🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 48 (from laksa062)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa048.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/cat-food/how-often-should-i-feed-my-cat\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/cat-food/how-often-should-i-feed-my-cat\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/how-often-should-i-feed-my-cat","crawl_time":1776276853,"first_indexed_time":1605497605,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,dailypaws!www,\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/how-often-should-i-feed-my-cat s443","src_root_hash":"6239965237218936248","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How Often Should I Feed My Cat? Figuring Our Your Feline's Feeding Schedule","meta_descriptions":["Should your cat be on a feeding schedule or be allowed to graze all day? Read on to see how often you should feed your kitty as she grows and her nutritional needs change."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nCats' nutritional needs change with age, so their diet should be adjusted accordingly.\nScheduled feedings help monitor food intake, while free feeding may lead to overeating and obesity.\nCombining wet and dry food introduces feeding flexibility and prepares cats for potential dietary changes.\nBringing home a kitten or older cat is always exciting. But worries about feeding can be a bit overwhelming. As your kitty grows, her nutritional needs will change. So determining how often to feed your cat is key. There are a couple of main factors to feeding that you need to take into account, namely the specific nutritional needs of your cat given the stage she is in and what approach you want to go with when providing food. The good news is that putting some thought now into how often you feed your cat can help ensure a healthy life for your feline friend.\nFeeding Your Cat at Different Ages & Stages\nA cat's feeding habits will change as they age. Their\nnutritional needs\nwill, too. \"We know that kittens and reproducing cats, queens specifically, have higher nutrient needs than adult cats at maintenance,\" said Cailin Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVN, and Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist. Beyond that, Heinze said there is not much research that has been done to tell pet owners what a one-year-old cat needs versus a much older cat in terms of nutrients. \"There are a lot of senior cat diets out there, but there are no standards by which those diets have to be designed to meet,\" Heinze says.\nAccording to Heinze, it's possible your older cat might benefit from a senior food, but also possible that they will not. Her best advice is remembering that your cat's diet is going to depend on your specific animal and making a plan for what nutrients they need at that stage of their life.\nYour cat's weight and health issues will also play a role in determining what and how often they should eat. Asking your veterinarian for guidance, especially if they are on a\ntherapeutic diet\n, is always an option or you can use a\ncat food calculator\nto select a food that is best.\nWhen & How You Feed Your Cat Matters\nYou also need to decide how you'd like to feed your cat. Remember that once you decide on a method, your cat will get used to it.\nFree Feeding a Cat\nIf you feel like your cat is hungry all of the time, you might consider free feeding. This method allows your pet to eat multiple small meals per day when she decides she is hungry because food is sitting out at all times—obviously dry food only, since wet food can spoil. But proceed with caution. Free feeding is more likely to lead to overeating and\nobesity\n, which Heinze said should be a major concern for cat owners.\nFree feeding also makes it difficult to notice\nchanges to your kitty's eating habits\n, which can be signs of distress. If you decide to go this route, measuring out the food you give your cat on a daily basis is still important. Fill the bowl only once per day to help your cat learn to graze instead of gobble. If you choose free feeding, keep in mind that it may be tricky to transition to scheduled feedings should the need arise.\nScheduled or Meal Feeding a Cat\nYou could go with scheduled feedings, sometimes called meal feeding, starting when your cat is young. Serving your kitten (or cat)\nwet or dry food\nat a certain time of the day is the best way to closely monitor how much your pet is eating. This is particularly helpful in multi-cat households. You may find your feline begging for food in between meals, however. Many experts say that a kitten should be fed\nup to three times a day\n, but once a cat turns one, feeding them twice a day is acceptable.\nCombination Feeding a Cat\nOf course, you could choose to focus on a combination of the two feeding options. This is a great way to feed your cat canned food—twice per day at set times—and dry food, which is available freely throughout the day. It allows both you and your kitty to have some say in when and how much she eats. Plus it can be beneficial to have your\ncat eat both wet and dry food\n. Heinze says that cats develop food preferences at a young age, yet there may be times later in life when they need to switch from one to the other. So introducing both wet and dry food is important for feeding flexibility.\nRegardless of which method you choose, it is important to set up a place for your cat to eat in peace and quiet because felines prefer to dine alone. And if you are a multi-cat household, each cat should have their own food and water station.\nFood puzzles\nare a great activity to keep meal time fun for your cat as well, as their natural instinct is to work for their food. Wet or dry, any food that is left at the end of the day should be tossed to ensure that your feline is always feasting on fresh food.","attrs_markdown":"\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/how-often-should-i-feed-my-cat#main)\n\n[Daily Paws](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/)\n\n- Please fill out this field.\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/how-often-should-i-feed-my-cat)\n- [Sweepstakes](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/sweepstakes)\n\nPlease fill out this field.