The amount of food a cat needs depends on a number of factors. These include size, activity level, and reproductive status.
Generally speaking, cats need more protein than carbohydrates. A diet of meat and poultry will provide the nutrients your cat needs.
Feeding Schedule
The feeding schedule for cats can vary widely depending on a cat’s age and health. Adult cats, for example, need less food per pound of body weight than kittens.
If a kitty is eating significantly more or less than they usually do, it could be a sign that they are ill. This is important to recognize because it could indicate an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed before a change in feeding habits is made.
Having a consistent feeding schedule helps keep your cat’s digestive system functioning properly. It also gives you an opportunity to monitor their appetite and ensure they are getting the right amount of calories at each meal.
Ideally, two meals should be served about 12 hours apart. Leaving food out for longer than this causes bacteria, mold and rancid fats to build up in your cat’s food. This is unsanitary and can lead to obesity and other illnesses.
Food Bowls
The right food bowl can make mealtimes much easier for your cat. Choosing the right one involves many factors, including a shallow design that prevents “whisker stress” (where your cat grimaces to keep their whiskers from contacting the sides of the bowl), a material that’s easy to clean, and a suitable shape for your pet.
Elevated bowls can be a great choice for older cats or those who have a hard time moving their necks. These elevated bowls promote a healthy posture for digestion and reduce pressure on your cat’s neck and spine, making mealtimes more comfortable for everyone.
These double-elevated cat bowls feature a cute cat head design and sit on a tilted stand, so your pet can easily access their food and water. They’re made of ceramic and come in a range of colors.
Automatic Feeders
If you’re looking for a way to simplify feeding your cat, automatic feeders are a great option. They come in a range of price points, from low-end gravity-driven dispensers to wi-fi models that let you dispense food from your smartphone.
These types of feeders typically come in dish-style configurations with multiple compartments that dispense dry kibble or a combination of wet and dry foods. They also allow you to dispense food in varying portions according to your cat’s eating needs.
Some feeders use a timer to release food at certain times of the day. This type of feeder can be especially helpful for cats on a diet or who are on medications.
Treats
Treats are a great way to entice your cat to eat and can also be used as rewards. They can be made from a variety of ingredients and are often more healthy than ordinary dry food.
However, it’s important to consider if a treat will add extra calories to your cat’s daily intake. This can be a problem if your cat is overweight and you’re looking for ways to help them maintain a healthy weight.
A good rule of thumb is to keep treats to about one-third of your cat’s total calories per day. This is a small portion and not too much for any cat to gain weight on.
Dental treats are a great option for cats to promote oral health and reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar. They can also help freshen your cat’s breath, so they’ll enjoy cuddle time more.