Natural Feeding Behavior of Cats

Cats are carnivores, so they’re natural hunters who eat meat every day like their ancestor, the African Wildcat. They’d hunt and eat several small mammals over the course of a day, so the domestic cat mimics this natural eating behaviour by eating several smaller meals, too. 

Feeding Pattern 

There’s no evidence to suggest that feeding cats once a day positively affects their metabolic pathway or body composition. Whereas feeding cats multiple times a day not only mimics their ancestors, but has lots of benefits for their health: 

• Promotes spontaneous physical activity 
• Promotes water intake and urine production
• Decreases postprandial satiety-hormone released
• Decreases hunger feeling and frustration
• Promotes mental wellbeing 
• Promotes human-animal bond 

Remember: Although multiple meals are best, it’s super important to monitor the volume at these feeding sessions, as going heavy on the portions could lead to overeating and weight gain. Not what you want for your furry pal! 

Ways to Incorporate Natural Feeding Behaviors into Mealtimes

A cat’s natural instinct to hunt even when not hungry shows there’s a need for them to keep active and stimulated. They burn calories by hunting down birds in the yard, so if this option isn’t available then learning how to make cats work for their food is a game changer. 

One way to do this is to introduce a food puzzle bowl – making them figure out how to get to the food not only engages their brain, but it helps them eat a little more slowly which can reduce the chance of indigestion. Giving their brain time to catch up with their tummy will help them feel fuller for longer and reduce begging which can tug on your heart strings and make it hard to say no.