Cat feeding guide

The best place to start is on the back of the pack as each pet food will have a different composition of energy, macro and micro nutrients. You’ll need to know how much your cat weighs.

If you’re feeding more than one type of cat food, you’ll need to take into consideration the recommended amount on the pack for both. Then divide them accordingly.

The total amount you feed your cat should be divided across all meals you feed. For adult cats, one meal per day is adequate although some cat owners like to provide two meals per day. Others allow grazing on dry food throughout the day.

Cats prefer to dine alone so if you have more than one cat, try to establish a separate place for each cat to eat. Provide them with their own bowl of food and water.

The amount of food you give to your cat is highly important as it can lead to a cat that is either in the healthy weight range, or underweight or overweight. Most domestic cats lead quite sedentary lives so overfeeding is a common problem. Obesity is the most common nutritional issue seen in cats. An overweight cat is more susceptible to health issues including arthritis, diabetes and urinary tract issues.

The mistake many cat owners make is that in addition to the regular cat food, they also give their kitty extra bones, treats or human leftovers. It’s this extra food that can be the culprit for overweight cats so be sure to account for extras you give.

The best sign of whether your cat is the right weight is their shape. The cat should have a distinct waist with the outline of the ribs slightly visible. Make sure you can feel them with your fingers if they have a lot of fur. Your vet can advise you if you’re unsure.