![]() ![]() ![]() For cat owners that prefer canned wet food, the average calories for a 5.5 oz can is 150–200 (but check the label - there are a lot of differences between brands). This amount of quality food is approximately between 167–250 calories. You can use it as a starting point but be sure to adjust the amounts, either up or down, to what is appropriate for your cat to meet the goal of weight loss or maintenance.Īs a general average, if you are feeding a commercially produced high-quality dry food with a good quality protein source, then an indoor cat would be fed about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of food per day. The guidelines on food bags can be significantly more or less than what your cat needs. Their purpose is to cover ALL life situations, and amounts are often set for the most demanding of those, such as an unneutered male cat.Įach cat has their own unique needs. The directions on your cat’s food bag are just rough (in some cases VERY rough) guidelines. Should You Feed the Amount Listed on the Cat Food Bag? But spayed and neutered cats need a reduction in the number of calories due to a slower metabolism from the lack of hormones. ![]() Reproductive Status: Pregnant and nursing cats have a higher caloric requirement due to the nutritional demands on their body during those times.Some illnesses affect a cat’s metabolic rates causing them to burn more calories. Health status: Certain diseases alter the type and amount of protein that should be in a cat’s food.Body condition: Overweight cats need fewer calories since they are often less active.Indoor versus Outdoor: Outdoor cats tend to burn more calories than indoor cats, as they are usually more physically active.Also, every cat has their own unique metabolic rate (the rate at which they burn calories). Activity level: Cats that tend to lay around burn way fewer calories than a cat that gets a lot of exercise.Smaller-framed or “petite” cats require less food than a larger-framed, or “big-boned” cat. Also, cats can vary in their body frame size. Maine Coons, which are considered to be a larger breed of cat, will need to eat more than a smaller breed cat, such as a Siamese. Age: Kittens require a lot of nutrients and have a high energy requirement Adult cats and senior cats have less caloric intake requirements.Factors That Affect How Much to Feed Your Cat This is one reason consulting with your veterinarian about meal portion size is recommended. Therefore, feeding amounts could vary as much as 50% above or below average. Each cat is an individual with their own unique needs. ![]() In reality, there is no one-size-fits-all for feeding. How much you should feed your cat is dependent on several factors. It is recommended - just like it is for people - to have your cat get a complete physical exam and possibly blood tests to be sure there are no underlying medical issues before starting a weight loss program. They can guide you on how much weight your cat needs to lose, how much to feed them, and how to establish an exercise routine for your cat. One of the first things I suggest is consulting with your cat’s veterinarian. Let’s get started on some basics of how you can help your furry friend lose weight and keep it off. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |