Food - how much is too much or too little?

rogueangel

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After one of our cats getting a urinary infection, the vet suggested we stop feeding them dry food. After looking into it, we agreed to do it, even though one of our cats absolutely loves it more than soft food.

Now they've turned into nagging scavengers.

We feed them (one is 2 yrs, the other 1 1/2) one can of food (the larger ones), split in half in the morning, then in the evening we split another large can.

Aside from the one gobbling her food then stalking the other cat until she walks away, then devouring what's left, they've begun eating our food.

Friday we left a beef sandwich and fries on the counter for a couple minutes while cleaning up dinner, only to find one eating it.

Saturday after dinner we left apple cobbler on the counter to cool before putting it away - yet again, the cats were in it tearing it up.

This morning - we had muffins for breakfast (which have been safe every other time) and I come out of the shower to see them dividing one up on the floor and eating it.

I don't want to deal with them getting more infections, but it seems like they're not getting enough food, so im tempted to start them on the dry food again since we didn't have these kinds of problems before.

Any sugesstions?!?!?
 
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rogueangel

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Originally Posted by portdevoix

When you were feeding them kibble, were you free feeding them, or portion feeding them on a schedule?
We would fill one side of their bowl (those small little split bowls) in the morning, then let them nibble all day, then in the evening every other day we would give them half a can each of the SMALL cat foods (like fancy feast).
 

portdevoix

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There is part of your answer: they are accustomed to having food available at all times.

As for the amount to feed, from reading a variety of canned foods and other sources, I have garnered the guideline of feeding a cat about an ounce of meat or meat-based food (canned if your must) per pound of body weight, divided into two portions each day. So, for a 12 pound cat, that would be a medium can (6-oz) in the morning and another one in the evening.
 

portdevoix

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Also, you might want to consider feeding them better food than your standard supermarket kibble and Fancy Feast. That is tantamount to feeding your children a combination of Doritos and Spam. Look into natural, premium canned foods. There will be more nutrition, and, although the premium food is more costly up front, it will save you money in vet bills in the long run.
 

kumbulu

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You might also consider buying dry food especially designed for cats with urinary tract problems. Because one of your cats has had a UTI once, I wouldn't be put off feeding dry food, as a urinary tract infection has nothing to do with the food a cat is eating.
 

millyanddaisy

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Originally Posted by RogueAngel

Friday we left a beef sandwich and fries on the counter for a couple minutes while cleaning up dinner, only to find one eating it.
Sorry, no suggestions, just sympathy! We once left our supermarket shopping unattended in the bags in the kitchen, for less than two minutes. In that time, the cats had found the packet of bacon that was hidden at the bottom of one bag, opened it, and eaten a piece from every slice. They're so cunning!

Sue
 

tim

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Originally Posted by Kumbulu

You might also consider buying dry food especially designed for cats with urinary tract problems. Because one of your cats has had a UTI once, I wouldn't be put off feeding dry food, as a urinary tract infection has nothing to do with the food a cat is eating.
I have heard on more than one ocassion including from my vet, that the instance of UTI is more common in cats that eat dry food. Is this a like a kitty cat wivestale?
 
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