How much should I feed my cat?

Last updated on 5th January, 2024 at 10:41 am

It’s important to understand your cat’s dietary needs so that they get the right nutrients without overindulging. What and how much should you put in their bowls to keep them purring with joy instead of rolling around like Garfield post-lasagne feast?

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article you’ll learn:

• How to determine your cat’s food needs.
• Which foods are unsafe for cats.

Determining your cat’s food requirements

Kittens need more calories for growth, while senior cats may require fewer to maintain a healthy weight. Vet-formulated foods consider these needs, providing an appropriate balance of fats, proteins and nutrients based on the cat’s age.

Dr Bobby Cawthron, lead veterinarian at Aspen Grove Veterinary Care in Colorado in the US, says on the practice’s YouTube channel, “It’s pretty amazing how little a cat needs to maintain its body weight. A lot of cats walk in the door overweight because they’re simply overconsuming […]. For most foods […] maybe half a cup of kibble a day would maintain their body weight.”

Dr Cawthron recommends checking the grid on the back of the food bag, keeping in mind that a lot of pet foods have gone through feeding trials. “They’ve shown how many calories a cat needs to maintain their body weight.”

The grid on the back of the bag says how much they should be eating. He also advises consulting your vet for dietary guidance tailored to your cat’s specific lifestyle and activity level, eg pregnancy, activity, age (metabolism).

A cat’s dietary needs can also be influenced by breed and activity level. Energetic breeds like Siamese and Bengal may require more calories for their active lifestyles, especially if allowed outdoors, while indoor cats generally expend less energy.

Planning a holiday? Ensure your pet is well taken care of with this guide.

Is wet food necessary?

While wet food isn’t strictly necessary, both wet and dry vet-approved cat foods offer quality nutrition. For older cats with dental issues or fewer teeth, wet food may be easier to chew.

Wet food also contributes to overall hydration, and is beneficial for cats dealing with health conditions such as kidney disease or lower urinary tract issues, which require increased water intake.

Dry kibble helps maintain dental health, while wet food ensures cats receive adequate moisture. Balancing wet and dry food in your cat’s diet can provide the benefits of both.

Avoiding overfeeding

Overfeeding can lead to obesity in cats, especially for a foodie cat – you’ve likely seen online videos of food-obsessed cats meowing incessantly or even stealing food. “The reason we worry about obesity in cats is there is a correlation between obesity and diabetes,” says Dr Uri Burstyn, medical director of Arbutus West Animal Clinic in Vancouver, Canada.

To prevent this, it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes and not fall into the trap of indulging your cat excessively.

Signs of overfeeding include noticeable weight gain, lethargy and changes in coat condition. Conversely, underfeeding may lead to weight loss, increased appetite and a lackluster coat.

Foods that are unsafe for cats

Certain human foods pose risks to cats.

Raw or undercooked meat may expose them to harmful bacteria while milk, despite its stereotypical association with cats, can cause digestive issues.

Additionally, substances like Xylitol (a sugar substitute), chocolate, garlic, onions, raw dough, alcohol and caffeine are toxic to cats. Grapes and raisins also pose a threat and can lead to kidney failure.

Keeping your cat in tip-top condition requires careful portion control, considering individual needs, and watching what it eats. When in doubt, consult your vet for tailored advice.