How Much Dry Cat Food Per Month: 6 Accurate Factors To Consider

One of the most common questions cat owners have is how much dry cat food per month is needed.

This can be a difficult question to answer because every cat is different, and multiple factors come into play when deciding this.

However, you can use these guidelines to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and has enough food to eat! 

One of the biggest issues in our society today is obesity. According to Pet Obesity Prevention, over 50% of cats in America are overweight or obese.

For this reason, cat owners need to understand just how much they should be feeding their pets daily, so they don’t gain too many pounds.

In this blog post, we’ll go over some important factors that you should consider when feeding your cat.

How much dry cat food per month?

Factors To Consider When Deciding How Much Dry Cat Food Your Cat Should Eat Per Month:

1. The age of your cat

Typically, kittens eat much more than adult cats do.  It’s important to keep their metabolism high so they can grow quickly and avoid obesity-related diseases later in life.  

Additionally, it’s recommended you talk to your vet before switching them to adult food, so it doesn’t cause any digestive issues. Expect your kitten to eat about two or three times the amount of an adult cat, depending on its size.

2. The age of your cat’s food

Over time, nutrients in their food become less effective at promoting general health and wellness for cats.  Because of this, it’s important to switch out their old food for a new bag every few months to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need.

The typical shelf life for cat food is about 24 months, so pay attention to how much you have left in your current bag before switching it out.

3. The size of your cat

As an owner, this may be the hardest factor to consider.  If you have a larger cat, they’re likely to need more food than a smaller one. This is because cats tend to eat based on their lean body weight rather than their total body weight.

Depending on your cat’s activity level, whether or not you have multiple cats that eat from the same bowl, and other factors, one cat may need more food than another.

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If you’re not sure how much to feed your kitty, it’s a good idea to talk with your vet about an ideal weight for them, and based on that, they can give you a recommended daily amount of dry food.

4. The season

As a whole, cats tend to eat less during the winter months because it’s harder for them to find food at this time. You may need to be feeding them more food if you live in an area with colder temperatures.

Conversely, your cat may get dehydrated during the summer months due to excess water intake through the food they’re eating and the hot weather outside.

You should be offering your cat plenty of water throughout each day and maybe even consider getting them a pet fountain so they can drink as much as they’d like!

5. Treats

Everyone loves to spoil their pets with delicious treats – but this isn’t necessarily a good idea if you want them to stay at a healthy weight.

Cats can be very fickle, so owners need to limit the number of treats they have each day and adjust their dry food intake down a bit, so they don’t gain too many pounds.

6. Supplementation

If you’re feeding your cat dry food exclusively, it’s important to supplement their daily food intake with plenty of water and fresh meat like chicken or fish. This ensures they’re getting all the nutrients they need and avoids obesity-related diseases in the process.

Remember:  The main goal for cat owners is to abide by the “one meal a day” rule and ensure your cat is getting plenty of exercise throughout the day.  Depending on your cat’s age, size, and energy level, you may need to adjust their dry food intake up or down depending on your cat’s age, size, and energy level!

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How much must the cat eat specifically?

1) Amount of food for a kitten

• You should use a measuring cup and feed the exact amount recommended by your veterinarian.  If you have a very young kitten, feed them 3 times a day.  Like all kittens, they need to grow quickly to be healthy and avoid obesity later in life!
• If you have a slightly older kitten, they will probably be okay with eating twice a day.  You might be able to give them a bit more food if they seem hungry, but don’t overfeed them because obesity is a risk for cats as well!

2) Amount of food for an adult cat

• It’s best to feed an adult cat only once a day.  Some owners may try to give them 2 meals per day, but this can lead to obesity and other medical conditions.  If you have multiple cats, they should eat from separate bowls, so they don’t eat all of the food before your other pet has had the chance!
• If you have an overweight adult cat, it may be best to feed them 2 smaller meals per day. Cats’ metabolism differs from human’s, so they can eat more in one sitting than we would!
• Being overweight isn’t the only health risk for cats. Speak with your veterinarian about how much food your cat should have.  Some cats are naturally slimmer, so they may require less food than others!