\n\n- [Dogs & Puppies](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/dogs-puppies)\n  Dogs & Puppies\n  \n  - [Dog Breeds](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/dogs-puppies\/dog-breeds)\n  - [Common Dog Conditions & Treatments](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/dogs-puppies\/health-care\/dog-conditions)\n  - [Dog Training](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/dogs-puppies\/dog-training)\n  - [What Can Dogs Eat](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/dogs-puppies\/dog-nutrition\/what-can-dogs-eat)\n  - 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[Pet-Friendly Home](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/living-with-pets\/pet-friendly-home)\n  - [Pet Costs](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/living-with-pets\/pet-costs)\n  - [Holidays & Celebrations](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/living-with-pets\/holidays)\n  - [Traveling with Pets](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/living-with-pets\/pet-travel)\n  - [End-of-Life Pet Care](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/living-with-pets\/end-of-life-care)\n  - [DIY Project Ideas](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/living-with-pets\/diy)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/living-with-pets)\n- [Pet News & Entertainment](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment)\n  - [Pet News](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment\/pet-news)\n  - [Adoption & Rescue Stories](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment\/adoption-stories)\n  - [Unlikely Friendships](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment\/unlikely-friendships)\n  - [Feel-Good Stories](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment\/feel-good-stories)\n  - [Animal Advocacy](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment\/animal-advocacy)\n  - [Hero Animals](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment\/hero-animals)\n  - [Pet Food & Product Recalls](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment\/food-product-recalls)\n  - [Dog Shows & Competitions](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment\/dog-shows)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment)\n- [Pet Gear & Apparel](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel)\n  - [Dog Supplies](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel\/dog-supplies)\n  - [Dog Toys](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel\/dog-supplies\/dog-toys)\n  - [Pet Cleaning Supplies](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel\/cleaning-supplies)\n  - [Pet Gifts](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel\/pet-gifts)\n  - [Cat Supplies](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel\/cat-supplies)\n  - [Carriers & Travel Gear](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel\/travel-gear)\n  - [Pet Tech](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel\/pet-tech)\n  - [Training & Behavior Products](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel\/training-products)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel)\n\n[About Us](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/about-daily-paws-7105242)\n\n# Just How Often Should I Really Be Feeding My Cat?\nShould your cat be on a feeding schedule or be allowed to graze all day? See how often you should feed your kitty as she grows and her nutritional needs change.\n\nBy\n\n[Katie Mills Giorgio](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/author\/katie-giorgio)\n\n[Katie Mills Giorgio](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/author\/katie-giorgio)\n\nKatie Mills Giorgio is a writer and editor living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has been creating content for print and online outlets for nearly two decades. When she’s not busy telling stories, she’s raising two teenagers and looking after two dogs.\n\n[Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/about-daily-paws-7105242#toc-editorial-guidelines)\n\nUpdated on March 15, 2026\n\n![cat licking mouth over bowl](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/tlBL5aVrpwQX9v4lbI2oHTk7jG0=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/cat-licking-lips-over-bowl-1134929565-2000-b226ca00bcae47808e2022c2fbd373e2.jpg)\n\n![cat licking mouth over bowl](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/tlBL5aVrpwQX9v4lbI2oHTk7jG0=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/cat-licking-lips-over-bowl-1134929565-2000-b226ca00bcae47808e2022c2fbd373e2.jpg)\n\nCredit: Chalabala \/ Getty\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Cats' nutritional needs change with age, so their diet should be adjusted accordingly.\n- Scheduled feedings help monitor food intake, while free feeding may lead to overeating and obesity.\n- Combining wet and dry food introduces feeding flexibility and prepares cats for potential dietary changes.\n\nBringing home a kitten or older cat is always exciting. But worries about feeding can be a bit overwhelming. As your kitty grows, her nutritional needs will change. So determining how often to feed your cat is key. There are a couple of main factors to feeding that you need to take into account, namely the specific nutritional needs of your cat given the stage she is in and what approach you want to go with when providing food. The good news is that putting some thought now into how often you feed your cat can help ensure a healthy life for your feline friend.\n\n## Feeding Your Cat at Different Ages & Stages\nA cat's feeding habits will change as they age. Their [nutritional needs](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/how-much-feed-cat) will, too. \"We know that kittens and reproducing cats, queens specifically, have higher nutrient needs than adult cats at maintenance,\" said Cailin Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVN, and Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist. Beyond that, Heinze said there is not much research that has been done to tell pet owners what a one-year-old cat needs versus a much older cat in terms of nutrients. \"There are a lot of senior cat diets out there, but there are no standards by which those diets have to be designed to meet,\" Heinze says.\n\nAccording to Heinze, it's possible your older cat might benefit from a senior food, but also possible that they will not. Her best advice is remembering that your cat's diet is going to depend on your specific animal and making a plan for what nutrients they need at that stage of their life.\n\nYour cat's weight and health issues will also play a role in determining what and how often they should eat. Asking your veterinarian for guidance, especially if they are on a [therapeutic diet](https:\/\/www.tuftscatnip.com\/foodandnutrition\/therapeutic-diets-for-cats\/), is always an option or you can use a [cat food calculator](https:\/\/petnutritionalliance.org\/cat.php?lg=en_US) to select a food that is best.