Cat feeding schedule: how often and how much
By The Pet Care Card teamUpdated 5 min read
Short answer
Most adult cats do well on two measured meals a day, roughly 12 hours apart, though many owners split the same daily amount into three or four smaller portions because cats naturally eat little and often. Kittens under six months usually need three to four meals a day. Measure the daily amount from the food's guide for your cat's weight, and keep the times consistent.
The app does not provide medical advice or recommend medications or dosages. It only helps owners organize instructions they provide. Always follow your veterinarian.
Cats are grazers by instinct, but free-feeding dry food all day is one of the main reasons indoor cats gain weight. A measured schedule keeps portions honest and makes it obvious when a cat stops eating — which in cats is an urgent sign, not a minor one.
How often to feed
- Kittens up to 6 months: three to four small meals a day
- 6 to 12 months: three meals a day, moving to two as growth slows
- Adult cats: two meals a day, about 12 hours apart, or the same amount split into three or four portions
- Senior cats: two to four smaller meals, following any vet advice for kidney, thyroid or dental conditions
How much per day
Start with the feeding guide on the packaging for your cat's weight, then adjust to body condition. A cat at a healthy weight has ribs you can feel under a thin fat layer and a visible waist from above. Wet and dry food have very different calorie densities, so if you feed both, split the daily guide proportionally rather than giving a full portion of each.
Water, bowls and placement
- Fresh water daily, in a bowl away from the food
- Wide, shallow bowls — many cats dislike whiskers touching the sides
- Separate bowls and separate feeding spots in multi-cat homes
- Food away from the litter tray
- Wet food removed after 30 to 60 minutes if uneaten
What a cat sitter needs in writing
- Exact meal times and the amount per meal
- Brand and flavour, and where the food is kept
- Which bowl belongs to which cat
- Treats allowed per day
- Litter tray locations and cleaning frequency
- When to worry: a cat that has not eaten for 24 hours needs a vet call
A cat that stops eating is not just fussy
Cats can develop serious liver problems if they go without food for a day or two, so a missed meal matters more than it would in a dog. Tell your sitter explicitly how long to wait before calling you and before calling the vet, and put both numbers on the card.
Frequently asked questions
- Should cats eat twice a day or free-feed?
- Measured meals are usually better for weight control and for spotting a loss of appetite early. Two meals a day suits most adult cats, and the same daily amount can be split into more, smaller portions if your cat prefers grazing.
- How much wet food does a cat need per day?
- Follow the feeding guide on the specific product for your cat's weight, since calorie content varies widely between brands and flavours, then adjust based on body condition and your vet's advice.
- Can I leave a cat alone for a weekend with a full bowl?
- It is not recommended. Cats need fresh water, a clean tray and someone checking that they are eating and behaving normally. Arrange a sitter or a daily visit and leave written instructions.
- How long can a cat go without eating before it is an emergency?
- Contact your vet if a cat has not eaten for around 24 hours, sooner if they are also lethargic, vomiting or hiding. Prolonged fasting in cats can lead to serious liver complications.