Before determining when and how much to feed your cat, consider a few things like whether you will be meal feeding or free feeding, their age and health status, and what you will be feeding them – raw, fresh or dry cat food.
Meal feeding is feeding your cat twice, at specific times of the day. Free feeding means food is available to your cat all the time.
How old your cat is and whether he's healthy and young will affect both how much food and when to feed. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions right for your cat.
Age & Health?
Wet food is more expensive and not as easy to use, while dry food is less messy and can be given on a schedule. Which does your cat prefer?
Listen to your cat to gauge whether what you’ve been feeding him meets his caloric needs. If your cat is frequently hungry outside of meal times, increase the amount of food you’re giving, or give a snack midday.
How to Tell When Your Cat Wants Food
Generally a cat will only bother you for food when they are hungry or smell something they want. If you’re feeding him enough he's still acting hungry, this may be an early sign of diabetes.