By the time you usually bring home a brand-new kitten at eight to nine weeks old, they’ve already gone through a significant transition: being weaned from milk to solid foods. However, you may find yourself in the trenches of new kitten parenthood at an even earlier stage. If you are fostering a kitten or have found a newborn, you have likely been bottle-feeding them milk or watching their mother nurse.

In these cases, you may wonder, “When do kittens start eating food?” Weaning is usually a natural process, particularly if the Mom is involved. If you’re bottle-feeding, the process may be a bit trickier, and you may have to help lead it. Regardless of your situation, understanding what to expect can help you know when to have kibble and water on hand as a kitten gets ready to wean. Consider this your guide.

When do kittens start eating food and drinking water?

The weaning process involves going from the mother’s milk to kibble and water, which is what a kitten will eat and drink in some form for the rest of their life. If the mother cat is around, she’ll know when the time is right to start weaning, and it’s best not to interfere.

Generally, kittens will start to be ready to take small tastes of solid foods and water at around three to four weeks. The food and water are complimentary at this young age, so don’t worry too much if they play with it more than they eat it. They’re still getting most of their nutrition from Mom or a formula in a bottle.

What do you feed a 3-week-old kitten?

A 3-week-old kitten will get all of their nutrition from their mother’s milk or formula if they are being bottle-fed. Some kittens may be ready for solid food at three weeks. If the birth mother is around and nursing, steer clear of interfering with the process — Mom and babies will know when the time is right to begin weaning.

If you are bottle-feeding a kitten, discuss whether the introduction of solids would be a good idea. Waiting until the four-week mark may be best, based on the kitten’s readiness. Even if you do begin solids at three weeks, a kitten’s primary nutrition source will remain milk or formula.

What do you feed a 4-week-old kitten?

You’ll start by feeding the tiny cat what’s known as “gruel,” or moistened cat food, as well as some dry kibble, formulated for baby cats. A small-batch gruel recipe calls for one-half can of wet kitten food with one-quarter can of formula. Put half of a can of gruel and dry food in one dish in your kitten’s crate and a bowl of water in another dish.

Adult cats generally drink 50 to 60 milliliters of water per kilogram or 2.2 pounds of body weight. You can put that out for a kitten, but don’t be surprised if she doesn’t drink it all. The kitten should still have formula three times per day (about every eight hours), or she should be allowed to nurse as desired.

How do you introduce kittens to food?

Remember, weaning is a process, and it may be a little harder for a bottle-fed kitten to navigate without the instincts of their birth mother. No need for any kitten-parent guilt, though — you’re doing a ton to help lay a great nutritional foundation for the little one. Patience and monitoring will be essential as your kitten transitions to a new dietary source.

At four weeks, offer the gruel, dry food, and water, but don’t stress about how much the kitty’s eating. You do want the kitten to start getting used to the taste and texture, though. If you’re bottle-feeding, you can offer gruel off a spoon or from a tongue depressor if the kitten doesn’t seem to be eating from a dish.

At five weeks, swap baby cat kibble for kitten kibble and formula for water when making the gruel. If you were using a tongue depressor at four weeks of age, try to transition from it by slowly lowering it towards the dish of gruel to signify that’s where the food is going to be in the future. Keep half a can of kitten kibble in a dish for each kitten you are caring for, plus gruel or wet food. Set out a water bowl too.

Weeks five and six are transitional. You want to keep feeding kittens milk or formula plus kibble to mitigate any digestive issues. Slowly reduce the amount of formula while increasing the amount of kibble. By seven weeks, the kitten should be eating mainly dry food, and he should be fully weaned at eight weeks.

Final word on caring for and feeding newborn kittens

If you’re caring for an orphaned kitten, you may be confused about when you’re supposed to start feeding him solid food. It’s a slow process that takes about a month. Weaning may also look a little different for nursed kittens and bottle-fed cats. First, let the mother take the lead if you’re looking after a mama cat and her kittens. Interfering as she weans her kittens from nursing can make it more challenging for everyone.