3) Amount of food for an old cat

• If you have a senior pet, it’s best to feed them 2 smaller meals per day. They might not eat as much as younger cats, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a happy and healthy life!
• Old cats often develop arthritis. If they feel hungry more frequently, it’s best to increase their food intake significantly, so they put on some extra weight which will help them avoid painful joints.

4) Amount of food for a nursing queen

• If you have a pregnant cat or a queen that is nursing kittens, they will have an increased appetite. Feed them 2-3 times per day, so they have plenty of food for their kittens and themselves!
• Remember that queens can become obese after they give birth, so you’ll need to reduce the number of meals they eat down to 1-2 times per day to avoid obesity.

5) Amount of food for an overweight cat

• If your cat has become obese, it’s time to take action!  Please speak with your veterinarian so they can create a plan that works best for you and your pet. They may be able to prescribe certain medications or special diets that can help your pet lose weight quickly.
• If you have a very obese cat, it might be best to feed them 2 smaller meals per day instead of 1 big meal. Cats’ metabolism differs from human’s so they may be able to eat more in one sitting.

How To Calculate Food Doses?

1) Follow the specific instructions for your pet on their bag of food.  This will give you an exact amount to feed them each day.

2) You can also use a measuring cup and fill it with the type of food they eat.  It’s important not to overfeed them because obesity is a serious issue in cats.

3) Some cats can be overweight and still be healthy, so speak with your veterinarian about the best feeding method for your pet.  

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4) If you have a cat that is elderly or has arthritis but is still trying to get around, try switching their food up, so it’s softer and easier to eat.  This will be a bit more difficult because you’ll need to read the package to see what’s in their food, but it could make their lives much better!

5) If your cat is very old or has arthritis, speak with your veterinarian about specific foods that may be easier for them to eat.

Some cats cannot chew certain types of food, making it difficult to switch them over. Your veterinarian might also be able to prescribe certain medications that will help your pet eat easier.

6) When switching food, try mixing the old food with the new food, so the cat doesn’t notice a sudden change in their diet. It can take up to 14 days for a cat to fully transition to a new type of food, so do not switch them all at once.  Switch 10% each day until they are on the new food completely.

If you have multiple cats that eat from one bowl, just split the food evenly in half, so nobody is eating more than their share!

How Many Times A Day Should Cats Eat?

According to the experts, it is good for your cat to eat 2-3 times a day in small amounts, preventing them from becoming obese and unhealthy.

It’s also good to feed cats multiple times per day in smaller proportions rather than just one large meal because their metabolism decreases in old age. Your veterinarian can help you create the perfect diet plan for your pet, so they live a healthy and happy life!

You can also feed cats raw or fresh food if you wish because it’s much healthier than dry food.  Always speak with your veterinarian first about whether this is safe for your cat before attempting to transition them over.

If you have a cat that will only eat dry food, try buying some wet food to mix in with it, so they get more water and everything else! You can also speak with your veterinarian about supplements to still receive all the nutrients they need even if they’re not eating a very healthy diet.

How Long Does A 16 Lb Bag Of Cat Food Last?

It’s recommended to feed your cat 2-3 times a day in small amounts, so this depends on the size of each feed and how much your cat eats at one time. If you have a larger bag of food than 16 lbs, then it will last longer for sure!

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How Much Dried Food Should A Cat Eat?

You should feed your cat dry food about one cup per day, but it’s important to follow the instructions on your pet’s bag of food.  It would be best to ask their veterinarian how much they need because some may require more food than others due to age or weight.

How Much Wet Food Should A Cat Eat?

You should feed your cat wet food about 2-3% of their total body weight because it’s higher in water.  If you have multiple cats, just split the amount evenly so nobody is eating more than they should!

The Bottom Line

Cats should be fed 2-3 times a day in small portions to stay healthy and prevent obesity.  It’s also good for their metabolism and digestive system, so it’s healthier than just one big meal!

If you have any questions or concerns, speak with your veterinarian about the best diet plan before switching food types.  They can also help you transition your cat safely if they’re having any trouble eating the new type of food!

Thanks for reading, and make sure to share this post with other pet owners so they can learn too!