By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 14 February 2018)
How Much to Feed an Adult Cat
Most cat food brands provide feeding guidelines online or on the packaging. For example, Blue Buffalo Wilderness canned cat food directions suggest feeding two 3-ounce cans per day for every 6–8 pounds of body weight. However, cats that are large but not fat will need a little more, and obese cats require a more restricted diet to bring them down to a healthy weight. Also, the ideal amount of food for an adult cat will vary based on whether the cat is active or inactive, and whether it has been spayed or neutered. According to veterinarian Susan Little (Winn Feline Foundation), altered adult cats usually require approximately 1/4–1/3 less food than unfixed cats.
How Much to Feed a Kitten
Because kittens are active and growing rapidly, many cat experts recommend making food available to them at all times and letting them eat as much as they want. Requirements can be quite variable depending on age, size, activity levels, and other factors. We usually give half a can several times a day to start with our foster kittens. If the kitten or kittens lick the plate clean and ask for more, we give them more and increase their portion sizes for subsequent feedings. If they leave much of the food uneaten, we reduce their portions.
How Much to Feed a Pregnant or Nursing Cat
Cats in the late stages of pregnancy and those that are nursing kittens require more calories.
Switching the mother cat to kitten food during late pregnancy and while nursing is recommended, as foods formulated for kittens are higher in calories and protein.
According to Dr. Dawn Rubin of PetPlace.com, in the last 4–6 weeks of pregnancy, a cat’s caloric needs will increase by approximately 50%–100%. That means if she was eating 1 cup of food per day, she’ll need around 1 1/2–2 cups.
During the last few weeks of her pregnancy, a queen should be allowed to eat as much food as she wants as long as she is not becoming obese. Don’t be alarmed if she eats little or stops eating altogether a day or two before giving birth – this is normal.
According to Dr. Ron Hines, nursing mothers need up to 3 times as much food as active adult cats that are not pregnant or nursing. Ideally, nursing moms should have food available at all times.
How Much to Feed a Senior Cat
Senior cats often have special nutritional needs. They are more prone to being either obese or underweight than young adults, and some have medical issues. Consulting a veterinarian about diet is recommended in order to customize portions to a senior cat’s special needs.
Cat Feeding Guidelines Are Estimates Only
Like people, some cats have faster metabolisms than others. A cat that requests more food than the standard portions and doesn’t become overweight should be fed higher portions, whereas a cat that gains excessive weight on standard portions may require a lighter diet.
Keep in mind also that some cat foods are more nutritious than others. High-carbohydrate diets cause health problems in cats, whereas high-protein diets promote optimal health. Premium cat foods tend to be higher in protein. Cheap bargain brands, by contrast, are often loaded with high-carbohydrate fillers, which means that cats need to eat more to feel satisfied, and may become obese as a result.
For answers to common questions about feeding cats and kittens, visit the Cat Food page.
For a full list of cat articles, see the main Cats page.
References:
- Hines, Ron. (2009). “What Should I Feed My Cat.” 2ndChance.info/catfood.htm.
- Little, Susan. (2004). “Early Age Altering of Kittens.” The Winn Feline Foundation, WinnFelineHealth.org.
- Ruben, Dawn. (2010). “Feeding the Pregnant Cat.” PetPlace.com.
