How Many Times a Day Should a Cat Eat?

Adult cats: two meals, or several small ones

Cornell Feline Health Center says that once or twice a day is appropriate for most cats from about one year old. In practice, twice daily works best for most households: a morning and an evening meal fit around work and school, and spacing them 8 to 12 hours apart keeps hunger from building too much.

Cats are natural grazers. VCA notes that, given the choice, cats eat many small meals across the day and night. If your cat begs between meals, eats only a few mouthfuls at a time or vomits after eating quickly, VCA suggests splitting the same daily amount into three or four portions, or using a timed automatic feeder for a midday meal.

Kittens and seniors

Kittens grow fast and have small stomachs. Cornell recommends about three meals a day until six months old, then twice daily from six months to a year. VCA suggests three to four small meals for growing kittens, moving to two by around six months. Our kitten feeding guide covers amounts by age.

Senior cats over about 10 can usually stay on their usual schedule, according to Cornell, unless your vet suggests a change. Older cats with smaller appetites, dental pain or kidney disease often eat better with smaller, more frequent meals, and any loss of appetite in an older cat deserves a call to your vet.

Free feeding vs scheduled meals

Free feeding means leaving dry food out all day. It can work for a lean, active cat that stops when full. Cornell cautions that it leads some cats to overeat and gain weight, and VCA adds that it makes it hard to know how much each cat is eating, especially with several cats sharing a bowl. Obesity is the most common nutrition problem in cats, according to Cornell.

Scheduled meals with a measured portion give you far more control and let you notice quickly if your cat stops eating, which is an early sign of many illnesses. If you free feed, measure out the full day's amount each morning and replace uneaten food with fresh daily, as Cornell advises.

How often to feed wet food

Wet food spoils if left out. VCA notes that moist food spoils quickly at room temperature, so offer it as meals rather than leaving it down all day. A good rule is to pick up uneaten wet food after about 30 minutes, or sooner on a hot day, and refrigerate opened cans or pouches with a cover.

Many owners feed wet food twice a day, morning and evening, sometimes with a measured amount of dry food left for grazing in between. Whatever the mix, count both toward the total daily amount so your cat is not getting a full ration of each.

Multi-cat homes and practical tips

In a home with several cats, Cornell suggests feeding cats separately or in different areas, because one cat may eat another's share while a shy cat goes without. Feeding in separate rooms, or using microchip-activated feeders, solves most squabbles.

Put food somewhere quiet, away from the litter box and busy hallways. Cornell notes cats can be picky about feeding location and dirty bowls. Food puzzles and treat balls can turn one meal into a hunt, which suits indoor cats; just make sure the cat finishes its full daily portion.

When to call your vet

Call your vet if your cat skips food for more than a day, eats much less than usual for several days, or is losing weight. Cats that go without eating can become seriously ill quickly, and Cornell advises that a cat refusing food and losing weight should be examined. A sudden big increase in appetite, particularly with weight loss or more thirst, also needs checking.

Your vet can also help you set a schedule for cats with diabetes, kidney disease or dental problems, which Cornell notes may need specific diets or meal patterns.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.