your kitten regularly to make sure they are gaining weight at a normal pace, but not becoming obese. Their hunger will usually be a guideline for you to determine if they are receiving enough nutrition.
- Feeding at six weeks of age. You need to feed them four or more small feedings spaced throughout regular intervals during the day.
- Feeding at twelve weeks of age. You want to increase the amount of each meal and gradually move them further apart to three meals a day.
- Around six months old. Gradually space their meals to twice a day.
- Feeding adult cats. A kitten is considered an adult at the end of one year. Now, your cat can be fed with adult maintenance cat food two times a day, and you can supplement canned adult cat food when needed.
Obesity in cats can cause respiratory, heart problems, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis and joint problems. The best way to keep your cat healthy and happy is to stand by the recommended feedings and weigh your cat regularly to watch for weight gain or weight loss.
