HOW MUCH FOOD & WHEN?
Cat calorie requirements depend on the age of the cat, their activity level, their weight and their metabolism. A young, active cat is going to require more food than one who is older, less active, or needing to lose weight. Kittens need about double the amount of food an older cat their weight would, to ensure they have the nutrients to grow properly. In general, an active, younger and/or intact cats will need around 20 calories per pound of body weight, while those older and/or inactive cats will need around 15 calories per pound of body weight. Kittens need around double of younger cats, meaning somewhere around 40 calories per pound. Of course, each cat is an individual and may need more or less than the average. If you are concerned about your cat’s weight or other health, please follow up with your veterinarian.
Most healthy, adult cats are fine to eat 2-3 times a day, depending on your own schedule. Kittens and elderly cats, need multiple small meals throughout the day, to ensure they are getting proper calories.
MULTIPLE BOWLS
To ensure that all cats are eating the amount they should be, it is advised to have a bowl for each cat, and to feed them separately. This can help ensure that your cat is healthy and eating as it should be, as well as prevent stress from the fight over the same bowl. Animals that share a bowl are known to have food bowl anxiety, as they are worried they won’t get their full amount.
WHERE TO FEED
Cats should be fed in a quiet area away from busy traffic and other cats. Creating a small nook for them to eat can help ensure they aren’t stressed while eating. They should be fed away from their water bowls/fountains and their litterboxes, as being near either of those items can cause them not to eat.
OVERFEEDING
Be careful not to overfeed your cat, as a surplus of calories could cause obesity. Obesity comes with it’s own health issues, and a shortened lifespan, so keeping your cat at a healthy weight is best for everyone. If you are concerned that your cat may be overweight, your veterinary team can help you create a plan to safely lose the weight. If you feel you are not overfeeding your cat and they are still putting on weight, a trip to the veterinarian for some bloodtests might be in order to ensure they are in the best health they can be.
DEALING WITH A FUSSY EATER
If your cat becomes a fussy eater, there are a few things you can do. Not eating is one of the first signs that your pet may be sick, so it’s always best to check with a veterinarian if this is a sudden change. Once we know our cat is healthy, we can try things such as different flavours or brands of wet food, or adding toppers to their dry food. Unlike dogs, cats cannot safely go without eating, so we need to ensure we are doing what we can. Another thing to consider is the cleanliness of their bowl — it should be washed after each meal.