How many times a day should a cat eat? It depends mainly on their age, but there’s one rule that works for almost all cats: they’re made to eat little and often. In the wild, they hunt small prey throughout the day and night, and their stomach is adapted to that. Here’s how many meals to give at each stage, how to split their dry food and which signs suggest something isn’t right.
How many times a day a cat should eat by age
These are the usual guidelines. If the food manufacturer or your vet says otherwise, follow their advice.
- Weaned kittens, up to 4 months: 4 meals a day. They grow very fast and have a very small stomach.
- From 4 to 6 months: 3 meals a day.
- From 6 to 12 months: 2 or 3 meals a day, on kitten food until your vet says it’s time to switch to adult food.
- Adult cats: at least 2 meals a day, without much more than 12 hours between them. Many cats do better with 3 or 4 smaller meals.
- Senior cats: small, more frequent meals usually suit them better. Any change in appetite at this stage is worth a trip to the vet.
How much food to give your cat a day
The number of meals doesn’t change the total amount: the daily portion is split across the meals you give. To get it right:
- Start from the feeding table on the packet, worked out for your cat’s ideal weight, not their current one if they’re carrying a few extra kilos.
- Weigh the dry food on kitchen scales. The measuring cup and guessing by eye are easily off, and a few extra grams a day show up after a few months.
- If you combine dry and wet food, reduce the dry food in the right proportion; don’t add two full portions together.
- Count the treats. They should make up a small part of what your cat eats in a day; if you give a lot, take a little off their portion.
- Adjust to their body. When you run your hand along their sides, you should be able to feel the ribs but not see them. If you’re unsure about their weight, ask your vet to assess it.
Food in the bowl all day or meals at set times?
Leaving dry food out all the time works for some cats who only eat what they need. The problem is that many indoor cats, especially neutered and less active ones, end up eating more than they burn. On top of that, with a bowl that’s always full, it’s hard to know how much they’re eating and to notice in time if they lose their appetite.
That’s why most cats do better eating at set times, with the day’s amount already weighed out. If you spend long hours away from home, an automatic feeder with portion control helps keep mealtimes regular. Wet food shouldn’t sit in the bowl for hours: remove whatever is left and keep the open tin covered in the fridge.
In autumn and winter, keep an eye on their weight
With the cold and shorter days, many indoor cats sleep more and play less. If the portion stays the same, it’s easy for them to put on weight without you noticing. Keep weighing their meals, set aside a few minutes a day to play with your cat and don’t increase the portion on your own: if you think they need to eat more, talk to your vet. And if your home is cold, find out how to tell if your cat is cold.
If your cat eats too fast
Some cats wolf their food down in seconds and then bring the kibble back up almost whole. In these cases, it helps to:
- split the daily amount into more, smaller meals;
- spread the dry food on a wide, flat plate instead of a deep bowl;
- use a slow feeder, such as the Velia Select slow feeder, with a bowl and raised zones that help them eat more slowly and keep them busy while they eat;
- keep the bowls apart if you have several cats, so none of them eats in a rush for fear of missing out.
You’ll find more ideas in our guide my cat eats too fast. If the vomiting keeps happening, also read what to do if your cat is throwing up after eating and talk to your vet.
When to see the vet
Take your cat to the vet if they go a day without eating, if they lose or gain weight for no obvious reason, if they vomit often or if they start drinking much more water than usual. In cats, not eating, even for a short time, is not something to ignore. And if you change their food, do it gradually, over several days.