Feeding cats

[puppymommo]

Here's one for all you cat lovers. I have been hearing/reading about feeding cats kibble, that it is bad for them. That they would be better off on a wet food diet.

I have four cats and have been feeding them a dry food diet with occasional treats of wet food. Several of them are overweight and this is another reason I am thinking of switching to wet food.

So the past few days I have been feeding them wet food in the am and dry food in the pm. They really like the wet food and start crying for it as soon as I open the can. I have been feeding each one half of a 3 oz can. They eat it eagerly. But I am thinking that is not enough because by noon they are hungry, lying by their bowls. Today one is even digging into the bag of dry food. So I will give them a little dry food to tide them over until dinner.

Should I be giving them each a whole can of wet food in the morning? Should I be giving them dry food twice a day and phase out the dry food altogether?

What do you do for your cats?

 

[DeniseM]

The proper amount to feed a cat is based on their ideal weight [and age, and health] - I'd ask your vet.

 

[tashamen]

I agree with Denise. Also, when you have multiple cats and they're different weights and ages they may need to have different foods and different amounts. We had enough issues with that with 2 cats (keeping one out of the other's food) - good luck with 4!

 

[presley]

If they are overweight, they will cry for more food whether they need the calories or not. They are used to overeating.

In addition to everything already posted, activity level is king in how much to feed. If they tend to lie around all day, they will need a smaller amount of food than what the average recommended amount is. Conversely, if they are extremely active, they will require more food than the recommended amount for their age and size.

I don't have cats at the moment, but I keep my dogs active enough that they eat a little more than what is recommended for their sizes. The vet always tells me they are in great shape so even though they eat more than what the package suggests, they burn it off.

 

[JudyH]

Call me the crazy cat lady. All the cats get 1/2 of a 5 1/2 can each in the am and pm and a tiny smudge of dry as a treat. The big barn cat is overweight a lot and his sister a bit less. They must catch a lot of critters. The two house cats stay at an ideal weight on the same amount.

 

[VegasBella]

Cats are very sensitive to diet change. They also hide symptoms of illness well, often until it's too late. So be very careful when changing a cat's diet.

Personally, I believe wet and dry mixed is the best. The wet gives them more hydration but the dry can be better for their teeth. Then obviously there is the cat's preference. Most cats like wet food but some refuse to eat it (I have one of those).

I would talk to your vet before changing the cat's diets. Then do it gradually (example: 20% new food with 80% old food mixed together for a week, next week do 40% new food with 60% old food...).

some tips:
http://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/evr_ct_changing_dog_food_brands_quickly

 

[Deb from NC]

My cat gets a high quality dry food....a mix of Evo and Orijen. ( vet recommended ) She won't touch canned food,so I make sure she has a big bowl of fresh water at all times.
She's very healthy but I do have to keep an eye on her weight..she's a Ragdoll, so is a big girl anyway!