\n\n## When & How You Feed Your Cat Matters\nYou also need to decide how you'd like to feed your cat. Remember that once you decide on a method, your cat will get used to it.\n\n### Free Feeding a Cat\nIf you feel like your cat is hungry all of the time, you might consider free feeding. This method allows your pet to eat multiple small meals per day when she decides she is hungry because food is sitting out at all times—obviously dry food only, since wet food can spoil. But proceed with caution. Free feeding is more likely to lead to overeating and [obesity](https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/obesity-in-cats#:~:text=Obese%20cats%20develop%20an%20increased,urinary%20bladder%20stones), which Heinze said should be a major concern for cat owners.\n\nFree feeding also makes it difficult to notice [changes to your kitty's eating habits](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/cat-not-eating), which can be signs of distress. If you decide to go this route, measuring out the food you give your cat on a daily basis is still important. Fill the bowl only once per day to help your cat learn to graze instead of gobble. If you choose free feeding, keep in mind that it may be tricky to transition to scheduled feedings should the need arise.\n\n### Scheduled or Meal Feeding a Cat\nYou could go with scheduled feedings, sometimes called meal feeding, starting when your cat is young. Serving your kitten (or cat) [wet or dry food](https:\/\/vetnutrition.tufts.edu\/2016\/03\/should-i-feed-canned-or-dry-food\/) at a certain time of the day is the best way to closely monitor how much your pet is eating. This is particularly helpful in multi-cat households. You may find your feline begging for food in between meals, however. Many experts say that a kitten should be fed [up to three times a day](https:\/\/www.vet.cornell.edu\/departments-centers-and-institutes\/cornell-feline-health-center\/health-information\/feline-health-topics\/how-often-should-you-feed-your-cat), but once a cat turns one, feeding them twice a day is acceptable.\n\n### Combination Feeding a Cat\nOf course, you could choose to focus on a combination of the two feeding options. This is a great way to feed your cat canned food—twice per day at set times—and dry food, which is available freely throughout the day. It allows both you and your kitty to have some say in when and how much she eats. Plus it can be beneficial to have your [cat eat both wet and dry food](https:\/\/vetnutrition.tufts.edu\/2016\/03\/should-i-feed-canned-or-dry-food\/). Heinze says that cats develop food preferences at a young age, yet there may be times later in life when they need to switch from one to the other. So introducing both wet and dry food is important for feeding flexibility.\n\nRegardless of which method you choose, it is important to set up a place for your cat to eat in peace and quiet because felines prefer to dine alone. And if you are a multi-cat household, each cat should have their own food and water station. [Food puzzles](https:\/\/nymag.com\/strategist\/article\/best-food-puzzles-for-cats-and-dogs-according-to-vets.html) are a great activity to keep meal time fun for your cat as well, as their natural instinct is to work for their food. Wet or dry, any food that is left at the end of the day should be tossed to ensure that your feline is always feasting on fresh food.\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nTell us why\\!\n\nOther\n\nRead More:\n\n- [Cats & Kittens](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens)\n- [Cat Nutrition & Diet](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition)\n- [General Nutrition](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food)\n\n## Related Articles\n[![cat with bowl of food]() ![cat with bowl of food](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/hhwLDU-WmL8ooJ7Uka9tkj22eiI=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(1379x505:1381x507\\)\/cat-not-eating-1133769382-2000-c6941e978d7b475a95ad9b16622469fd.jpg) What to Do if Your Cat's Not Eating & How to Get Her Appetite Back](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/cat-not-eating)\n\n[![tiny kitten eating rice from a purple bowl]() ![tiny kitten eating rice from a purple bowl](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/oK0q2WkY77G6XWr0d2nx5gW5L2g=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(799x612:801x614\\)\/can-cats-eat-rice-180212809-2000-dc412e87c56440d69b6695400aefd677.jpg) Can Cats Eat Rice?](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/what-can-cats-eat\/can-cats-eat-rice)\n\n[![cat with bowl of grapes in the background]() ![cat with bowl of grapes in the background](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/bo5utYzJZZFKz9qxkww_1GcZRI4=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(999x0:1001x2\\)\/cat-grapes-922843294-2000-5c01be33f0254a79a1efc4671b249c31.jpg) Here's Why You Should Never Feed Grapes & Raisins to a Cat](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/what-can-cats-eat\/can-cats-eat-grapes)\n\n[![cat with background pattern of bacon; can cats eat bacon?]() ![cat with background pattern of bacon; can cats eat bacon?](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/fRZ7VtOxRJIxM4XiHy9KqzlLQA4=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(1028x643:1030x645\\)\/can-cats-eat-bacon-971e551dc6f548d3a9de50c085cdb1d7.png) Can Cats Eat Bacon? A Vet Says Teensy Bits—and Only Sometimes](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/what-can-cats-eat\/can-cats-eat-bacon)\n\n[![cat sitting in front of empty food bowl]() ![cat sitting in front of empty food bowl](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/JMPe-KxLNFeitWA_jltiKcrZ5Kc=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(999x0:1001x2\\)\/cat-with-empty-bowl-1224404559-2000-8aea4b18594347a1a924edf5bb8162e5.jpg) How Long Can Cats Go Without Food?](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/cats-without-food)\n\n[![cat with a background pattern of peanut butter smears]() ![cat with a background pattern of peanut butter smears](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/6l0SoQMjVhpLwuiXQd4G7vfeUeY=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(965x545:967x547\\)\/can-cats-eat-peanut-butter-76f6b84306704b79ae41e45d8aff59be.png) Is Peanut Butter Lip-Smacking Good for Cats? It's Complicated](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/what-can-cats-eat\/can-cats-eat-peanut-butter)\n\n[![cat sniffing strawberries]() ![cat sniffing strawberries](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/BcoLKxzCD6fKG1d5Az6lrwOKwPU=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(899x532:901x534\\)\/cat-strawberries-1250525864-2000-33cdb606f9da4a10b9f15f97105cb5f2.jpg) Can Cats Eat Strawberries? How to Share the Berry with Your Cat](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/what-can-cats-eat\/can-cats-eat-strawberries)\n\n[![kitten drinking milk from a bowl]() ![kitten drinking milk from a bowl](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/xpeXNPWekcZs0qi7C5hnHr2BKZE=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(999x0:1001x2\\)\/kitten-drinking-milk-178110177-2000-5ccaa689bf5d4823a6a7b482eaa91eac.jpg) Are Cats Lactose Intolerant? The Reason Why Milk & Kitties Don't Mix](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/cats-lactose-intolerant)\n\n[![cat with background pattern of tuna; can cats eat tuna?]