Whether the kitten is eating from Mom or a bottle, you can start putting out gruel, dry food, and a water dish at four weeks. Let the kitten explore and don’t worry too much about how much they’re eating. Most of their nutrition and hydration are still coming from milk or formula. You’ll gradually reduce the amount of milk or formula the kitten gets while increasing solid foods, and eventually, your kitten will only eat cat food and will only drink water. As always, discuss any concerns with a vet.

It opens with a tiny gray kitten putting her little paws up to an equally tiny water fountain. She spends some seconds examining it before diving in to attempt a drink only to be surprised by the splashiness. So kitten takes a different approach: standing up on the edges of the fountain to get at the water from the top. Kitty gets in a few licks until her paw winds up in the water — needless to say, the little fuzzball does not like that. The video ends with the gray cat shaking off her now slightly damp paws and giving up (we suspect she has a real water dish somewhere else).

Nearly every commenter had the same thing to say: Adorable. It’s truly unanimous on this one. ann!!! added, “It looks confused,” while Josh remarked, “He’s got his own infinite supply of water.” Still ☆Technik Inf☆ probably summed it up best with “awwwwww.” Truer words have never been spoken.

How much water should cats drink?

As an adult, your feline should be drinking water pretty consistently, if they’re eating dry food. The recommended amount is about an ounce of water for every half of an ounce of food. But wet food means they’re getting some of the liquid with their meal, and you’ll see a cat eating that go for the water bowl less frequently. Altogether, the right amount of water for cats is 1/2 cup of water per five pounds every day. For kittens who don’t even yet weigh five pounds, you’ll see them drink up to about half a cup, depending on age, size, and climate (the warmer the weather, the more they have to drink). If your animal does seem dehydrated, you should check in with your vet as this can be a symptom of bigger issues.

So should you give your kitty running water? Many cats prefer it since it’s similar to drinking from a stream, but you might have to teach them how to go about it. One option is to try out both a bowl and a cat water fountain to see which your individual cat prefers and then stick with that. Perhaps you’ll get an adorable video in the process.

If you have a cat obsessed with food, you’re probably all too used to hearing them beg for food constantly, especially anytime you go into the kitchen. However, if your cat begging for food is getting out of hand, you’ll need to step in and make some changes to discourage this begging. Plus, some foods aren’t safe for cats to consume, anyway.

Cats may beg for food because of boredom, habit, or hunger, so getting to the root of your cat’s behavior is essential when trying to change it. These tips can help you better understand how to get your cat to stop begging for food, so mealtimes become much less stressful for you both.

Start with a trip to the vet

If your cat is always begging for food, it could indicate a health issue. Worms and intestinal parasites could be feeding off your cat and making them feel like they’re always hungry. Hyperthyroidism is a common health condition that can also make cats feel continuously hungry. Other health issues like cancer and diabetes can have a similar effect.

If your cat has recently developed this new behavior, it might indicate a physical issue. Make an appointment with your vet to have your cat checked over, just in case. In many cases, treating the underlying health issue can leave your cat feeling satisfied again and make the begging behavior disappear.

Break up mealtimes

If you’re feeding your cat just once or twice a day, they might actually be hungry and might be begging because of that hunger. Try breaking up your cat’s meals into smaller, more frequent feedings and see if this resolves the issue.

You don’t necessarily have to be available to feed your cat many times each day. Instead, you can use an automatic feeder that releases food on a timer. This can break up mealtimes and helps keep food in your cat’s tummy throughout the day.

Evaluate your cat’s nutrition

A diet lacking in the nutrition your cat needs can also leave them still feeling hungry, even after they’ve emptied their bowl. Check the feeding directions on your cat’s food to make sure you’re feeding enough, and if you’re feeding a lower-quality food, consider upgrading to see if that helps. You might want to discuss your cat’s diet with your vet to make sure that it’s appropriate for their age and health needs.

You can also try changing the types of food you’re feeding. Wet food tends to be more filling, so if you’re not feeding wet food, try gradually adding it to your cat’s diet. Alternatively, you can add water to your cat’s dry food to help your cat feel a bit fuller, sooner.

