Learn how to keep your cat healthier through diet.
TYPES OF CAT FOOD
Dry food typically comes in large bags, so you don’t have to worry about running out of food very often. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cats who eat dry food need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Cats who eat wet food get a large amount of their daily water intake from it and may drink less when eating canned food. Look for a wet food with at least 75% moisture content.
WHAT TO AVOID FEEDING YOUR CAT
As a general rule, you should avoid feeding your cat most human food because some human foods are toxic to cats and any human food can lead to excessive weight gain in cats. Avoid feeding cats grapes and raisins, nuts, onions, and bones.
HOW OFTEN TO FEED YOUR CAT
Kittens eat smaller meals so they typically need to be fed three or more times per day. As cats grow and begin to eat larger meals, it’s not uncommon for them to eat two meals per day. As long as your cat is maintaining a healthy weight and not experiencing any health problems, feeding an adult cat once or twice a day is enough.
FREE-FEEDING VS. SCHEDULED FEEDING
If your cat stays active and only eats occasionally throughout the day, you can leave a bowl of dry food out for them to snack on. However, some cats overeat when they have constant access to kibble, so it’s important to watch their weight if you free-feed. Feeding your cat set portions once or twice a day instead helps you control their calorie intake, but may not work with every schedule. Timed feedings are preferred if you feed your cat wet food.
