Cats should generally be fed according to their life stage and individual needs:
- Kittens (up to 6 months): Best fed three to four small meals daily to support their rapid growth and high energy needs. Free feeding is not recommended as it can lead to obesity and digestive issues
- Older kittens (6 months to 1 year): Feeding twice daily is usually sufficient as growth slows down
- Adult cats (1 year and older): Most adult cats do well with two meals per day, typically spaced about 8 to 12 hours apart, such as morning and evening. This aligns with their natural crepuscular hunting behavior. Some cats may benefit from more frequent smaller meals (3-4 times daily) to maintain energy and prevent obesity, but one meal per day can be acceptable if portion sizes and calorie intake are managed carefully
- Senior cats (10 years and older): Usually maintain the same feeding schedule as adults unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian
Cats have small stomachs and their stomach empties in a few hours, so feeding at least twice daily helps prevent hunger and related stress or health problems like nausea from excess stomach acid
. Establishing a consistent feeding routine also benefits cats by providing predictability and helping detect health issues early if appetite changes
. In summary, feeding your cat twice daily is a widely recommended standard, with kittens requiring more frequent meals and some adult cats benefiting from additional smaller meals throughout the day. References:
- Kittens: 3-4 meals/day; adults: 1-2 meals/day
- Feeding routine benefits and stomach physiology
- Flexibility based on individual cat and lifestyle