() ![cat with background pattern of tuna; can cats eat tuna?](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/b97xb8H1SKRPL8ShhFv0TTUsS6E=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(1049x587:1051x589\\)\/can-cats-eat-tuna-44b70ed440d645db87edab6eb7f836d9.png) Can Cats Eat Tuna? What You Should Know Before Cracking Open a Can](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/what-can-cats-eat\/can-cats-eat-tuna)\n\n[![cat with background of chocolate pattern; can cats eat chocolate?]() ![cat with background of chocolate pattern; can cats eat chocolate?](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/CwJjXvk5kjJQ1CkUulw0VTO3faU=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(1070x657:1072x659\\)\/can-cats-eat-chocolate-2-2bf1b58d030f444ea8e2afaf7c49e5bc.png) Can Cats Eat Chocolate? Experts Say Stick to the Kibble](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/what-can-cats-eat\/can-cats-eat-chocolate)\n\n[![cat eating dog food out of onlooking golden retriever's bowl]() ![cat eating dog food out of onlooking golden retriever's bowl](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/UF9qQYSTfSiH4EHk5W78a5t1W6c=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(1019x598:1021x600\\)\/can-cats-eat-dog-food-942132618-2000-979870fdb5674ebaa1f67b94df1218e0.jpg) Can Cats Eat Dog Food? Know What's Safe & What's Not](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/what-can-cats-eat\/cats-eat-dog-food)\n\n[![cat licking strawberry; human foods cats can eat]() ![cat licking strawberry; human foods cats can eat](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/4gP0bGy3gBWvTgkSXGHQSLJETmU=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(759x678:761x680\\)\/human-foods-that-are-safe-for-cats-319129119-2000-6117be02215c493b82c56a2dfe33a16f.jpg) 9 Human Foods That Are Safe for Kitties to Snack On](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/what-can-cats-eat\/human-foods-for-cats)\n\n[![six-week-old kitten eating out of blue bowl]() ![six-week-old kitten eating out of blue bowl](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/2bZeZVH0nxYwyNDwHlRcx5KnUDg=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(1099x612:1101x614\\)\/kitten-6-weeks-145561913-2000-d72330d398054c918a52cee93ad6bdc9.jpg) When Do Kittens Start Eating Food? A Veterinarian Says Sooner Than You Might Think](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/health-care\/kitten-care\/when-do-kittens-start-eating-food)\n\n[![cat in front of background of hot dogs in buns; can cats eat hot dogs?]() ![cat in front of background of hot dogs in buns; can cats eat hot dogs?](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/6zcP6CxDeiStYBECqy2lS3_jsMU=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(1091x601:1093x603\\)\/can-cats-eat-hot-dogs-5eec6270533e41ffb9f2727ae17a71fc.png) Can Cats Eat Hot Dogs? Why You Might Want to Skip Sharing This Meat](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/what-can-cats-eat\/can-cats-eat-hot-dogs)\n\n[![cat having teeth brushed by woman]() ![cat having teeth brushed by woman](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/xuTwsPfSJaP9ojUvkNaYw7pzprk=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(999x0:1001x2\\)\/woman-brushing-cat-teeth-1192741520-2000-401ecfb514bd43b59f61b5242b0daa80.jpg) How to Make Brushing Your Cat's Teeth a Hassle-Free Experience](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-grooming\/brushing-cats-teeth)\n\n[![cat tugging at man's legs almost looks like a hug and starring at the camera; do cats get jealous?]() ![cat tugging at man's legs almost looks like a hug and starring at the camera; do cats get jealous?](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/thmb\/tbjvel2ZbThQ2Ga_O8LIDQ_7mlc=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\):focal\\(799x625:801x627\\)\/do-cats-get-jealous-190912658-2000-6da35ad8053847cfbe70163b3361649c.jpg) Do Cats Get Jealous? Not Quite Like Humans Do, But Close](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/behavior\/cat-psychology\/do-cats-get-jealous)\n\n[Daily Paws](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/)\n\n[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/how-often-should-i-feed-my-cat)\n\n## Follow Us\n\n- [Dogs & Puppies](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/dogs-puppies)\n- [Cats & Kittens](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens)\n- [Living With Pets](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/living-with-pets)\n- [Pet News & Entertainment](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/pet-news-entertainment)\n- [Pet Gear & Apparel](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/gear-apparel)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/about-daily-paws-7105242)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.peopleinc.co\/advertising)\n- [Editorial Guidelines](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/about-daily-paws-7105242#toc-editorial-guidelines)\n- [Expert Review Board](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/about-daily-paws-7105242#toc-expert-review-board)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.peopleinc.co\/brands-privacy)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.peopleinc.co\/brands-termsofservice)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.peopleinc.co\/careers)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/about-daily-paws-7105242#toc-contact-us)\n\nDaily Paws is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.\n\nNewsletter Sign Up\n\nNewsletter Sign Up","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Cats' nutritional needs change with age, so their diet should be adjusted accordingly.\n- Scheduled feedings help monitor food intake, while free feeding may lead to overeating and obesity.