How often should you feed a cat?
Feeding a cat is mostly a question of getting two things right: how often, and how much. Two or three small meals a day; many cats also do well with portion-controlled free feeding if weight is stable. That rhythm changes with age, so treat the sections below as your starting point and then adjust to the individual animal in front of you.
How often to feed a cat
Two or three small meals a day; many cats also do well with portion-controlled free feeding if weight is stable.
Short answer: Two or three small meals a day; many cats also do well with portion-controlled free feeding if weight is stable.
How much to feed
Most adult cats need roughly 20–25 calories per pound of body weight per day — about 200–250 kcal for an average 10 lb cat.
Getting it right in practice
- Wet food adds hydration; cats have a naturally weak thirst drive.
- Use wide, shallow bowls — deep bowls press on whiskers and some cats refuse to eat from them.
- Water fountains increase drinking for many cats.
- Weight gain is the single most common feeding mistake; weigh monthly.
How feeding changes with age
Kitten (0–12 months)
Frequent meals, litter training, scratching post training, play-based socialization, vet vaccination schedule.
Adult (1–10 years)
Stable routine, weight control, daily play, tooth care.
Senior (10+ years)
Lower-sided litter box for arthritic joints, ramps or steps, softer bedding, twice-yearly vet checks.
Common feeding mistakes
- Eyeballing portions. Measure with a cup or a scale for the first month at least — most owners underestimate how much a cat actually eats.
- Switching food too fast. Change over 7–10 days, increasing the new food gradually.
- Reading the wrong life stage. Feed two or three small meals a day; many cats also do well with portion-controlled free feeding if weight is stable. for the age your animal is now, not the age it was when you got it.
- Ignoring body condition. Weight is the clearest signal you have. Weigh monthly and adjust portions before the weight becomes a problem.
Related questions
How many litter boxes do I need?
One per cat, plus one extra, on different floors if you have more than one level. This is the single most effective fix for a cat who starts avoiding the box.
How often should I change cat litter?
Scoop solid waste every day. Fully dump and wash the box every 2–4 weeks for clumping litter — more often if you have multiple cats sharing.
Why does my cat knock things off shelves?
Usually a mix of hunting practice and attention-seeking: an object that moves when batted is rewarding, and you reliably react. Give a sanctioned bat-able toy and stop reacting to the shelf version.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry. If your cat is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.