Change where you feed your cat

If your cat’s food bowls are in your kitchen, chances are you walk through that room multiple times a day. When your cat sees you head for the kitchen, they probably think you’re going to feed them, and they start to beg.

Try moving your cat’s dishes to a quieter part of the house, like a laundry room or guest bathroom, where you spend less time. Since you’re not constantly walking by the bowls, your cat won’t necessarily expect that you’re getting up to feed him.

You might also try removing your cat’s food dishes after they’ve finished with a meal. Some cats fixate on the fact that their dishes are empty and use that as an indication that they should ask for more food, even though they’ve just eaten. Removing the dish might help avoid this reaction.

Introduce plenty of play

If your cat is begging because they’re bored, they might benefit from increased playtime during the day. Try to hold at least a couple of play sessions with your cat. These sessions can help distract them and keep them entertained, so they’re less likely to think about when they’ll be getting their next meal.

Ignore your cat

As harsh as it sounds, pretending not to hear your cat begging for food might be the best way to curb the habit once and for all. We only recommend this step after your vet has ruled out any potential health problems, as ignoring your cat’s cries should never be your first line of defense. However, if your fur baby has a clean bill of health, you can safely tune out their incessant mewing.

Because cats respond to positive reinforcement (your attention in this case), they’re more inclined to continue what they were doing when you acknowledged them. If that happens to be meowing loudly, you’re actually reinforcing their behavior.

Once your cat realizes you’re the person who feeds them, they’re likely to beg, at least sometimes. Avoid giving in to the begging, since this just proves to your cat that they’ll get food if they beg for it. Instead, try the above solutions and see if you can figure out what’s motivating your cat to beg for food. Ensuring that they’re full and entertained can help reduce the begging and keep them more content. These solutions probably won’t work immediately, and your cat may beg out of habit, but with some time and patience, you may see a difference in your cat’s behavior.

As a cat parent, you may be interested in incorporating fruit into your fur baby’s diet. Many fruits can provide nutritional benefits for your feline companion, but can cats eat blueberries? We have some good news. One of your favorite superfoods is perfectly safe for your cat to eat in moderation, but before you share blueberries with your kitty, you should be aware of the potential side effects. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about giving your cat blueberries.

Benefits of giving blueberries to cats

Blueberries are a low-calorie fruit packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy treat for your kitty. An excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, blueberries can help boost your cat’s immune system and prevent infections. Additionally, blueberries are high in fiber, which can aid in digestion and help even regulate your kitty’s bowel movements.

In terms of minerals, blueberries contain essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Potassium is essential for healthy muscle function, as it can help regulate blood pressure, while magnesium is necessary for bone and muscle health. Lastly, manganese helps support your cat’s metabolism.

Potential risks

While blueberries can provide some nutritional benefits for cats, it’s also important to keep in mind that they should only be given in moderation. Too many blueberries can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting in some cats. Also, the seeds and skin of blueberries can be potentially harmful to cats if ingested in large quantities. The seeds can cause digestive problems, and the skin can be difficult to digest for some cats, leading to digestive discomfort.

When feeding your cat blueberries, it’s essential to consider their individual dietary needs and any existing health conditions. If your cat has a history of digestive issues or is prone to urinary tract infections, it’s best to avoid feeding them blueberries altogether.

Safety tips for feeding blueberries to cats

To properly incorporate blueberries into your cat’s diet, start by giving them a small piece or two and watch for any adverse reactions. If all goes well, you can gradually increase the amount you give your kitty. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and not overdo it with any treat. Too many treats can lead to weight gain, causing a whole host of problems.

It’s also important to prepare blueberries before feeding them to your feline friend. Wash the berries thoroughly to remove any potential pesticides or harmful bacteria, and remove the stem and leaves. You can also mash or puree the blueberries for easier digestion and to eliminate potential choking hazards.

Blueberries can be a safe and healthy addition to your cat’s diet in moderation, and they may provide some health benefits. As with any new treat, it’s best to start off with small amounts and monitor your cat’s reaction before increasing the serving size, which helps reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues. With proper preparation and moderation, blueberries can be a tasty and nutritious treat for your feline friend.

