French author Francois de la Rochefoucauld said that “to eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”
Feeding a cat looks simple enough at first glance. You buy a bag of food with a picture of a cat on it, dump it in a bowl, and wait for your cat to eat when they’re hungry. It’s an approach that can work, but it doesn’t always bring out the best in your kitten or cat.
Feeding your cat intelligently involves a little more care.
In this cat feeding guide, you’ll learn how to nourish your cat from kittenhood through their senior years. You’ll find out how much to feed your cat at different life stages, how many meals they need per day, and which types of food are best.
We’ve broken down your cat’s dietary needs by age group, giving you a roadmap for good nutrition at every stage of life.
Your Cat’s Dietary Needs Evolve Over Time
As your cat moves through kittenhood, early adulthood, and beyond, their nutritional needs will change. Meeting those requirements at every phase of life sets the stage for good health.
Your first stop when choosing the right food for your cat? The nutritional adequacy statement.
Usually located on the back of the bag or can, this statement indicates whether or not the food is nutritionally complete and balanced for its intended life stage. The label will read, for example, “…formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO cat food nutrient profiles for all life stages.”
Foods that aren’t nutritionally complete and balanced will usually be labeled “for supplemental feeding only.” These foods don’t contain the appropriate balance of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and shouldn’t be your cat’s sole source of nutrition.
While you’re looking at the label, check out the feeding instructions, as well. For the average house cat, the appropriate feeding instructions are usually placed on the packaging of the cat food.
The nutritional guidelines on the package will point you in the right direction, though you might need to make some modifications to fit your cat’s exact needs.
Here’s a guide on how to feed your cat during the different phases of their life.
Cat Feeding Chart
Your Cat Needs Water Too
In addition to the correct food regimen, it’s also important that a cat has access to clean water. Proper hydration helps to prevent constipation and reduces the risk of urinary system diseases like urinary tract infections and blockage.
Access to fresh water is essential, regardless of if your cat eats dry or wet food.
Consult With Your Veterinarian for More Advice
Even with the knowledge shared in this article, you should consult with your veterinarian for your cat’s individual dietary needs. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the ideal diet and feeding regimen for your cat based on your cat’s age, lifestyle, dietary preferences, and overall health status.