Those of us who live with cats tend to leave the food bowl freely available to them. This habit can be due to many reasons, such as long work days or simply for convenience. However, we must take into account the particularities of feline nutrition so that this practice does not become a problem, especially if we do not control how much food our cat eats. Fortunately, this fact does not pose a major inconvenience if we know how to feed our cat. how much should my cat eat.
Cats, unlike dogs, tend to be animals that regulate their food intake and usually eat in a spread-out manner throughout the day. However, we must take into account some essential factors for their correct development and well-being.
How much food does a cat need?
The recommended daily amount of food for a cat will depend on several factors, such as age, the type of food we offer (dry, wet or dry food). raw diet), the level of physical activity and whether or not the cat is neutered. Not all cats have the same needs, so it is essential to ensure that they are consuming the right amount of calories and nutrients for their life stage.
Adult cats Cats usually require between 200 and 300 grams of wet food per day, depending on their size. In the case of dry food, the quantities are considerably smaller, since it is a food much more concentrated in nutrients. For example, an adult cat weighing 4 kg may need between 45 and 65 grams of dry food per day.
Generally, it is recommended that more active cats, such as those with outdoor access, consume more calories than indoor cats, which tend to be calmer and prone to weight gain if their food intake is not controlled.
Cat food according to age and type of diet
The amount and type of food a cat needs varies throughout its life. Below is a breakdown of a cat's nutritional needs based on its life stage:
Kittens up to the last four weeks of age
Newborn kittens are completely dependent on their mother's milk, which provides them with the nutrients necessary for their proper development. If the mother is unable to feed her kittens, it is essential to provide them with adequate nutrition. formula milk specific for cats until they can eat solid foods. It is not recommended to give cow's milk, since cats are lactose intolerant.
Kittens between four weeks and two months
When the kitten reaches four weeks, it begins to show interest in solid food. At this stage, it is advisable to rehydrate dry food with water or use wet food specifically for kittens. At this stage, their diet should be richer in calories and proteins, since they are still growing.
Generally speaking, a kitten will need between 3 and 4 daily intakes, consuming between 150 and 200 grams of food per day distributed in several small meals.
Young cats (over six months old)
From six months onwards, food intake can be reduced to two or three times a day, beginning to adapt the quantity to their adult weight. At this stage it is crucial that the feed or wet food offered is formulated for young cats, as they will require certain specific nutrients to consolidate their physical development.
Adult cats
In the case of adult cats, the number of feedings can be reduced to two a day, always monitoring the amount of food he eats to make sure he is not overeating, especially if he is sterilized.
A sterilized cat may require up to 30% less calories than an unsterilized cat, because they tend to become less active and more prone to weight gain. For these cats it is advisable to offer a specific low-calorie food.
Senior cats
Senior cats, considered to be those over 7 or 8 years old, have a slower metabolism and may require a diet low in fat and more digestible proteins, as their digestive system may not process food as efficiently as it once did. It is also common for older cats to prefer wet food, as it is easier to chew.
How to make a diet change
Throughout your cat's life, you may be forced to change its diet, whether due to health issues, food preferences, or economic reasons. It's important to make these changes gradually to avoid digestive problems.
A sudden change in your cat's diet can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach upset. To prevent this, it is recommended to gradually mix the new food with the old one over a period of one or two weeks. This way, the cat's digestive tract will gradually adapt to the new type of food.
If the change is from a raw diet (BARF) to dry food or wet food, the process may take longer and the cat may initially reject the new food. In these cases, it is advisable to start by introducing wet food and then gradually introduce dry food.
Factors to consider for optimal nutrition
To ensure that your cat receives adequate nutrition, you must consider different aspects that will influence its overall health:
- Kind of food: Always choose quality food, as cheap foods often have a higher amount of by-products and fillers, which can negatively affect your cat's health.
- Age and weight: Caloric needs vary depending on the age and physical development of the cat.
- Health: If your cat has health problems such as allergies, obesity or kidney problems, consult your veterinarian to design an appropriate diet.
- Lifestyle: Cats that live indoors will need fewer calories than those that have access to the outdoors, since their physical activity is less.
Taking care of your cat's diet is key to its well-being and longevity, as a balanced diet can prevent diseases such as obesity or kidney disease, which are common in cats. Depending on your feline's age, weight and physical activity, adjusting the portions and type of food is vital for it to enjoy a healthy life.