The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
How Much to Feed? (Part 2)
I have two Abyssinian kittens, and wonder whether calculating their daily intake of food, at about two 3-oz. cans a day each, is the same as for adults? Thanks.
From: Sandy, in Marin County, California
Dear Sandy,
Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention. There is a difference between mature cats and kittens, so no, the rule of thumb about 6 to 8 ozs. a day for an average ten-pound cat does not apply to kittens, who often need double what an adult does. So you can give the kittens a small can each at breakfast (or divide a large 5.5-oz. can), and then divide a second, small can, if they exhibit to you they’re still hungry. Same thing in the evening. But no free feeding, and no kibble, of course. Their systems do best when they have a good meal and can fully digest it before the next “hunt!”
Tracie Hotchner
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