Keeping your cat safe is your top priority, which makes knowing the symptoms of chocolate ingestion vitally important. Knowing the proper steps to take in case your cat eats foods she shouldn’t might just save her life. Here’s what you should know.

Is chocolate bad for cats?

According to Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine. Both of these ingredients are toxic to cats, and if a cat ingests large amounts of these substances, they can die.

Certain types of chocolate are more harmful than others. While milk chocolate is still toxic, dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate both contain higher amounts of cocoa. Cocoa contains both caffeine and theobromine, making these types of chocolate more toxic than other varieties.

In short, it’s important to never let your cat eat chocolate.

What to do if your cat eats chocolate

If your cat accidentally eats chocolate, it’s important to act quickly because your cat’s condition can rapidly worsen. According to Dr. Evan Ware at Wedgewood Pharmacy, a cat who is experiencing chocolate poisoning might exhibit signs like vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and rapid breathing. His temperature may become elevated, and he might display rigid muscles. If the condition progresses, then your cat could experience seizures, a heart attack, a coma, and ultimately, death.

If you think your cat is experiencing chocolate poisoning, then you need to take him to your vet or the nearest emergency clinic right away. Try to provide the vet with as much information as possible, including the type of chocolate your cat ate, how much he consumed, and when he ate it.

Your vet will examine your cat and may conduct laboratory tests, including a chemical blood profile and an ECG to examine your cat’s heart function. In some cases, your vet might induce vomiting to help remove any remaining chocolate from your cat’s stomach. Your cat may also be given intravenous fluids to keep him hydrated and help his body cleanse out the toxins.

Other foods that are toxic to cats

Chocolate isn’t the only food that’s toxic to cats. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services notes that many common foods like grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, raw dough, alcohol, uncooked eggs, and raw meat are toxic (or at least unhealthy) for cats.

To be safe, only feed your cat human foods that you know are safe and healthy for him. Carrots, green beans, bananas, and cooked chicken or turkey without the skin or bones are all good options. Also, be sure to consider whether your cat has any health issues that might affect which foods he can safely consume. It’s always best to discuss dietary changes with your vet.

Keeping your cat safe around toxic foods

Many cats don’t find chocolate to be a highly appealing flavor, so it’s somewhat rare for cats to experience chocolate poisoning. However, it’s still important to take steps to keep your cat safe when you have toxic foods around. If you’re hosting a party, ask your guests to avoid feeding your pets any human foods. Keep pets out of the kitchen and any rooms where food is being consumed. When you’re unable to supervise food directly, make sure that it’s secured and covered, so your pets can’t access it.

Closing thoughts

It can be tempting to give your cat bits of food off of your plate, but this can lead to accidental poisoning, especially if you’re feeding him from a dish that’s been cooked with spices or onions. If you do give your cat treats, prepare those foods separately and only give your cat these treats in moderation. Sudden dietary changes can upset your cat’s digestive system and lead to problems like vomiting and diarrhea.

Feeding lots of human foods can also prompt your cat to eat less of his regular cat food, which is nutritionally balanced specifically for cats. This can result in your cat not getting enough nutrition. Additionally, feeding your cat high-calorie human foods can lead to weight gain and obesity. To be safe, it’s best to stick to cat food and cat treats, as well as the occasional bit of human food that your vet has approved.

1. Turkey

Have you ever wondered, “Can cats eat turkey?” The answer is “yes.” While you don’t want to serve your cat the crispy skin from a Cajun-fried turkey that’s been heavily seasoned with spices, a few bites of turkey meat provide your fur baby with a protein-packed snack. But don’t give your cat more than an ounce of turkey in one sitting, and make sure there aren’t any bones in your fur baby’s snack, as they can present a choking hazard.  

2. Broccoli

Antioxidant-rich broccoli is yet another holiday favorite that your cat can safely enjoy. Because cats are lactose intolerant, you should serve the broccoli steamed, without butter, and unsalted. Broccoli is also high in fiber, making it a great snack for cats who suffer from occasional constipation. You’ll want to start off slowly if you’ve never fed your cat broccoli before. While it’s generally well tolerated, broccoli may cause flatulence, stomach cramping, and diarrhea in some cats. 

