Once you’ve chosen the best wet food for your cat, decide how much to feed it each time. For cats of various sizes and shapes, there are general guidelines for how much wet food you feed them. For example, a 5-pound cat with a thin body needs around 170 calories per day, while a 10-pound cat with a lean body needs roughly 280 calories per day.
How much wet food your cat needs may be found here.
The Causes of Cats’ Need for Wet Food
Many veterinarians believe that wet food should make up the bulk or the whole diet of cats. There are several reasons for this. Cats were not designed to eat a lot of carbs because they are obligate carnivores (if any). Dry food will always have a larger carbohydrate content than wet food. Many cats’ obesity is caused by eating dry food.
Second, cats frequently teeter on the edge of dehydration since they don’t drink a lot of water. In the diet, wet food naturally includes more water than dry food, which is good for the kidneys, urinary system, and overall health.
Should You Feed Your Cat Both Wet and Dry Food?
The first thing to decide is whether you’ll be feeding your cat exclusively wet food or a mix of wet and dry food. Even though it’s best to just give cats wet food, some cats prefer dry food and won’t eat as much if only given wet food. Additionally, because dry food is more affordable, feeding a portion of your family this way will be simpler on your money.
When giving your cat a mixture of wet and dry food, you might need to do a little arithmetic to be sure they are getting the proper amount of calories. It is easy to start by looking at the recommended daily feeding levels for each food category and reducing them.
It’s time to determine the wet-to-dry ratio and then determine how many calories are in the item. Be sure to feed a high-quality food that is deemed “complete and balanced” by the AAFCO, then calculate the number of calories in each serving.
How Much Wet Food Should Your Cat Consume?
Your cat’s calorie requirements are influenced by a variety of factors. Based on your cat’s weight, you may get a broad estimate of how much to feed it. However, it’s crucial to evaluate your cat’s physical condition. A healthy cat with a large frame and lean muscles may weigh 15 pounds. This cat will require more calories to maintain a healthy weight. However, a 15-pound cat with a smaller build will be overweight and need fewer calories. If a cat is overweight, feed her according to her ideal weight rather than her current weight.
The right amount of calories to consume depends on a person’s age and level of activity. A growing kitten needs a lot more calories than an adult or senior cat does. An active cat that engages in more running and playing needs eat more calories than one who spends a lot of time lying quietly. A mother needs extra calories during nursing in order to produce milk and keep herself healthy.
The first step in precisely estimating how many calories you should feed your cat is to ascertain how many calories he actually needs. The following general dietary suggestions for cats are provided by the National Research Council:
Kittens
- Due to their rapid growth, young kittens (2–6 months old) need a lot of nutrition. For this age group, the graph above frequently offers general recommendations.
- Feeding kittens a meal made for them is important since their needs for calcium and other minerals differ from those of adult cats.
- After six months of age, most kittens’ dietary needs start to decrease as their growth slows.
Fat domestic cats
- A 5-pound, trim cat needs about 170 calories per day.
- Approximately 280 calories are needed each day for a lean 10-pound cat.
- A 15-pound, lean cat needs about 360 calories each day.
- A 20-pound, lean cat needs about 440 calories per day.
Overweight domestic cats
- A 5-pound overweight cat needs about 180 calories per day.
- An overweight 10-pound cat needs about 240 calories per day.
- An overweight 15-pound cat needs about 280 calories per day.
- An overweight 20-pound cat needs about 310 calories per day.
Pregnancy cats
Following breeding, pregnant cats should continue eating and getting enough calories as usual for four to five weeks. They can then be switched to a kitten or growth diet when the amount given is increased.
- A 5-pound pregnant cat needs about 240 calories each day.
- A pregnant 10 pound cat requires about 390 calories each day.
- A 15-pound pregnant cat needs about 510 calories per day.
- A 20-pound pregnant cat needs about 610 calories per day.
Nursing cats
- Nursing queens should be freely fed a growth or lactation diet.
- The amount of kittens and their ages will determine how many calories the queen will eat.
- Large-lidded queens may need three to four times as many calories as usual.
- In contrast to dogs, cats continue to lose weight while feeding their young, despite eating as much as they can.
Irish Cat Food
You can use the feeding recommendations on the packaging as a reference for how much to feed. The diet’s website may go into more detail regarding suggested feeding amounts. You might need to adjust the quantity you feed your cat depending on how it responds. Change the dosage if you experience unwanted weight gain or loss. If your cat seems to be really hungry but isn’t gaining weight, you can increase the amount you feed it.
One three-ounce can of wet feed is typically recommended for every three to three and a half pounds of body weight per day. But brands are different.
An active, pleased cat will maintain a healthy weight. A well-fed cat will not only not appear hungry all the time, but will also maintain a healthy weight.
Don’t forget to bring your cat in for yearly or biannual wellness exams to make sure it’s in the best possible health.
FAQ
How long can wet cat food sit out?
Two hours. If your kitty doesn’t eat it all in one sitting, offer smaller portions a few times a day.
Why won’t my cat eat wet food?
Several reasons. If your cat won’t eat wet food, it could be because they prefer the texture of dry or moist food, or that they like their food at a different temperature. If your cat refuses to eat completely, you need to call your veterinarian ASAP.
Why does my cat try to bury her wet food?
Many cats try to bury their food when they have finished eating. It’s instinctual: Cats bury their food to keep them safe from predators.
