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Cats are often thought of as low-maintenance pets, but it’s still important to spend time determining what to include in their diet, so they can remain happy and healthy for life. Overfeeding can lead to health hazards and obesity, and underfeeding can lead to malnutrition and deficiencies, so what is the balance? How much food does your cat really need? Here are several factors to consider to get you on the path to properly feeding your feline companion.
Your Cat’s Age
Your cat’s age will tell you a lot about how much they should be eating and how frequently. In general, adult cats should eat two to four small meals per day, while kittens require more frequent feedings to satisfy their energy needs as they grow. Senior cats’ nutritional needs may vary as well because as they age, they may require a different balance of nutrients in order to maintain their health.
The Size of Your Cat
This one is pretty straightforward. Bigger cats need bigger meals. Breeds such as Maine Coons are significantly larger; therefore, they will be required to eat more than a smaller cat. Even with cats of the same breed, smaller-framed animals typically require less food.
Metabolic Rate and Activity Level
It’s important to determine your cat’s metabolic rate and activity level. If your cat is a couch potato, they probably are not burning the same amount of calories as a cat that routinely spends their days zipping around your house playing.
Reproductive Status
Spaying and neutering your cat will reduce the necessary calorie intake of your cat. Pregnant cats will require a lot more food to satisfy the nutritional demands that reproduction brings. Therefore, if your cat is pregnant, it’s important to feed her frequently and supply her with extra fresh water.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions are linked to weight loss or weight gain, requiring a specialized diet that helps to prevent their condition from worsening. Depending on the nature of your cat’s health condition, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with an accurate guideline of how their diet should look, including when to feed them, how much, and what kind of food.
Contact your cat’s veterinary professional today to learn more about mastering your cat’s dietary needs!