How Much Should A Cat Should Be Fed?

Cats are a small furry friend that you desire to keep it as healthy as possible. This does not mean giving it a lot to eat. Fat cats will find it hard to jump, run, play, and climb. Obesity and overweight can cause strain on the cat’s heart or increase the risk of diabetes. On the other hand, an underweight cat will also struggle with health issues because vital nutrients are on the lower side.

 

Overweight and underweight condition of your feline friend is bad for their health. Therefore the question that arises is how much a cat should be fed? 

 

Basic principles

 

• Cat’s diet needs to have the correct amount of fat, protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.

 

• Average cat with healthy weight must be given 4 to 5 pounds of high-quality dry food every month. It accounts for 65 to 67 gm. per day.

 

• Feed cat in a small portion twice daily.

 

• If your cat enjoys semi-wet or wet food then serve two times [morning & evening] and offer little dry food across the day.

 

• The same time feeding schedule needs to be planned.

 

• The feeding zone has to be noiseless and easily cleanable.

 

Age & nutrition

 

CatPet is a great advice resource, where you will get to know a lot about your feline friend. What is the connection between a cat’s age and food?

 

• Kittens grow rapidly, so they need plenty of nutrition and calories.
• Old cats are less active and have a slow metabolism, so they need less fat and protein.
• Adult cats need well-balanced food including vitamins and calories. The portion size will depend on activity level and health.
• Pregnant cats have a different diet.

 

Activity level defines the norms of calorie intake

 

Domestic and indoor cats need fewer calories than the outdoor ones that run all day. Kitties are extremely active than adult and older cats. Cats need exercise, so ensure that your feline moves during the day. Use cat toys to make her run and jump for 30 to 40 minutes. This will make her hungry and capable to digest more calories.

 

Food type matters

 

Dry and wet foods portion size differs.

 

For a medium-sized cat

 

• Dry food – Approximately 50 to 80 gm. dry food is sufficient. The actual portion is determined after factoring the pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and physiological state.

 

• Wet food – You can give once or twice daily. However, for customer’s convenience, the pet food manufacturers offer one pouch holding one serving.

 

If you blend wet and dry then calculate the portion size independently as per the vitamin content and calorie intake.

 

Pregnant or nursing cat needs

 

The appetite of a nursing or pregnant cat is more. During the final stage of pregnancy, the cat will eat twice the amount she actually eats. Nursing cats also eat more. It is wise to offer food often and allow her to eat her fill every time. Leave her dry food, so whenever she feels hungry, she gets to eat.

 

A good sign that your cat is getting enough nutrition is when she easily climbs on the furniture or jumps onto the counter.