3. Apples

Your cat is in for a treat if an apple pie is a must-have on your Thanksgiving dinner menu. Just like us, cats derive nutritional value from the pectin, calcium, and vitamins found in apples. Apple peels also boast phytonutrients, which combine with other nutrients to improve their efficacy. Slice an apple into tiny bites — no cinnamon and sugar for your kitty — and your cat will be able to enjoy a sweet and tasty snack this Thanksgiving. 

4. Dinner rolls

While bread has no nutritional value for cats, a few morsels of a fully cooked dinner roll won’t cause any harm. Please refrain from giving your cat undercooked bread, as uncooked dough releases alcohol and carbon dioxide into the bloodstream. Uncooked yeast also causes swelling in the stomach, which can have potentially life-threatening consequences.

5. Pumpkin

We don’t advise feeding your fur baby a slice of pumpkin pie, but roasted or pureed pumpkin makes excellent snacks for cats. Pumpkin contains lots of fiber, calcium, potassium, vitamins, and water, so it’s nutritionally dense and hydrating. Some vets actually recommend pumpkin to help cats with digestive issues, so your fur baby shouldn’t suffer any gastrointestinal upset from this brightly hued snack. 

6. Bananas

Fruit salad is a common Thanksgiving dish in certain parts of the United States, especially in the South. You’ll want to skip this treat if your cat suffers from diabetes. While bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, they’re also high in sugar. You should also note that the banana’s high fiber content may cause digestive issues in some cats. When in doubt, give your fur baby a tiny bite to make sure she can digest it easily. (And remove all the stringy bits left behind by the peel; they can be a choking hazard for your kitty.)

7. Potatoes

Whether you boil them, bake them, or mash them, potatoes are a Thanksgiving Day essential. Luckily for your cat, she can eat them, too. Make sure your potatoes are thoroughly cooked before you feed them to your cat. Uncooked potatoes contain a chemical called solanine that is toxic to cats, so take precautions to properly dispose of uncooked potato peel when you’re prepping for dinner. Cats can also eat sweet potatoes, provided they aren’t drenched in butter and sugar before you serve them.  

Our cats are part of our family, and what better time to celebrate family than during Thanksgiving? Not all holiday foods are safe for your feline friend, so make sure to consult a list of what you shouldn’t feed your cat just to be on the safe side. When in doubt, speak to your vet before feeding your fur baby human food. Your vet knows anything in your cat’s medical history that could make human food a no-go, and they can recommend serving sizes if your cat is able to share in the family feast. 

Posted to both the r/AnimalsBeingGeniuses subreddit and the r/FunnyAnimals subreddit, this video features a cat who has learned how to work the office water cooler (we won’t lie: Our break room conversations would be a lot more fun if a cat were involved). This adorable cat stands on their tippy toes, just barely able to reach the nozzle, and then drinks to their heart’s content. The sound you don’t hear on the video, but absolutely hear in your head watching this cat drinking water? Mlem, mlem, mlem.

The internet, of course, found it both adorable and concerning.

Huge_Dentist7633 proclaimed, “Face it people, cats are brilliant.” Redditor TheMoistTeaBag, however, noted, “I find this very scary for some reason…”

And they weren’t alone, with many Redditors chiming in with predictions for what cats will learn to accomplish next. The guesses ranged from using can openers, freezers, and coffee machines to lethal drones and nukes. For our part, our money is on kitchen appliances and not world-ending weapons. While we don’t doubt that cats are smart enough to take over the world, it’d honestly probably end up being too much work for them — better to get us to do it and snack on that tuna instead.

As GreenLoctite joked about the video, “What? That water on the floor? No, not my problem. I was just drinking my water. You are the servant, get the mop.”

To be fair, the kitty did seem interested in lapping up the water from the water cooler’s tray, and someone did helpfully place a towel at the base of the cooler (leading us to believe that this is probably a routine trick for this cat).

