How Often Should I Feed My Cat? A Simple Guide
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering whether your cat is actually hungry or just being dramatically persuasive… welcome to the club. Feeding schedules can feel confusing, especially with kittens, picky eaters, or cats who act like they’ve never been fed a day in their life.
Let’s break it down simply — how often to feed your cat, what changes by age, and how tools like lick mats can support healthier, calmer mealtimes. 🐱
Who This Is For
This guide is perfect for:
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New cat parents setting up a feeding routine
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Anyone wondering if they’re feeding too much (or too little)
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Cat parents with picky or anxious eaters
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Multi-cat households
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Anyone using enrichment tools like lick mats
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Pet parents building better daily routines
How Often Should You Feed a Cat?
The short answer: most adult cats do best with 2 meals per day.
But age, lifestyle, and health all play a role.
Let’s break it down clearly.
Feeding Schedule by Age
Kittens (Under 6 Months)
Kittens grow fast and need frequent fuel.
Recommended:
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3–4 meals per day
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Small, nutrient-dense portions
Their tiny stomachs can’t handle large meals, so spacing food out helps support healthy growth.
Adult Cats (1–7 Years)
Most adult cats thrive on routine.
Recommended:
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2 meals per day
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About 10–12 hours apart
This schedule supports digestion, energy balance, and healthy weight management.
Senior Cats (7+ Years)
Older cats may benefit from flexibility.
Recommended:
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2–3 smaller meals per day
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Adjust based on appetite, weight, or medical needs
Always check with your vet if appetite changes suddenly.
Should You Free-Feed or Use Scheduled Meals?
Free Feeding (Leaving Food Out)
This works for some cats — but not most.
Pros:
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Convenient
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May work for very active or self-regulating cats
Cons:
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Can lead to overeating
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Makes weight monitoring harder
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Reduces food motivation
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Doesn’t support routine
Scheduled Feeding (Usually Better)
Scheduled meals create structure and predictability.
Benefits include:
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Better digestion
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Easier weight management
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Stronger routines
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Easier training
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Less begging
This is especially helpful if you use enrichment tools or want calmer mealtimes.
Where Lick Mats Fit Into a Cat’s Feeding Routine
Lick mats aren’t just for dogs — many cats love them too.
Used correctly, they’re an amazing enrichment tool that supports slow eating and mental stimulation.
How to Use Lick Mats for Cats
You can use lick mats for:
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Part of a meal
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A small topper portion
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Calming enrichment between meals
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Stressful moments (guests, grooming, transitions)
Safe spread ideas:
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Wet cat food
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Plain pumpkin
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Vet-approved purées
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Cat-safe broths
Spread a thin layer and freeze for longer engagement.
Benefits of Using Lick Mats for Cats
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Encourages slower eating
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Helps reduce boredom
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Provides mental stimulation
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Can ease anxiety
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Supports routine
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Adds enrichment without extra calories
They pair beautifully with structured feeding schedules and help cats feel satisfied without overeating.
Sample Daily Feeding Schedule (Adult Cat)
Here’s a simple rhythm many cat parents love:
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Morning: Regular meal
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Midday or afternoon: Small lick mat session
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Evening: Second meal
This keeps energy steady and gives your cat something to look forward to.
How Much Should You Feed Your Cat?
Portion size depends on:
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Age
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Weight
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Activity level
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Type of food
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Health needs
Always follow feeding guidelines on your food label and confirm with your veterinarian.
Avoid eyeballing — even small overfeeds add up fast in cats.
Signs Your Cat’s Feeding Schedule Needs Adjusting
Watch for:
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Weight gain or loss
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Constant begging
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Leaving food untouched
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Vomiting after meals
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Food anxiety or pacing
These are signs it’s time to tweak timing, portions, or enrichment.
Helpful Tools That Support Healthy Feeding
A well-rounded routine often includes:
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Lick mats for enrichment and slow feeding
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Treat pouches to control portions during training
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Consistent daily routines
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Calm feeding environments
Structure makes cats feel secure — and security supports better eating habits.
FAQs
How many times a day should I feed my cat?
Most adult cats do best with two meals per day. Kittens need more frequent meals, while seniors may benefit from smaller, more frequent portions.
Can cats use lick mats safely?
Yes! When used with cat-safe foods and supervised, lick mats are a great enrichment tool that encourage slow, calm eating.
Is free feeding bad for cats?
It can be. Free feeding often leads to overeating and makes it harder to monitor appetite changes.
Can lick mats replace a full meal?
They’re best used as part of a meal or enrichment, not the sole daily food source unless advised by your vet.
Written by Christine Abdelmalek
Founder and SHE-E-O of Pink Papyrus
Obsessed with crafting dog accessories—beautiful, brilliantly functional, and made with love.