Meal feeding

Meal feeding means giving a cat measured portions at planned times, such as two to four meals a day, instead of leaving a bowl out. The food is picked up if not eaten within a set time. Kittens usually need more frequent meals than adults.

The method has advantages. You know exactly how much the cat eats, so it is easier to keep its weight steady, and a drop in appetite shows up quickly. It suits wet food, which should not sit out for hours. It also makes it simpler to feed different foods to cats in one home, to give medicines with a meal and to build a routine that a cat can rely on. Some cats become anxious or noisy when meal times are late, and an automatic feeder can help.

Measure food with a scale or a proper scoop, not by eye, and count treats in the daily total. Ask your vet to work out a portion for your cat's weight and condition, see resting energy requirement. Many cats do well with a split between meal times and a puzzle feeder. Tell your vet if a cat skips meals for more than a day, since cats can become seriously ill when they stop eating.