Learn more about common cat feeding questions.
Whether you just became a first-time cat parent or you’ve had many cats over the years, at one time or another (maybe right now), you’ve wondered about how much you should feed your cat and what kind of cat food you should use.
It seems that everyone has an opinion on this topic, so if you’re curious about the different ways and foods to feed your cat, The Vet Set will help guide you through this in today’s post.
Three Different Cat Feeding Styles
There are a variety of approaches when it comes to feeding your cat — dive more into the different methods to discover what’s right for you and your cat.
Free Feeding
Free feeding follows a method that allows your cat access to food at all times throughout the day. It’s important to note that this method only works with dry cat kibble because wet food should not be left out. There are different free feeders that dispense kibble as needed so it’s always available to your cat, or you can keep an eye on their food and fill it accordingly.
If you choose not to use a free feeder consider changing out food that has been sitting out for days at a time and replace it with new, fresh food.
Free feeding works great for kittens and young cats because they can learn intuitive eating at a small age and not overeat. This method can be harder for older cats because they do tend to overeat, and have a much harder time adjusting to this feeding method. If your cat begins to gain weight or has medical problems such as hyperthyroidism or fatty liver, free feeding is not the best option.
Advantages: Cats are able to learn intuitive eating and to pace themselves when eating on their own schedule. It’s also helpful if you go out of town for a day or two, knowing your cat can feed themselves and have food available.
Disadvantages: This method is hard for older cats to adapt to, and if you have multiple cats it can be tough to know which one is eating or if their eating patterns have changed.
Meal Feeding
Meal feeding is the most traditional type of feeding styles. Your cat is fed wet or dry food a couple of times each day, according to your schedule. Because cats thrive with routine, this is a great type of feeding style that helps them feel safe and keeps their stress levels down. If you’ve rescued a cat that was on the streets or came from a home with food scarcity, this method may be ideal because they can trust and know when their next meal is coming.
Advantages: You can monitor how much your cat is eating and if there is a change in their eating behaviors, and it’s convenient to feed them on your schedule. If you have multiple cats, each cat has access to their own food without having one dominating the food area.
Disadvantages: If you’re away from home a lot it can be difficult to establish a firm feeding schedule, so free feeding might be a better option in this instance. Your cat may also begin to beg for treats or snacks between feedings, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to fall asleep at night or you are hearing incessant meowing in the early mornings.
Combination Feeding
Combination feeding combines the free feeding option and applies it to their dry cat kibble and offers wet food as a treat or alternative to dry food. It’s important to familiarize your cat with both kinds of food — wet food greatly contributes to better hydration in cats which is vital for their health and helps prevent urinary concerns.
Advantages: This type of feeding allows cats the consistency of dry food, with the option of wet food every now and then as an alternative. You’re also able to monitor their appetite and you know they’re getting the nutritional benefits and hydration from wet food.
Disadvantages: Combination feeding can lead to obesity in cats if they’re unable to pace their feeding between dry and wet food. This feeding approach is also hard to determine a cat’s total food intake, especially if you have multiple cats in the household.
What Cat Food Should You Use
When it comes to feeding your cat, a combination of both dry and wet cat food is important and both have a place in your cat’s diet. High-quality cat food that is high in protein and fiber is always a must — talk to your local vet for cat food recommendations that supports your cat’s unique nutritional needs.
Wet cat food is typically 60 to 80% water, so extremely hydrating which is great for your cat’s kidneys. If your cat struggles with any urinary or kidney concerns, a primarily wet food diet may be beneficial.
What Is Right For You?
There are many approaches to feeding your cat and types of food and diets that can be helpful to their health. The Vet Set in Carroll Gardens specializes in feline care — learn more about specialized diets or schedule an appointment today!