Guide to Cat Treats
Dr. Roth
Posted by Dr. Roth on
Pet parents of cats know the importance of cat health. They often spend a lot of time trying to find the best foods to feed their cats. While cat food quality is important, so too is how much to feed a cat.
Both too little and too much food can lead to cat health issues. Underfeeding can lead to malnutrition and weight loss while overfeeding can lead to significant weight gain, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and a whole host of other complications. Pet parents need to provide an appropriate amount of food to ensure optimal health and happiness. The question is, how much is enough? Here’s what pet parents need to know.
There are a number of factors that play a role in how much to feed a cat. These factors include:
Like humans, cats have daily caloric needs. Those needs depend on the above factors. While pet parents can often find feeding instructions on the back of their cat’s food, their cat’s needs could vary significantly from those suggestions. If a pet parent is concerned about how much to feed their cat, the Fuzzy Veterinarian Team is available 24/7 to answer cat nutrition questions.
Many pet parents leave the food bowl out and full all day. While convenient, this isn’t generally a great idea for a cat diet. Cats should eat several small meals. Pet parents can divide their cat’s caloric needs into a set number of meals (between two and six) and feed their cats periodically throughout the day.
Pet parents may wonder whether they should feed their cat wet food or dry food. Many vets often recommend a combination of both. Wet food has a higher water content, which can help prevent kidney issues, and it often has more protein. Pet parents can leave dry food out longer, it's better for a cat's teeth because it doesn't buildup as much tartar on teeth as wet food, and it can be more affordable. Pet parents can offer cat dietary supplements to make up for nutrient deficiencies and should ensure their cat has plenty of access to clean water.
Knowing how much to feed a cat will help pet parents keep their cats healthy and happy. If they’re unsure of how much cat food to provide, they can schedule a consultation with their primary vet. Pet parents can also speak to real vets at any time with Fuzzy’s 24/7 Live Vet Chat. With the right cat advice, pet parents can provide the best life for their cats.