Feeding schedule by age
| Age | Meals per day |
|---|---|
| Under 3 months | 4 or more small meals |
| 3 to 6 months | 3 to 4 meals |
| 6 to 12 months | 2 to 3 meals |
| Adult (1 to 10 years) | 2 meals, or several small ones |
| Senior | 2 or more smaller meals, as appetite allows |
Free-feeding vs set meals
Leaving dry food out all day suits some lean, active cats. For many indoor cats it leads to slow weight gain, and in multi-cat homes you can't tell who is eating what, so a drop in appetite (often the first sign of illness) goes unnoticed. Measured meals, or a timed feeder, make portions and appetite easy to track.
How much in total
A typical 10 lb (4.5 kg) indoor adult cat needs roughly 200 to 250 calories a day. That might be one 3 oz can of wet food plus about 1/4 cup of dry, but brands vary a lot. Use the cat food calculator for your cat's weight and the wet food calculator to convert to cans.
Practical tips
- Feed at the same times each day; cats like routine.
- Puzzle feeders slow fast eaters and add activity.
- Throw out wet food left for more than about 4 hours.
- A cat that hasn't eaten for more than a day needs a vet call, as fasting can trigger liver problems in cats.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to feed a cat once a day?
Some adults cope, but most do better with at least two meals. One large meal can lead to vomiting and very hungry, demanding cats.
Should I feed wet or dry?
Both can be complete diets. Wet food adds water, which helps cats that don’t drink much. Many owners mix the two.