Feed your cat high-moisture, meat-based, low-carb food that is appropriate for carnivores. How much you feed depends on your individual cat.

No more feeding dry food. No more 24/7 buffet.

Feed high-quality dehydrated or freeze-dried meats and organs as treats.

How to feed your cat FAQ answered here:

Check out the guide today or pin the image below to your Cat Food board on Pinterest.

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What’s the best way to feed a cat?

Cats are obligate carnivores. So the best way to feed a cat is properly balanced raw food. Raw matches the cat’s natural diet the best.

The next best way to feed a cat is human-grade, high-protein, low-carb wet food.

These are the best cat food options:

  • Homemade cat food recipes.
  • Hare Today. Best for homemade cat food ingredients.
  • Viva Raw. Best complete raw for all life stages. Use code JESSCATICLES for 20% off.
  • Quest Cat Food. Best freeze-dried raw for all life stages. Use code JESSCATICLES for 20% off.
  • Smalls. Best wet food for all life stages. Use code CATICLES for $5 off.

Dry food (no matter who makes it) is too low in meat-based protein, too high in carbs, and too low in moisture for cats.

Cats cannot survive and thrive on dry food only.

Please transition to new foods slowly. Use my switch to raw blueprint.

How many times a day should I feed my cat?

You should feed your adult cat 2-3 times a day and feed your kitten 5-6 times a day. Meals should not be longer than about 12 hours apart.

Determine how many times a day to feed your cat based on your cat’s individual needs and your personal schedule.

My adult cat eats an appropriate homemade raw diet, and I work from home. So my cat’s feeding schedule may be different than yours.

How many times a day I feed my cat:

  • 6:30 am breakfast
  • 9:30 am treats with clicker training
  • 12 pm hunting for treats
  • 6 pm dinner

Some medicated cats need to eat at specific times throughout the day within a specific window.

Kittens eat a lot of food compared to their size. So smaller, more frequent meals are more appropriate for them.

Check out my cat feeding schedule chart guide. Or watch the video below.

How much should a cat eat in a day?

How much a cat should eat in a day depends on your cat’s individual needs and the food that you’re feeding.

There is no magic “feed this amount” number. You have to determine how much to feed your cat.

For adult cats

You need to use 3 things:

  1. Body condition score
  2. Your cat’s weight
  3. Cat food label

A body condition score card will tell you if your cat is overweight/obese (eating too much), ideal (eating just right), or underweight (not eating enough).

Your cat’s weight will help you determine how much to feed based on the cat food label.

Use the cat food label as a general guideline to determine how much to feed. And adjust as necessary.

Check out how much should a cat eat. Or watch the video below.

Is your cat overweight? Check out my cat weight loss program.

I highly suggest weighing your cat/kitten weekly and keeping a diary. Check out my printable and digital planners to help you stay on track.

For kittens

Kittens should eat the amount of food that’s required for their adult projected weight.

For example, let’s say your kitten’s adult projected weight is 10 pounds. Feed your kitten the amount of food required for a 10-pound cat.

Use the cat food label as a general guideline. And adjust as necessary.

Check out kitten care guide for more advice.

How many treats can I give my cat a day?

Healthy treats should not exceed 10% of your cat’s total daily intake for the day. Remember to remove equal parts of your cat’s food so you do not overfeed your cat.

For example, let’s say your cat eats 4 ounces of food total daily.

The maximum amount of treats to feed a day is 0.4 ounces. Remove this amount from your cat’s food, and you will feed 3.6 ounces of food total.

These are the best cat treats:

Keep in mind that most cat treats on the market are just as bad as dry food.

Is free feeding good for cats?

No. Free feeding is not good for cats. It is unsanitary to leave food out all day. And free feeding can cause overeating and unnecessary weight gain.

All food (especially dry food) is at risk for growing bacteria, mold, and rancid fats the longer it sits out.

Wild animals do not get the chance to overeat. Instead, they have to hunt for their food.

Indoor cats do not hunt. But they still have this natural instinct. Most indoor cats seek out food because of this natural instinct. Not always because they are hungry.

So free feeding can cause your cat to overeat and gain unnecessary weight.

Is it normal for cats to be picky?

It is normal for cats to be picky. This is a natural instinct that all cats have. Cats thrive on routines and don’t like sudden changes.

Most cats are picky about new food because this is a sudden change. But it is possible to switch your picky cat’s food. You just need time and patience.

It’s important to work with your picky cat until he adjusts to new food. Start by feeding at scheduled mealtimes then mix new foods slowly and gradually.

My cat transition plan will help your cat adjust to new food beautifully.

Why are cats picky?

Cats are especially picky when they eat dry food only. Many manufacturers spray flavor enhancers called “palatants” on the food to make it more enticing to eat.

Cats often develop an addiction to these flavor enhancers. They can also get picky about textures and smells.

What feeding essentials do I need?

Ditch plastic. Plastic traps bacteria, even with regular washing.

Go with stainless steel, ceramic, or glass. These are more sanitary. Just make sure there is no lead, BPA, etc.

Additionally, cats prefer flat food plates. Their whiskers are very sensitive. So cats don’t like when their whiskers touch the sides of bowls.

This constant touching causes whisker fatigue, and it can be stressful.

You may want to use food puzzle toys for your cat’s treats. This is a great way to simulate the hunting experience indoors.

Hunting for treats provides mental stimulation which can prevent stress and boredom.

Shop for feeding essentials on Amazon: US, CA.

On Chewy:

Final thoughts on how to feed your cat

How you feed your cat is completely based on your cat’s needs and your schedule.

The healthiest way to feed a cat is as close to their natural diet as possible.

Ditch dry food and feed more high-moisture foods: wet or raw.

Feed your cat portioned meals at scheduled mealtimes to maintain an ideal weight.

And only feed healthy treats!

Need help staying on track? Check out my cat care planners!

Hey friends! It's Jess and Jericho helping you feed your cat better! If you're ready to ditch low-quality processed cat food and nourish your cat with real food, then this website is for you.