How much wet food does your cat need daily?

Are you unsure how much wet food your cat should need every day? Too little or too much can affect your furry friend's health.

An adult cat needs about 300 grams of wet food per day, taking into account factors such as age, weight and activity.

In this article, you will learn why the right amount of wet food is so important and which factors you should consider when feeding your cat.

Why the right amount of wet food is so important for cats

Cats are carnivores by nature, and wet food is very close to their natural diet. A balanced diet is essential for your cat's health. It ensures that your cat gets all the important nutrients it needs for a long and healthy life. But the amount of wet food plays a big role.

Too much wet food can quickly lead to obesity , which in turn increases the risk of diabetes, joint problems and other health problems. Too little food, on the other hand, can lead to malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies. It is therefore important to find a healthy balance . The right amount of wet food depends on various factors, such as:

• health status of the cat.
• age and growth phase.
• activity level and lifestyle.

High-quality wet food is especially important because it usually contains fewer fillers and more protein. This can help your cat to feel full with a smaller amount while still getting all the nutrients it needs. The quality of the food therefore has a direct impact on the amount needed.

So it's not just the amount of food that counts, but also the quality. An optimal diet not only supports your cat's well-being, but can also help save on food costs and reduce waste. By feeding the right amount of high-quality wet food, you ensure a healthy and happy cat.

Factors that influence the amount of wet food

The amount of wet food your cat needs every day is not set in stone. Various factors play a role in how much your furry friend should eat. It is important to know these factors in order to feed your cat optimally and ensure its well-being. The most important factors include your cat's age, weight, activity level and state of health.

The amount of food must be individually adjusted because every cat is unique. Age and growth phase , weight and size are all important. The activity level and lifestyle - whether an indoor cat or an outdoor cat - also influence the daily energy requirement. Last but not least, the state of health also plays an important role in determining the right amount of food.

It is important to keep an eye on your cat's eating habits and physical condition. Changes may indicate that the amount of food needs to be adjusted. Regular check-ups with your vet will help monitor your cat's health and adjust the amount of food accordingly.

age of the cat and amount of food

The age of your cat is crucial in determining the right amount of food. Kittens have higher energy requirements than adult cats because they are still growing and developing. Therefore, they need nutrient-rich food in larger quantities.

Once cats reach adulthood, usually around one year of age, their metabolism slows and calorie needs decrease. Middle age usually means stable energy needs, while senior cats often have less active periods and therefore require less energy.

When feeding senior cats, you should choose easily digestible food that supports vitality. It is important to adjust the food to the needs of older cats and to ensure that the diet is balanced and contains all the necessary nutrients.

The reproductive status also influences the amount of food. Neutered cats often have lower energy requirements and are more prone to obesity. In these cases, it is advisable to adjust the amount of food accordingly.

Pregnant or nursing cats have significantly increased energy requirements. During pregnancy and especially when nursing kittens, it is important to provide rich, nutrient-rich food to meet these needs.

Weight and height as factors

Your cat's weight and body size are important indicators of the amount of food needed. A cat weighing around 4 kilograms will need different amounts of food than a larger or smaller cat.

Overweight cats require an adjusted amount of food to prevent weight problems. Reducing the amount of food in combination with a healthy diet and more exercise can help.

When determining the amount of food, body size should also be taken into account. Larger cats generally have a higher energy requirement than smaller cats.

It is advisable to check the food and the amount fed regularly and adjust it if necessary. An ideal body weight is very important for your cat's health.

A balanced diet is essential. High-quality food that is high in protein and low in fillers can help control weight and promote your cat's health.

activity level and lifestyle

Your cat's activity level and lifestyle have a big impact on the amount of wet food it needs. Active cats and outdoor cats burn more calories and therefore need more energy in the form of food.

Indoor cats, on the other hand, have a smaller range of movement and therefore often have lower energy requirements. This should be taken into account when determining the amount of food to avoid obesity.

In the cold season, the energy requirements of outdoor cats can increase because they need more energy to keep warm. Here, too, the amount of food may need to be adjusted.

Cats' sense of satiety is not infallible. Some cats tend to eat more than they need. Therefore, it is important to control the amount of food and not constantly refill it.

Regularly observing your cat's behavior and physical condition can help assess activity levels and adjust food amounts accordingly.

Feeding Routine for Cats: Frequency and Timing

A consistent feeding routine is important not only for humans but also for cats. It helps them feel safe and comfortable. Two to four small meals a day are ideal to mimic cats' natural eating behavior. This prevents overfeeding and promotes a healthy digestive system.

The times at which you feed your cat should be as consistent as possible. Cats are creatures of habit and appreciate routine. A regular feeding time can reduce stress and give your cat a feeling of security and structure in their daily routine.

Here are some tips for your feeding routine:

• The first meal should take place in the morning when the family gets up and the day begins.
• A smaller meal can be given at lunchtime , especially if the cat is very active.
• The last meal should be in the evening before the rest phase of the night begins.
• It is advisable to keep the times constant and stick to the routine.

Remember that the feeding routine should be adapted to your cat's needs. Observe how your cat reacts to feeding times and be prepared to make adjustments. A well-thought-out feeding routine supports your cat's health and ensures a harmonious coexistence.

Wet vs. dry food: which is better for your cat?

Wet and dry food offer different benefits for your cat's diet. Wet food is particularly rich in water and can help cats who drink little to regulate their fluid levels. It is also more similar to a cat's natural diet as it often has a higher meat content and a more intense smell, which encourages many cats to eat.

Dry food, on the other hand, is more energy-rich and can help with dental care, as chewing helps clean the teeth. It also lasts longer and is easier to store than wet food. Dry food is also often more cost-effective and can be used as a convenient snack.

Mixed feeding, i.e. a combination of wet and dry food, can combine the advantages of both types of food. Here are a few points you should consider:

• Offer wet and dry food separately to accommodate your cat's preferences.
• Make sure you have the right ratio of wet and dry food to avoid overfeeding.
• Monitor your cat's weight and adjust the amount of food if necessary.

When deciding whether wet or dry food is better for your cat, you should consider their individual needs and preferences . There is no universal "better" or "worse" because every cat is different. A balanced mixed diet can be a healthy alternative if implemented correctly and provides your pet with all the necessary nutrients.

How Flappie's smart solutions can support your cat

Flappie's smart cat flap not only offers selective access control that prevents your cat from bringing prey into the house, it also supports your cat's wellbeing by reducing the stress that can arise when they are not allowed to bring their prey into the house.

The Flappie cat flap is equipped with a camera and AI technology that detects prey. This technology ensures that your cat can only enter the house without prey. This has several advantages:

• Your home stays clean and hygienic.
• Your cat naturally learns that prey should stay outside.
• You can be sure that no unwanted guests will come into your house.

With the Flappie app you have full control over the cat flap. You get push notifications, can adjust settings and view videos or photos of your cat. This helps you to optimize feeding management, as you always know when your cat is coming home and whether it has already eaten outside.

Flappie's selective access control is a real step forward for your cat's well-being and the cleanliness of your home. With Flappie, you can ensure that your cat gets the right amount of food and that your home remains free of unwanted surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I give my cat wet food?

Two to four small meals of wet food per day are ideal to mimic cats' natural eating behavior and avoid overfeeding.

How often do you have to feed a cat per day?

A consistent feeding routine with two to four small meals daily is recommended to support your cat's well-being and health.