How much food does a cat need to eat in one day?

FEELGOODTOO: How much food does a cat need to eat in one day?
I know all cats are different. But I have just adopted another cat. He is absolutely gorgous. I have another cat too. My other cat eats about 5 pouches of food a day with some biscuits sprinkled on top, so I am feeding my new cat the same too. But my new cat just want’s to eat all the time. Do you think I should feed him any more than I am already feeding him. Or is he just a bit greedy?

Thank you all so much.

Answers and Views:

Answer by leo
a bowl full

Answer by Smalls
5 pouches already sounds like a lot of food to me. Just give him some dry food to nibble on.

Cats will over eat if you let them. And then turn into huge fatties. LOL.

Answer by Amanda
Might be cause he new and it difference food.

Answer by Guru
Most people who set up timed-feedings feed twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night. I feed my cat at 8 or 9 when I wakeup and maybe 7 at night. If your cat is getting overweight switch to timed-feedings. Just set it up where one of you feeds him once in the morning and once at night. Maybe put a calendar on the refrigerator and have whoever feeds the cat that day make a tally mark on the calendar showing that he was fed in the morning and same at night that way you can keep track, but it’d probably be best if only one person takes on the responsiblity of feeding the cat so there is no confusion. You might also want to take a look at this question I asked a while back:

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Sometimes cats tend to overeat if they’re not getting a good quality diet.

And my cat always likes to jump on the counter but I think it’s just cause she’s curious, not cause she’s hungry, but if you feed him from that counter than it might be cause he’s wanting food. Try not to overfeed him though because that can lead to health problems in the future.

Answer by cordylou
5 pouchs?? wow thats alot of food my cat only eats 1 pouch with biscuits a day and she doesnt always finish tht. i think you should feed you cat the same i think 5 pouchs is more than enough food i think if he/she would be just being greedy if wanted more food goodluck 🙂

Answer by Kalia
I just leave a bowl out so they can eat whenever they are hungry. Unless they have an eating dissorder, they won’t over eat or under eat.

Answer by HandyMan
Fill his bowl in the morning and if it is empty in the afternoon then refill it.
He needs about 80% wet food, 20% dry food. He must also have fresh water available all the time.

Answer by Stacey B
I have three cats and the best thing to do is feed twice a day. Feed in the morning at a time that suits you and then again in the evening also at a time that suits you. Make sure you stick to the times or they will persistently bug you. Good luck.X

Answer by ACT
Some cats will only eat enough, but many cats will eat too much. Just because your cat is begging for food doesn’t mean it needs it. Follow the instructions on your food bag as well as the advice of your vet. You might end up feeding your cat less than recommended as the recommendations are usually a bit on the high side.

Many cats will eat out of boredom or because they like the flavor. Both situations can lead to a fat cat! Keep in mind that most cats are a little overweight. Cats shouldn’t have a pudgy belly at all. They should be lean!

Answer by Lucy M
The first place to start is to look for feeding guidelines on the package, they are an excellent place to start. Remember that these are guidelines only and that your pet’s age, activity level and environmental temperatures all have an effect on how much your pet needs. The best method is to weigh your cat regularly and increase the amount of food if your cat appears to be losing weight and decrease the amount if your pet appears to be gaining weight. Many pet stores and most veterinarian offices have scales you can use to weigh your pet.

Young growing pets should be fed two or three times per day, with newly weaned kittens being fed three times a day and older growing kittens being fed twice a day. Adult cats can be fed free choice, once a day or twice a day depending upon the cat and owner preference. Adult dogs or cats that are overweight and are being fed to lose weight should be fed twice a day to help minimize the risk of begging.
The first place to start is to look for feeding guidelines on the package, they are an excellent place to start. Remember that these are guidelines only and that your pet’s age, activity level and environmental temperatures all have an effect on how much your pet needs. The best method is to weigh your cat regularly and increase the amount of food if your cat appears to be losing weight and decrease the amount if your pet appears to be gaining weight.The best way to weigh your cat is to hold it and weigh both of you together, then weigh yourself alone and minus the difference, so that your cat doesnt keep running away from the scales before you have a chance to find out his/her weight. Many pet stores and most veterinarian offices have scales you can use to weigh your pet.

I have a cat who is quite fat but still is always begging for more food. But I cant give it to her or else she’ll become even more fat.

Answer by old cat lady
I think it can depend on the cat. When Alexander came into my home he had seventeen years of Science Diet and Fancy Feast. I use higher quality foods and for months he seemed insatiable. He was slightly underweight when he came into my home and gained about a half pound. Then he almost cut his food consumption in half.

Another poster mentioned that it can depend on what the feeding background of the cat has been. I really think Alexander needed to “catch up” on some quality nutrition.

Answer by diane
sounds greedy
i have 6 cats and they have 2 tins between them a day and 2 helpings of dry food each
this is spread in to 3 meals
they used to eat alot more but i cut it down and they have accepted this now

Answer by turtwigfan555
i know a cat and he keeps eating in-till he’s full but he’s fat if you don’t mind a fat cat then feed him dry in-till he’s full and give him a can every other day.