Different pet owners have different experiences when it comes to feeding their cats. However, to ensure optimal health and maximum gains from food consumption, it is important to observe best practices in feeding cats. Pet owners can start by establishing a feeding schedule and following a definitive feeding frequency.
The Science of Feeding Cats: Optimal Schedules and Frequencies According to Studies
Importance of a Feeding Schedule
Cats are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine. Establishing a regular feeding schedule can make mealtimes predictable and stress-free. A 2018 review by veterinarian Jon Bowen explained that an irregular feeding schedule can create a stressful environment for cats. The absence of a routine or a disruption in an established routine can also result in behavioral issues.
Furthermore, in another paper published in 2018, researchers M. Delgado and L. M. S. Dantas underscored that how pet cats are fed should reflect the way that cats naturally eat in the wild. This means giving them several small meals per day rather than free-feeding and one-time-big-time feeding in which food is left in the open and is almost always accessible.
Researchers A. Witzel-Rollins et al. also explored the merits of using pet-separating automatic dispensing machines in multi-cat households. Details are discussed in a 2022 paper published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. Their research showed that automatic and scheduled feeders made weight-loss programs easier and reduced food-seeking behaviors.
Previous studies noted that scheduled feeding might promote the release of the hunger hormone ghrelin and negatively affect metabolism. However, more recent studies like in a 2014 paper from P. Deng et al. indicated that a stringent feeding schedule can prevent overfeeding and help regulate metabolism. Both are essential in reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Relativeness of Feeding Frequency
There are conflicting conclusions on the ideal feeding frequency for cats. Some studies indicated that a once-a-day meal is advantageous while others indicated that multiple meals a day is more beneficial. The divergence in findings stems from specific differences in research focus, study design, and the specific health and behavioral outcomes being measured.
For example, according to A. Camara et al., cats fed once daily had a greater postprandial plasma amino acid response, higher ghrelin and insulin levels, and lower fasting respiratory quotient. These help in supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. The findings specifically suggest that a single meal might help indoor cats maintain a leaner physique and feel fuller longer.
Remember that wild cats eat either small meals across a 24-hour period or a one-time-big-time meal after hunting. Hence, while it is important to mimic some aspects of this habit, domesticated cats, especially indoor adult cats, have fewer physical activities and are expediting less energy. Their feeding schedules and frequency should be based on their activities and needs.
A 2011 study by M. R. C. De Goy et al. involving lean female adult cats revealed that increasing feeding frequency of up to four meals per day resulted in greater voluntary physical activity. This was also observed in individually housed cats according to the study by P. D. Deng et al. but had no significant impact on the activity level of cats housed in a group setting.
Conclusion and Takeaways: Determining the Right Feeding Schedule and Frequency
There is a strong consensus that a scheduled feeding is more beneficial to cats than an open-feeding scheme because it gives them a sense of routine. Routines are essential for cats. These give them a sense of control and security. The absence of a scheduled feeding or drastic disruptions in their feeding schedules can cause distress and mild to serious behavioral issues.
However, when it comes to frequency, the best practice is dependent on each cat and its needs. A once-a-day feeding may be useful for some indoor cats needing to control their weight. More frequent meals may help regulate hunger and increase activity for cats in a multi-cat environment. Smaller and more frequent meals are ideal for reducing food-seeking behavior.
FURTHER READINGS AND REFERENCES
- Bowen, J. 2018. “Feeding Behaviors in Cats.” In Vet Focus. 28(3). Royal Canin. Available online
- Camara, A., Verbrugghe, A., Cargo-Froom, C., Hogan, K., DeVries, T. J., Sanchez, A., Robinson, L. E., and Shoveller, A. K. 2020. The Daytime Feeding Frequency Affects Appetite-Regulating Hormones, Amino Acids, Physical Activity, and Respiratory Quotient, But Not Energy Expenditure, In Adult Cats Fed Regimens for 21 Days. In ed J. J. Loor, PLOS ONE. 15(9): e0238522. Public Library of Science. DOI: 1371/journal.pone.0238522
- Se Godoy, M. R. C., Ochi, K., de Oliveira Mateus, L. F., de Justino, A. C. C., & Swanson, K. S. 2015. “Feeding Frequency, But Not Dietary Water content, Affects Voluntary Physical Activity in Young Lean Adult Female Cats. In Journal of Animal Science. 93(5): 2597-2601. Oxford University Press. DOI: 2527/jas.2014-8574
- Delgado, M. and Dantas, L. M. S. 2020. “Feeding Cats for Optimal Mental and Behavioral Well-Being.” In Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 50(5): 939-953. Elsevier BV. DOI: 1016/j.cvsm.2020.05.003
- Deng, P., Iwazaki, E., Suchy, S. A., Pallotto, M. R., and Swanson, K. S. 2014. “Effects of Feeding Frequency and Dietary Water Content on Voluntary Physical Activity in Healthy Adult Cats. In Journal of Animal Science. 92(3): 1271-1277. Oxford University Press. DOI: 2527/jas.2013-7235