Some were worried about kitty’s safety, with Wendellrw noting, “I hope the heater isn’t turned on for the hot water nozzle.” But Redditor CommonConfusables was quick to remind them: “Hot water nozzles usually have a safety feature that requires holding a button and then pulling the tab. It requires two hands or talented fingers.”

(Of course, we don’t really put anything past cats when they put their minds to something.)

Others just wished their cats were this committed to staying hydrated. “If my cats could actually drink this much water, I’d put a dispenser in every single room.” IllegallyBored lamented.

Cats need about ½ cup of water per five pounds of body weight daily (though this intake can be gotten through other means, such as wet cat food, which is typically 70-80% water). Still, if your cat isn’t getting enough water, they might be like the one in this video and prefer a running stream of water to a bowl — and there are certainly cat water fountains you can get to help your cat reach their water goals. (Or you can just invest in a water cooler, set up a camera, and enjoy.)

How long can cats go without food and water? The answer may surprise you. Here’s everything you should know.

Why do cats hate water?

Contrary to popular belief, not all cats hate water. What most cats hate is being given a bath. Fortunately for pet parents, only a few cat breeds (like the Sphynx) require frequent bathing. While big cats like tigers and panthers are fond of taking a dip in lakes and streams, your miniature panther will probably avoid it at all costs — and for good reason. Cats are agile creatures, and having a drenched coat weighs your kitty down, hindering her movements.

Additionally, cats have a keen sense of smell — 14 times stronger than that of a human — which means they can pick up on chemicals in water that our comparatively rudimentary olfactory senses can’t detect. That being said, the feline hatred of water isn’t a universal trait. Abyssinians, American bobtails, American shorthairs, Bengals, Maine coons, Manx cats, Norwegian forest cats, Turkish Angoras, and Turkish Vans usually have an affinity for water. And, no matter how cats feel about swimming, they all need plenty of water to drink. 

What happens if a cat doesn’t eat for 3 days? 

While it’s possible for a cat to survive for up to two weeks without food, cats can survive for only three days without water. However, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat to survive. Without a constant source of protein, it’s more likely that cats will survive only three to four days without food, regardless of whether they have access to fresh water. After three to four days without food, a cat’s organs will begin shutting down.

Dog and human livers can support the body on energy stores, meaning we can last longer without food. A cat’s liver lacks this capability, and as cats begin to lose weight from lack of nutrition, the body’s fat stores begin to infiltrate the liver. Unless a cat consumes enough calories to replace their fat stores with energy, a life-threatening complication known as hepatic lipidosis occurs, resulting in liver failure.

Cats should never be left unattended without adequate amounts of food and water. If you have to leave town, you should board your cats or hire a pet sitter to ensure that her needs will be met while you’re away.  

How long can stray cats go without food?

Just like our pampered house cats, stray — often confused with feral — cats have the same dietary requirements. Because cats are biologically hardwired to use protein as an energy source, they need meat to survive. However, unlike house cats, stray cats don’t have access to a consistent source of food and water. You may want to leave out fresh food and water if you have stray cats in your area, or you can set up a humane trap and bring them to your local no-kill shelter.

Feral cats vs. stray cats

Feral cats want nothing to do with us and will most likely run away if you approach them. If a cat seeks you out for cuddles, they’re probably a stray cat. Dealing with feral cats has become an issue of frequent debate, with some believing they should be euthanized, while others promote TNR programs (short for trap-neuter-release). Organizations capture, spay, and neuter feral cats, and then return them to their colony. Stray and feral cats have limited resources, which makes population control essential to supporting local colonies. In an ideal world, every cat would find their forever home. Until that day, shelters, rescues, and TNR programs are their best bet for survival. 

How you can help

Keep your indoor cats inside, make sure they’re vaccinated, and have your fur babies spayed and neutered to help prevent overpopulation and the spread of infectious diseases. Take in strays if you have the space for them, or foster them temporarily until a home opens up. Contact your local animal rescue, shelter, or volunteer program if you’re interested in helping feral cats in your area. 