\n- Combining wet and dry food introduces feeding flexibility and prepares cats for potential dietary changes.\n\nBringing home a kitten or older cat is always exciting. But worries about feeding can be a bit overwhelming. As your kitty grows, her nutritional needs will change. So determining how often to feed your cat is key. There are a couple of main factors to feeding that you need to take into account, namely the specific nutritional needs of your cat given the stage she is in and what approach you want to go with when providing food. The good news is that putting some thought now into how often you feed your cat can help ensure a healthy life for your feline friend.\n\n## Feeding Your Cat at Different Ages & Stages\nA cat's feeding habits will change as they age. Their [nutritional needs](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/how-much-feed-cat) will, too. \"We know that kittens and reproducing cats, queens specifically, have higher nutrient needs than adult cats at maintenance,\" said Cailin Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVN, and Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist. Beyond that, Heinze said there is not much research that has been done to tell pet owners what a one-year-old cat needs versus a much older cat in terms of nutrients. \"There are a lot of senior cat diets out there, but there are no standards by which those diets have to be designed to meet,\" Heinze says.\n\nAccording to Heinze, it's possible your older cat might benefit from a senior food, but also possible that they will not. Her best advice is remembering that your cat's diet is going to depend on your specific animal and making a plan for what nutrients they need at that stage of their life.\n\nYour cat's weight and health issues will also play a role in determining what and how often they should eat. Asking your veterinarian for guidance, especially if they are on a [therapeutic diet](https:\/\/www.tuftscatnip.com\/foodandnutrition\/therapeutic-diets-for-cats\/), is always an option or you can use a [cat food calculator](https:\/\/petnutritionalliance.org\/cat.php?lg=en_US) to select a food that is best.\n\n## When & How You Feed Your Cat Matters\nYou also need to decide how you'd like to feed your cat. Remember that once you decide on a method, your cat will get used to it.\n\n### Free Feeding a Cat\nIf you feel like your cat is hungry all of the time, you might consider free feeding. This method allows your pet to eat multiple small meals per day when she decides she is hungry because food is sitting out at all times—obviously dry food only, since wet food can spoil. But proceed with caution. Free feeding is more likely to lead to overeating and [obesity](https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/obesity-in-cats#:~:text=Obese%20cats%20develop%20an%20increased,urinary%20bladder%20stones), which Heinze said should be a major concern for cat owners.\n\nFree feeding also makes it difficult to notice [changes to your kitty's eating habits](https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/cat-nutrition\/cat-food\/cat-not-eating), which can be signs of distress. If you decide to go this route, measuring out the food you give your cat on a daily basis is still important. Fill the bowl only once per day to help your cat learn to graze instead of gobble. If you choose free feeding, keep in mind that it may be tricky to transition to scheduled feedings should the need arise.\n\n### Scheduled or Meal Feeding a Cat\nYou could go with scheduled feedings, sometimes called meal feeding, starting when your cat is young. Serving your kitten (or cat) [wet or dry food](https:\/\/vetnutrition.tufts.edu\/2016\/03\/should-i-feed-canned-or-dry-food\/) at a certain time of the day is the best way to closely monitor how much your pet is eating. This is particularly helpful in multi-cat households. You may find your feline begging for food in between meals, however. Many experts say that a kitten should be fed [up to three times a day](https:\/\/www.vet.cornell.edu\/departments-centers-and-institutes\/cornell-feline-health-center\/health-information\/feline-health-topics\/how-often-should-you-feed-your-cat), but once a cat turns one, feeding them twice a day is acceptable.\n\n### Combination Feeding a Cat\nOf course, you could choose to focus on a combination of the two feeding options. This is a great way to feed your cat canned food—twice per day at set times—and dry food, which is available freely throughout the day. It allows both you and your kitty to have some say in when and how much she eats. Plus it can be beneficial to have your [cat eat both wet and dry food](https:\/\/vetnutrition.tufts.edu\/2016\/03\/should-i-feed-canned-or-dry-food\/). Heinze says that cats develop food preferences at a young age, yet there may be times later in life when they need to switch from one to the other. So introducing both wet and dry food is important for feeding flexibility.\n\nRegardless of which method you choose, it is important to set up a place for your cat to eat in peace and quiet because felines prefer to dine alone. And if you are a multi-cat household, each cat should have their own food and water station. [Food puzzles](https:\/\/nymag.com\/strategist\/article\/best-food-puzzles-for-cats-and-dogs-according-to-vets.html) are a great activity to keep meal time fun for your cat as well, as their natural instinct is to work for their food. Wet or dry, any food that is left at the end of the day should be tossed to ensure that your feline is always feasting on fresh food.","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Pets_and_Animals\":991,\"\/Pets_and_Animals\/Pets\":987,\"\/Pets_and_Animals\/Pets\/Cats\":986}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":999,\"\/Article\/How_to\":844}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":999}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":0,"attrs_original_publish_time":1605497605,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"1600","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"882","body_ext_links_number":24,"body_int_links_number":72,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":1,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":187,"download_ttfb_msec":150,"download_size":46938}

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How Often Should I Feed My Cat? Figuring Our Your Feline's Feeding Schedule

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Should your cat be on a feeding schedule or be allowed to graze all day? Read on to see how often you should feed your kitty as she grows and her nutritional needs change.

