2 meals or 3 meals a day?

hobo08 · Feb 25, 2012

I have read a couple posts today stating that a cat should eat three meals a day. Why is this?

I have always fed Hobo two meals a day and there would be days that I would not be able to feed him at noon if I do put him on three meals a day. Also I am transitioning to an all wet diet from an all dry diet so I didn't know if I should do this switch to 3 meals or not.

Willowy · Feb 25, 2012

How do you feed his meals now? Do you just put the food in his bowl and let him nibble at it, or does he eat the entire meal all at once? The reason for feeding 3 meals is because it's hard for most cats to eat half their daily portion all at once without throwing up. But if he's used to eating that much at once, he may be OK with only 2 meals.

You don't have to make it a traditional "morning, noon, and night" meal schedule. I feed my kitties in the morning, then when I get home from work, then at bedtime.

ldg · Feb 25, 2012

The minimum of three a day is recommended because the cat's digestive system is designed to eat many small meals a day. Their stomachs can produce too much acid, which can (doesn't always) cause problems with ulcers or vomiting (or both). Lazlo developed ulcers when I switched to timed feedings from free feeding.

If your kitty is already doing fine on two meals a day, I wouldn't worry about it. But I've now successfully got mine on three a day, and I do it the way Willowy does. :nod: Morning, evening, and before bed.

just mike · Feb 25, 2012

3 meals a day is recommended. I only feed my twice a day and they do just fine. But - I do free feed dry kibble. I've gotten by with the free feeding the dry kibble for years with no adverse effects. I'm a firm believer in "If it ain't broken, don't fix it". If your kitty is doing well on 2 meals a day, keep doing it. I'm wonder if the kitty might feel less full going to an all wet diet? Any ideas out there?

hobo08 · Feb 25, 2012

Thank you all! He usually has maybe six kibbles left in his bowl when I go back to feed him in the evening. Whenever I have been giving him any wet, if he likes it, he will finish it right away.

Knock on wood he has never thrown up.

Mike-I hope he does not have any issues going to all wet. It is for his health and a major diet that he needs. (whole other thread)

darn shelters!

luvmyparker · Feb 25, 2012

I feed twice a day but usually throw in a snack in between each meal. He is doing great and has gained back all the weight he lost when he was sick.

khin mya · Feb 27, 2012

All my cats can eat whenever they want to, I have bowls of food for them all over the house :-)

feralvr · Feb 27, 2012

LDG said:
The minimum of three a day is recommended because the cat's digestive system is designed to eat many small meals a day. Their stomachs can produce too much acid, which can (doesn't always) cause problems with ulcers or vomiting (or both). Lazlo developed ulcers when I switched to timed feedings from free feeding.
If your kitty is already doing fine on two meals a day, I wouldn't worry about it. But I've now successfully got mine on three a day, and I do it the way Willowy does. :nod: Morning, evening, and before bed.

Add me in that exact same schedule

. AM, PM and Bedtime. Agree that if your cats are doing fine on twice daily meals, then you are fine. A lot of people only feed wet twice daily - but then they leave dry food out all day for the cats to nibble on at will. If you take away that dry kibble nibbling - then I would try to offer the late meal before bedtime so their tummies don't get too upset going that many hours without nibbling on the dry.

2 meals or 3 meals a day?

hobo08

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Willowy

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ldg

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just mike

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hobo08

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luvmyparker

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khin mya

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feralvr

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