What to do if your cat has stopped eating and drinking

Cats can be finicky creatures. You may only need to clean their food and water bowls to prompt them to eat. Similarly, your fur baby may turn up her nose at her food bowl if you’ve recently switched to a new cat food. Typically, cats will eat new food when they get hungry enough. But it’s time to go to the vet if your cat still refuses to eat and drink for 24 hours. Dehydration and malnutrition can have potentially fatal consequences, and you should never take chances with your fur baby’s health. 

You can feed cats anywhere from one to five times a day, depending on their individual needs. After all, it’s no secret that every cat has a distinct personality, right? No matter how often you feed your cat, their feeding schedule can impact their digestive system, energy level, and overall happiness, so finding the perfect balance is essential. Like many other animals, cats love routine, and once they learn their feeding schedule, they’ll happily remind you of it.

There are factors to consider when determining how often you should feed your cat. Read on to find out what to keep in mind.

Consider your cat’s age

A cat’s age impacts how often you should be feeding them.

• Kittens: Kittens should be fed more often throughout the day. They require more food per pound of body weight than adult cats because they are in a vital growing stage. If they don’t get enough nutrients and calories, it can inhibit their growth and cause problems later on. You should feed kittens younger than six months of age four or five times a day, while kittens older than six months of age require about three feedings per day for the healthiest growth rate. 
• Adult cats: Once kittens reach one year of age, you can switch their feedings to once or twice a day. You should feed your adult cat at the exact same time each day. If you’re feeding your cat twice per day, offering food once in the morning and once in the evening is recommended to help maintain a healthy digestive system. With a consistent feeding schedule, it’s also easier to notice any discrepancies which could indicate an underlying medical issue. You should always contact your veterinarian with any concerns you may have.

Overall, it’s necessary to consider your cat’s age when determining how often to feed them because different stages of life have unique requirements. Whether you feed your cat once a day or your kitten four times a day, keep the timing consistent for optimal health.

Be aware that health issues may impact feeding requirements

There are many health issues that affect cats. In this case, their diet and feeding frequency needs to be specifically designed to meet their needs.

• Diabetes: If your cat is suffering from diabetes, you may need to feed them at the same time you give them their insulin. You’ll need to center your cat’s feeding schedule around their insulin injections.
• Hyperthyroidism: This disease will typically make your cat want to eat constantly. An overactive thyroid gland can cause a cat to feel extra hungry and consume more than they need. You can keep your cat comfortable with frequent, small meals, but it’s important not to overfeed them. Make sure to seek veterinary care if your cat is showing signs of hyperthyroidism.
• Dental issues: As cats age, their teeth and gums become more delicate and tender. One way to combat this issue is with wet cat food. Consistency is key when feeding older cats because their digestive systems are sensitive, and any slight change could cause stomach upset.

Incorporate your personal schedule

You can’t feed your cat if you’re at work, so tailor your cat’s feeding schedule around your day. If you have a set workday schedule, then it’s easy to feed your cat once in the morning and once at night. If your schedule is a bit more hectic, a late-night or early-morning feeding once a day may better suit your needs. Regardless of your schedule, do your best to feed your cat at the same time every day.

Choose the food that’s best for your cat’s individual needs

Many cat owners give their cats a combination of wet and dry food. A dry food diet is fine, but choose a high-quality option that is balanced and nutritious. Additionally, make sure your cat always has access to fresh water, as dry food is not nearly as hydrating as wet food.

Dry food typically lasts longer than wet food. If wet food is left out too long because your cat didn’t finish his meal, you’ll have to throw it away. Your best bet is to experiment with your cat to see what he likes best. Just be sure that your cat isn’t overeating; obesity isn’t just a problem for people. If your cat is overweight — or underweight — consult your vet to determine the best course of action.

Although caring for a cat might be challenging, it’s also rewarding. Cats thrive on a consistent diet and feeding schedule because they are creatures of habit. Consider your cat’s age, underlying health issues, and your schedule to create the perfect feeding routine for your cat. You will find yourself loving the consistency as much as they do.