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Key Takeaways Cats' nutritional needs change with age, so their diet should be adjusted accordingly. Scheduled feedings help monitor food intake, while free feeding may lead to overeating and obesity. Combining wet and dry food introduces feeding flexibility and prepares cats for potential dietary changes. Bringing home a kitten or older cat is always exciting. But worries about feeding can be a bit overwhelming. As your kitty grows, her nutritional needs will change. So determining how often to feed your cat is key. There are a couple of main factors to feeding that you need to take into account, namely the specific nutritional needs of your cat given the stage she is in and what approach you want to go with when providing food. The good news is that putting some thought now into how often you feed your cat can help ensure a healthy life for your feline friend. Feeding Your Cat at Different Ages & Stages A cat's feeding habits will change as they age. Their nutritional needs will, too. "We know that kittens and reproducing cats, queens specifically, have higher nutrient needs than adult cats at maintenance," said Cailin Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVN, and Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist. Beyond that, Heinze said there is not much research that has been done to tell pet owners what a one-year-old cat needs versus a much older cat in terms of nutrients. "There are a lot of senior cat diets out there, but there are no standards by which those diets have to be designed to meet," Heinze says. According to Heinze, it's possible your older cat might benefit from a senior food, but also possible that they will not. Her best advice is remembering that your cat's diet is going to depend on your specific animal and making a plan for what nutrients they need at that stage of their life. Your cat's weight and health issues will also play a role in determining what and how often they should eat. Asking your veterinarian for guidance, especially if they are on a therapeutic diet , is always an option or you can use a cat food calculator to select a food that is best. When & How You Feed Your Cat Matters You also need to decide how you'd like to feed your cat. Remember that once you decide on a method, your cat will get used to it. Free Feeding a Cat If you feel like your cat is hungry all of the time, you might consider free feeding. This method allows your pet to eat multiple small meals per day when she decides she is hungry because food is sitting out at all times—obviously dry food only, since wet food can spoil. But proceed with caution. Free feeding is more likely to lead to overeating and obesity , which Heinze said should be a major concern for cat owners. Free feeding also makes it difficult to notice changes to your kitty's eating habits , which can be signs of distress. If you decide to go this route, measuring out the food you give your cat on a daily basis is still important. Fill the bowl only once per day to help your cat learn to graze instead of gobble. If you choose free feeding, keep in mind that it may be tricky to transition to scheduled feedings should the need arise. Scheduled or Meal Feeding a Cat You could go with scheduled feedings, sometimes called meal feeding, starting when your cat is young. Serving your kitten (or cat) wet or dry food at a certain time of the day is the best way to closely monitor how much your pet is eating. This is particularly helpful in multi-cat households. You may find your feline begging for food in between meals, however. Many experts say that a kitten should be fed up to three times a day , but once a cat turns one, feeding them twice a day is acceptable. Combination Feeding a Cat Of course, you could choose to focus on a combination of the two feeding options. This is a great way to feed your cat canned food—twice per day at set times—and dry food, which is available freely throughout the day. It allows both you and your kitty to have some say in when and how much she eats. Plus it can be beneficial to have your cat eat both wet and dry food . Heinze says that cats develop food preferences at a young age, yet there may be times later in life when they need to switch from one to the other. So introducing both wet and dry food is important for feeding flexibility. Regardless of which method you choose, it is important to set up a place for your cat to eat in peace and quiet because felines prefer to dine alone. And if you are a multi-cat household, each cat should have their own food and water station. Food puzzles are a great activity to keep meal time fun for your cat as well, as their natural instinct is to work for their food. Wet or dry, any food that is left at the end of the day should be tossed to ensure that your feline is always feasting on fresh food.

