Ask any cat owner, and they’ll tell you the best way to feed a cat is the same way they feed their cat.
Cats are notorious for being picky eaters. But, like people, every cat is different, so finding a feeding schedule that suits them can take quite a bit of trial and error.
That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind when trying to find the best way to take care of your furry friend.
If you’re a new pet parent and are stressing over your kitten’s food, don’t panic!
Here’s everything you need to know about how to feed a cat, to help you find the best method for you and your favorite feline.
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Types of Feeding
First things first, you’ll need to determine a feeding method and schedule.
When and how you feed your cat depends on several different factors. The number of cats you have and where your cat spends the most amount of time can all affect their eating habits.
Here are three of the most common feeding methods and how you can put them in place in caring for your cat.
Free Feeding
While this feeding method can work in multi-cat households, it’s usually best for those who only have one cat.
Free feeding involves leaving a bowl of dry cat food out all day to allow your feline friend to grab a bite whenever they want.
This type of feeding also is a preferred method for outdoor cats, as they often eat the small animals they hunt, which satisfies their need for wet food.
Set Feeding
For multi-cat or indoor cat households, or owners who need to monitor their cat’s eating habits, set feeding is the best option.
Set feeding usually involves feeding your cat a set amount of wet food at a specific time every day. This method is fantastic for indoor, elderly, or cats that don’t get a lot of activity as it limits the access they have to food.
This style of feeding is also a great way to get your cat settled into a schedule.
Mixed Feeding
Mixed feeding can be tricky for some cats, but it’s great for cat parents who have hectic and unpredictable schedules.
As its name suggests, this method is a combination of free and set feeding. It involves leaving out a bowl of dry food in addition to feeding your cat wet food a few times a day.
Know How Much to Give
Because it can be difficult for a cat to lose weight, it’s essential that you avoid overfeeding them.
As a general rule of thumb for healthy adult cats, you should only feed them 20 calories per pound if they’re indoor cats. If your cat spends most of their time outside, you should feed them 35 calories per pound.
The packaging of your pet’s food often includes feeding guides to help you determine how much you should be feeding them.
Choose the Right Food
Finally, choosing the right food for your cat is vital to their health.
Your cat’s age, health, and activity level can help you determine the best food option for them. And, like with the food you eat, you always want to make sure that the cat food you choose contains only the best ingredients.
How to Feed a Cat
As any seasoned cat parents will tell you, felines can be super finicky when it comes to their food.
When in doubt, pay attention to your cat’s behavior. Unlike dogs, cats will usually let you know when they’ve had enough — at least at first. Cats are also not shy about making it abundantly clear when they don’t like their food.
Know that you know how to feed a cat, it’s time to start pampering your favorite feline.
If you’re looking for more life tips, tricks, and hacks, we can help. We have dozens of articles to help you and your fur-baby start living your happiest and healthiest lives. Check them out today!
