What, When and How Much Food Should I Feed My Cat?

What, When and How Much Food Should I Feed My Cat?

Cats are fascinating creatures with specific nutritional needs that differ significantly from dogs and humans. As a cat parent, understanding how to properly feed your feline friend is essential for their overall health and wellbeing. Let's dive into the expert advice on what to feed your cat, when to feed them, and how much they actually need.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Cat

When it comes to selecting cat food, the options can be overwhelming. As obligate carnivores, cats require animal protein to obtain all essential amino acids they need to thrive. Here's what to look for when selecting commercial cat food:

What Makes Quality Commercial Cat Food?

  1. If you're in India, where the regulatory environment is weak and certifications are in the name only, you need to pay attention to the ingredients. Pet food market is hyper competitive and every brand tries to make the cheapest possible option, which is extremely dangerous and most pet owners in my interaction don't trust these big names.
  2. Insect based: Cats are natural predators, and they are a huge fan of hunting down insects, why? Well, insects contain essential amino acids that are required for cat's mobility and wellbeing. Insect based cat food is gut friendly and it is found in various studies that almost 9 out of 10 cats love this kind of food.
  3. Identifiable Animal Protein: The first three ingredients should contain recognizable animal protein sources. Look for specific meats like chicken, turkey, lamb, or salmon rather than vague terms like "meat meal".

Research published in the 'Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery' confirms that cats require higher protein levels than many other mammals due to their unique metabolism as obligate carnivores [1].

Homemade and Raw Diets

If you prefer to cook for your cat or feed raw:

  • Homemade diets: Consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet provides complete nutrition. Cats can develop deficiencies over time without proper formulation.
  • Raw diets: Follow FDA guidelines for safe handling to minimize risks of bacterial contamination and parasites. A 2019 study in *Veterinary Sciences* noted that while raw feeding can provide benefits, proper safety protocols are essential [2].

When to Feed Your Cat

Cats' natural feeding patterns align with their crepuscular nature (most active at dawn and dusk). Consider these feeding schedules:

Natural Feeding Patterns

Cats in the wild hunt primarily at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night. This natural pattern provides clues for optimal feeding times for domestic cats.

Feeding Schedule Options

  1. Meal Feeding: Providing meals in the morning and evening mimics natural hunting patterns and allows for portion control.
  2. Free Choice: Leaving food out all day. This method makes monitoring intake difficult and can contribute to obesity, especially in multi-cat households.
  3. Automatic Feeders: These provide small portions throughout the day for cats who prefer to "graze."
  4. No-Bowl Feeding Systems: These innovative systems mimic hunting behavior by hiding food in toys that cats must interact with to receive food. Research published in the *Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery* shows enrichment feeding can reduce stress behaviors and increase activity levels [3].
  5. Puzzle Feeders: These engage your cat's brain while slowing down consumption, providing both mental stimulation and physical activity.

How Much to Feed Your Cat

This is often the trickiest part of cat care, as many owners unknowingly overfeed their pets.

Caloric Needs

The average house cat typically needs only 250-320 calories per day:
- Smaller cats (2.5-4.5 Kgs): Around 250 calories
- Medium cats (4.5-6 Kgs): Around 300 calories
- Larger cats (6+ lbs): Up to 320+ calories

Most commercial dry cat foods contain 400-450 calories per cup, making it easy to overfeed if measuring by volume.

Preventing Obesity

Feline obesity is a serious health concern that can lead to diabetes, joint problems, and reduced lifespan. A 2018 study in the *Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery* found that over 50% of indoor cats are overweight or obese [4].

Best Practices for Portion Control

  1. Consult Your Veterinarian: Ask specifically how many kilocalories your cat should consume daily.
  2. Weigh Food: Using a kitchen scale to measure food in grams ensures precise portions.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Food: Canned food is higher in moisture and protein, helping cats feel fuller longer while providing hydration. Research shows cats eating wet food tend to maintain healthier weights [5].
  4. Stick to Daily Limits: Once the day's food is gone, it's gone—even if your cat tries to convince you otherwise at 2 AM!

Creating an Enriched Feeding Experience

Feeding isn't just about nutrition—it's also about satisfying natural behaviors. Wild cats spend significant time and energy hunting for their food, and domestic cats retain these instincts.

Enrichment feeding systems that require cats to "work" for their food can:
- Reduce boredom and associated behavioral problems
- Provide physical exercise
- Deliver mental stimulation
- Slow down rapid eating that can cause digestive issues

Final Thoughts

Proper feeding is a cornerstone of feline health. By selecting high-quality foods, establishing appropriate feeding schedules, and carefully controlling portions, you can help ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight and enjoys optimal wellbeing throughout their life.

Remember that each cat is an individual with unique needs. Working closely with your veterinarian to develop a feeding plan tailored to your specific cat is always the best approach.

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References:
1. Laflamme, D. (2018). Nutritional requirements of the adult cat. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 20(4), 294-301.
2. Freeman, L., et al. (2019). Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. Veterinary Sciences, 6(3), 93.
3. Ellis, S.L. (2017). Environmental enrichment: Practical strategies for improving feline welfare. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 11(11), 901-912.
4. German, A.J. (2018). Weight management in obese pets: the tailoring concept and how it can improve results. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 27(1), 59-67.
5. Wei, A., et al. (2021). A review of the effects of different feeding styles on feline body condition. Veterinary Sciences, 8(2), 39.

 

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