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Should your cat be on a feeding schedule or be allowed to graze all day? See how often you should feed your kitty as she grows and her nutritional needs change. By [Katie Mills Giorgio](https://www.dailypaws.com/author/katie-giorgio) [Katie Mills Giorgio](https://www.dailypaws.com/author/katie-giorgio) Katie Mills Giorgio is a writer and editor living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has been creating content for print and online outlets for nearly two decades. When she’s not busy telling stories, she’s raising two teenagers and looking after two dogs. [Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines](https://www.dailypaws.com/about-daily-paws-7105242#toc-editorial-guidelines) Updated on March 15, 2026 ![cat licking mouth over bowl](https://www.dailypaws.com/thmb/tlBL5aVrpwQX9v4lbI2oHTk7jG0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/cat-licking-lips-over-bowl-1134929565-2000-b226ca00bcae47808e2022c2fbd373e2.jpg) ![cat licking mouth over bowl](https://www.dailypaws.com/thmb/tlBL5aVrpwQX9v4lbI2oHTk7jG0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/cat-licking-lips-over-bowl-1134929565-2000-b226ca00bcae47808e2022c2fbd373e2.jpg) Credit: Chalabala / Getty ### Key Takeaways - Cats' nutritional needs change with age, so their diet should be adjusted accordingly. - Scheduled feedings help monitor food intake, while free feeding may lead to overeating and obesity. - Combining wet and dry food introduces feeding flexibility and prepares cats for potential dietary changes. Bringing home a kitten or older cat is always exciting. But worries about feeding can be a bit overwhelming. As your kitty grows, her nutritional needs will change. So determining how often to feed your cat is key. There are a couple of main factors to feeding that you need to take into account, namely the specific nutritional needs of your cat given the stage she is in and what approach you want to go with when providing food. The good news is that putting some thought now into how often you feed your cat can help ensure a healthy life for your feline friend. ## Feeding Your Cat at Different Ages & Stages A cat's feeding habits will change as they age. Their [nutritional needs](https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/cat-food/how-much-feed-cat) will, too. "We know that kittens and reproducing cats, queens specifically, have higher nutrient needs than adult cats at maintenance," said Cailin Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVN, and Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist. Beyond that, Heinze said there is not much research that has been done to tell pet owners what a one-year-old cat needs versus a much older cat in terms of nutrients. "There are a lot of senior cat diets out there, but there are no standards by which those diets have to be designed to meet," Heinze says. According to Heinze, it's possible your older cat might benefit from a senior food, but also possible that they will not. Her best advice is remembering that your cat's diet is going to depend on your specific animal and making a plan for what nutrients they need at that stage of their life. Your cat's weight and health issues will also play a role in determining what and how often they should eat. Asking your veterinarian for guidance, especially if they are on a [therapeutic diet](https://www.tuftscatnip.com/foodandnutrition/therapeutic-diets-for-cats/), is always an option or you can use a [cat food calculator](https://petnutritionalliance.org/cat.php?lg=en_US) to select a food that is best. ## When & How You Feed Your Cat Matters You also need to decide how you'd like to feed your cat. Remember that once you decide on a method, your cat will get used to it. ### Free Feeding a Cat If you feel like your cat is hungry all of the time, you might consider free feeding. This method allows your pet to eat multiple small meals per day when she decides she is hungry because food is sitting out at all times—obviously dry food only, since wet food can spoil. But proceed with caution. Free feeding is more likely to lead to overeating and [obesity](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/obesity-in-cats#:~:text=Obese%20cats%20develop%20an%20increased,urinary%20bladder%20stones), which Heinze said should be a major concern for cat owners. Free feeding also makes it difficult to notice [changes to your kitty's eating habits](https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/cat-food/cat-not-eating), which can be signs of distress. If you decide to go this route, measuring out the food you give your cat on a daily basis is still important. Fill the bowl only once per day to help your cat learn to graze instead of gobble. If you choose free feeding, keep in mind that it may be tricky to transition to scheduled feedings should the need arise. ### Scheduled or Meal Feeding a Cat You could go with scheduled feedings, sometimes called meal feeding, starting when your cat is young. Serving your kitten (or cat) [wet or dry food](https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/03/should-i-feed-canned-or-dry-food/) at a certain time of the day is the best way to closely monitor how much your pet is eating. This is particularly helpful in multi-cat households. You may find your feline begging for food in between meals, however. Many experts say that a kitten should be fed [up to three times a day](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/how-often-should-you-feed-your-cat), but once a cat turns one, feeding them twice a day is acceptable. ### Combination Feeding a Cat Of course, you could choose to focus on a combination of the two feeding options. This is a great way to feed your cat canned food—twice per day at set times—and dry food, which is available freely throughout the day. It allows both you and your kitty to have some say in when and how much she eats. Plus it can be beneficial to have your [cat eat both wet and dry food](https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/03/should-i-feed-canned-or-dry-food/). Heinze says that cats develop food preferences at a young age, yet there may be times later in life when they need to switch from one to the other. So introducing both wet and dry food is important for feeding flexibility. Regardless of which method you choose, it is important to set up a place for your cat to eat in peace and quiet because felines prefer to dine alone. And if you are a multi-cat household, each cat should have their own food and water station. [Food puzzles](https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-food-puzzles-for-cats-and-dogs-according-to-vets.html) are a great activity to keep meal time fun for your cat as well, as their natural instinct is to work for their food. Wet or dry, any food that is left at the end of the day should be tossed to ensure that your feline is always feasting on fresh food. Was this page helpful? 