How many times a day does a cat eat?

If you have a cat at home or are thinking of getting one, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: how many times a day does a cat eat?

And not only that: what are the best times to feed a cat? How much food should I feed it? Can I always leave food at its disposal? How will I feed it if I leave in the morning and don’t come home until the evening?

In this post we are going to answer all these questions (and some others that you may not have asked yourself).

How many times a day should a cat eat?

It depends on their age. Puppies up to 1 year of age should have at least 3 meals a day, as their bodies need more energy (they are more active and are also growing).

Adult cats, on the other hand, can divide their daily food intake into 2 meals. However, if there are 3, this is also correct (as long as the total amount of food for the day is spread over the 3 meals, i.e. not too much food).

What food to feed a cat?

Before you know how much food your cat needs, you have to choose that food. And here there is only one rule: your cat needs a natural food that is suited to its physical condition. Discover how to choose the best food for your cat.

For cats’ metabolisms to function properly and for them to live a healthy life, it is essential that their food is easy to digest, because cats do not have salivary digestive enzymes like us and hardly chew their food. Their food should provide them with all the nutrients they need and be made from natural ingredients, such as the SELECT Cat range.

If your cat is less than 1 year old, choose Select Cat Kitten and Select Cat Wet Kitten
If your cat is over 1 year old, choose Select Cat Adult y Select Cat Wet Adult
If your cat is neutered, choose Select Cat Sterilised y Select Cat Wet Sterilised

How much food should a cat be fed?

The answer also starts with “it depends”. It depends on his age, his size and weight, his sex and his lifestyle. And it also depends on whether he is neutered.

You will usually find a guide to recommended daily feeding amounts on the feed packet. Read it carefully before feeding your cat and divide the daily amount into the feedings you give him. In any case, it is always a good idea to consult a vet, who will be able to set the guidelines for a healthy diet for your pet at every stage of its life.

Every cat is different, but in general terms:

• Males tend to eat more than females. But females in condition should eat more than usual.
• The climate affects a cat’s appetite by varying its energy requirements.
• Neutered cats require a special diet to prevent them from becoming overweight.
• Cats that are kept indoors need less food because they spend less energy.

Can I always leave food available for my cat?

It is not ideal, especially if it is a kitten. The best thing to do is to get him used to eating between 2 and 3 times a day, as we said at the beginning of the post. This is the only way to know if he is eating the right amount. What he should always have at his disposal is clean, fresh water.

What if I’m not at home when it’s the cat’s turn to eat?

Your cat needs to get used to your routines and schedules. It is true that a puppy needs more attention and it is important that he eats 3 times a day (every 5 or 6 hours), but for an adult cat you can space meals between 8 and 12 hours apart. In other words, if you give him half of the food before you leave home and the other half when you get home, you will be doing fine.