If you’re wondering what to feed cats, we uncover the facts below.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat a meat-based diet. But whatever food you choose to feed your cat, how much you give them also matters. Here’s how to calculate how much your cat should be eating, plus how to know if you’re feeding your cat too much.
How much should my cat eat?
How much your cat eats depends on a few different factors, including their:
- Age
- Weight
- Activity levels
- Current body condition score
Most food brands include recommended quantities based on your cat’s weight or size. These are a good starting point but remember they’re a rough guide. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask your vet for advice.
If you have cat insurance with Petplan you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to connect with vet professionals 24/7, to ask for advice on your cat’s diet. Simply log in to your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area.
What determines how much your cat should eat?
Some cats need to eat more than others – for example, kittens and pregnant females will need more food than an adult cat.
Cats that have been neutered generally need fewer calories per day, as their metabolism slows down once their bodies no longer produce sex hormones. If your cat has recently been neutered, ask your vet for advice about how much they should be eating.
Senior cats also usually need to eat less per day, as their activity levels drop. Every cat is an individual so if you’re not sure whether you’re feeding your cat the right amount of food, it’s best to speak with your vet for tailored advice.
What do you feed a cat?
Domestic cats should eat food designed to meet all their dietary needs. For most cats, this will be a complete cat food, which you can buy at supermarkets, pet stores, online or at your vets.
Look for a food brand approved by UK Pet Food, and designed for your cat’s age – cat food is usually available in kitten, adult and senior formulations. You can also find foods for specific health issues – for example, weight loss, food allergies and urinary health.
If your cat enjoys variety, choose a brand with a few flavours available. In addition to your cat’s main food, you can also feed them small amounts of shop-bought or homemade treats. These shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily diet, and remember to subtract these calories from your cat’s daily allowance.
How many times a day should you feed your cat?
Most cats like to eat small meals spread throughout the day, so it’s a good idea to split their daily ration into smaller portions depending on their age:
- Kittens: 3-4 meals per day
- Adult cats: 2-3 meals per day
- Senior cats: 2-4+ meals per day
Feed your cat the same time each day and remove any uneaten food. Leaving food out in between meals means your cat may eat when they’re bored, which can increase the risk of them becoming overweight.
How much food is too much for a cat?
The best way to tell if your cat is eating too much food is to keep an eye on their body condition score (BCS). If your cat is a healthy weight, they should have a BCS score of 4 or 5 out of 9.
Overweight or obese cats will have a higher score, and are at higher risk of developing health related issues like diabetes. Underweight cats will have a BCS score of 1 or 2. If you’re concerned about your cat’s weight, speak to your vet for advice. They’ll be able to determine how much you should be feeding your cat, plus offer advice around how to help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
How much dry food should my cat eat?
A typical portion of dry food for an adult cat is 40-80 grams per day – but this also depends on the calorie content of your chosen brand. Make sure to follow the guidelines on the packet.
If your cat only eats dry food, keep an eye on how much they drink each day. Cats don’t have a high thirst drive, so if they only eat dry food, they may become dehydrated.
How much wet food should my cat eat?
As wet food has a much higher water content than dry food, you’ll need to feed more of it per day. A typical portion of wet food for an adult cat is around 300 grams per day, split into multiple meals. Again, the exact quantity recommended will depend on your chosen brand.
How did you decide what to feed your cat – and how much to feed them? Head over to Petplan’s Facebook page and share your advice with other cat owners.