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Other Read More: - [Cats & Kittens](https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens) - [Cat Nutrition & Diet](https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition) - [General Nutrition](https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/cat-food) ## Related Articles [![cat with bowl of food]() ![cat with bowl of food](https://www.dailypaws.com/thmb/hhwLDU-WmL8ooJ7Uka9tkj22eiI=/282x188/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\):focal\(1379x505:1381x507\)/cat-not-eating-1133769382-2000-c6941e978d7b475a95ad9b16622469fd.jpg) What to Do if Your Cat's Not Eating & How to Get Her Appetite Back](https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/cat-food/cat-not-eating) [![tiny kitten eating rice from a purple bowl]() ![tiny kitten eating rice from a purple bowl](https://www.dailypaws.com/thmb/oK0q2WkY77G6XWr0d2nx5gW5L2g=/282x188/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\):focal\(799x612:801x614\)/can-cats-eat-rice-180212809-2000-dc412e87c56440d69b6695400aefd677.jpg) Can Cats Eat Rice?](https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/what-can-cats-eat/can-cats-eat-rice) [![cat with bowl of grapes in the background]() ![cat with bowl of grapes in the background](https://www.dailypaws.com/thmb/bo5utYzJZZFKz9qxkww_1GcZRI4=/282x188/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\):focal\(999x0:1001x2\)/cat-grapes-922843294-2000-5c01be33f0254a79a1efc4671b249c31.jpg) Here's Why You Should Never Feed Grapes & Raisins to a Cat](https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/what-can-cats-eat/can-cats-eat-grapes) [![cat with background pattern of bacon; can cats eat bacon?]() ![cat with background pattern of bacon; can cats eat bacon?](https://www.dailypaws.com/thmb/fRZ7VtOxRJIxM4XiHy9KqzlLQA4=/282x188/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\):focal\(1028x643:1030x645\)/can-cats-eat-bacon-971e551dc6f548d3a9de50c085cdb1d7.png) Can Cats Eat Bacon? 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Readable Markdown

### Key Takeaways - Cats' nutritional needs change with age, so their diet should be adjusted accordingly. - Scheduled feedings help monitor food intake, while free feeding may lead to overeating and obesity. - Combining wet and dry food introduces feeding flexibility and prepares cats for potential dietary changes. Bringing home a kitten or older cat is always exciting. But worries about feeding can be a bit overwhelming. As your kitty grows, her nutritional needs will change. So determining how often to feed your cat is key. There are a couple of main factors to feeding that you need to take into account, namely the specific nutritional needs of your cat given the stage she is in and what approach you want to go with when providing food. The good news is that putting some thought now into how often you feed your cat can help ensure a healthy life for your feline friend. ## Feeding Your Cat at Different Ages & Stages A cat's feeding habits will change as they age. Their [nutritional needs](https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/cat-food/how-much-feed-cat) will, too. "We know that kittens and reproducing cats, queens specifically, have higher nutrient needs than adult cats at maintenance," said Cailin Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVN, and Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist. Beyond that, Heinze said there is not much research that has been done to tell pet owners what a one-year-old cat needs versus a much older cat in terms of nutrients. "There are a lot of senior cat diets out there, but there are no standards by which those diets have to be designed to meet," Heinze says. According to Heinze, it's possible your older cat might benefit from a senior food, but also possible that they will not. Her best advice is remembering that your cat's diet is going to depend on your specific animal and making a plan for what nutrients they need at that stage of their life. Your cat's weight and health issues will also play a role in determining what and how often they should eat. Asking your veterinarian for guidance, especially if they are on a [therapeutic diet](https://www.tuftscatnip.com/foodandnutrition/therapeutic-diets-for-cats/), is always an option or you can use a [cat food calculator](https://petnutritionalliance.org/cat.php?lg=en_US) to select a food that is best. ## When & How You Feed Your Cat Matters You also need to decide how you'd like to feed your cat. Remember that once you decide on a method, your cat will get used to it. ### Free Feeding a Cat If you feel like your cat is hungry all of the time, you might consider free feeding. This method allows your pet to eat multiple small meals per day when she decides she is hungry because food is sitting out at all times—obviously dry food only, since wet food can spoil. But proceed with caution. Free feeding is more likely to lead to overeating and [obesity](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/obesity-in-cats#:~:text=Obese%20cats%20develop%20an%20increased,urinary%20bladder%20stones), which Heinze said should be a major concern for cat owners. Free feeding also makes it difficult to notice [changes to your kitty's eating habits](https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/cat-food/cat-not-eating), which can be signs of distress. If you decide to go this route, measuring out the food you give your cat on a daily basis is still important. Fill the bowl only once per day to help your cat learn to graze instead of gobble. If you choose free feeding, keep in mind that it may be tricky to transition to scheduled feedings should the need arise. ### Scheduled or Meal Feeding a Cat You could go with scheduled feedings, sometimes called meal feeding, starting when your cat is young. Serving your kitten (or cat) [wet or dry food](https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/03/should-i-feed-canned-or-dry-food/) at a certain time of the day is the best way to closely monitor how much your pet is eating. This is particularly helpful in multi-cat households. You may find your feline begging for food in between meals, however. Many experts say that a kitten should be fed [up to three times a day](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/how-often-should-you-feed-your-cat), but once a cat turns one, feeding them twice a day is acceptable. ### Combination Feeding a Cat Of course, you could choose to focus on a combination of the two feeding options. This is a great way to feed your cat canned food—twice per day at set times—and dry food, which is available freely throughout the day. It allows both you and your kitty to have some say in when and how much she eats. Plus it can be beneficial to have your [cat eat both wet and dry food](https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/03/should-i-feed-canned-or-dry-food/). Heinze says that cats develop food preferences at a young age, yet there may be times later in life when they need to switch from one to the other. So introducing both wet and dry food is important for feeding flexibility. Regardless of which method you choose, it is important to set up a place for your cat to eat in peace and quiet because felines prefer to dine alone. And if you are a multi-cat household, each cat should have their own food and water station. [Food puzzles](https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-food-puzzles-for-cats-and-dogs-according-to-vets.html) are a great activity to keep meal time fun for your cat as well, as their natural instinct is to work for their food. Wet or dry, any food that is left at the end of the day should be tossed to ensure that your feline is always feasting on fresh food.

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