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- Nov 15, 2014
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Hi all,
Let me start by describing my work situation. I work from home, which many would say is a plus in feeding cats that get scheduled feeding. Unfortunately, I have my own business, and my schedule can be crazy, including long hours with deadlines. My own daily schedule varies every day, including when I get to bed and get up. Despite this, my cats have done very well for 5 years.
Feeding time for four cats (3 siblings who eat together in one room but must have the meal divided and served with 10-minute breaks in between to keep on of them from the scarf and barf plan and then one who eats in a separate room) takes about 35-40 minutes right now. I am the only person who will feed the cats (even though my 23-year-old son and my husband do live here and love the cats).
Lately, one of the cats has been acting as if he is going to vomit or actually vomiting shortly after eating, and even up to an hour or more afterwards might throw up once or twice. This just started lately when I have been extra busy at work and have put off feeding them for several hours. (I know, bad kitty mom!)
I have been doing scheduled feeds about 10-12 hours apart, but honestly, I think 2 of the cats who are more active are too thin and could eat more, but one of them (not the one I am referring to with this situation) vomits if I feed more in one feeding than I currently do.
Anyway, I have read anything from recommendations on feeding twice a day 12 hours apart to feeding as frequently as every 6 hours with smaller portions. How often do most people feed their cats who are on scheduled wet food feeds?
I am setting an alarm today to feed them at least a snack (like half a can per cat or so) 6 hours from the first feeding and then will feed again 6-7 hours later again. A smaller feeding will not take as long or interrupt too badly, and hopefully, this will help, but I would still like some input on how often is good for cats to eat. Also, I am wondering if most cats can actually tolerate a 3 ounce can all at one feeding or if maybe that is a bit much for some cats. Like, if my 8-pound cat should eat 2-1/2 cans at 3 ounces a can per day of his food based on calories, is it maybe too much for them to try to eat 1-1/4 cans in 2 feedings? Would it be better to feed like 3/4 of a can 3 times a day? By the way, my cats are fine with reheating leftover cat food in the microwave, so partial cans are no issue at all.
Foods fed are Nutro, Nature's Variety Instinct, and Weruva. They have had no new flavors in a long time, and the other cats are fine, so it is doubtful it is the food.
The cat who is not a sibling is a relatively new addition (adopted from a relative about a month or so ago), so I do know my cats are adjusting, but we did slow introductions, and we are very happy with the way they interact at this stage (no blood shed and just the occasional chase or swat). The new addition is eating in a separate room and is not allowed out until the 3 siblings are finished.
Thank you for your ideas on helping Little One enjoy his feeding time better!
Let me start by describing my work situation. I work from home, which many would say is a plus in feeding cats that get scheduled feeding. Unfortunately, I have my own business, and my schedule can be crazy, including long hours with deadlines. My own daily schedule varies every day, including when I get to bed and get up. Despite this, my cats have done very well for 5 years.
Feeding time for four cats (3 siblings who eat together in one room but must have the meal divided and served with 10-minute breaks in between to keep on of them from the scarf and barf plan and then one who eats in a separate room) takes about 35-40 minutes right now. I am the only person who will feed the cats (even though my 23-year-old son and my husband do live here and love the cats).
Lately, one of the cats has been acting as if he is going to vomit or actually vomiting shortly after eating, and even up to an hour or more afterwards might throw up once or twice. This just started lately when I have been extra busy at work and have put off feeding them for several hours. (I know, bad kitty mom!)
I have been doing scheduled feeds about 10-12 hours apart, but honestly, I think 2 of the cats who are more active are too thin and could eat more, but one of them (not the one I am referring to with this situation) vomits if I feed more in one feeding than I currently do.
Anyway, I have read anything from recommendations on feeding twice a day 12 hours apart to feeding as frequently as every 6 hours with smaller portions. How often do most people feed their cats who are on scheduled wet food feeds?
I am setting an alarm today to feed them at least a snack (like half a can per cat or so) 6 hours from the first feeding and then will feed again 6-7 hours later again. A smaller feeding will not take as long or interrupt too badly, and hopefully, this will help, but I would still like some input on how often is good for cats to eat. Also, I am wondering if most cats can actually tolerate a 3 ounce can all at one feeding or if maybe that is a bit much for some cats. Like, if my 8-pound cat should eat 2-1/2 cans at 3 ounces a can per day of his food based on calories, is it maybe too much for them to try to eat 1-1/4 cans in 2 feedings? Would it be better to feed like 3/4 of a can 3 times a day? By the way, my cats are fine with reheating leftover cat food in the microwave, so partial cans are no issue at all.
Foods fed are Nutro, Nature's Variety Instinct, and Weruva. They have had no new flavors in a long time, and the other cats are fine, so it is doubtful it is the food.
The cat who is not a sibling is a relatively new addition (adopted from a relative about a month or so ago), so I do know my cats are adjusting, but we did slow introductions, and we are very happy with the way they interact at this stage (no blood shed and just the occasional chase or swat). The new addition is eating in a separate room and is not allowed out until the 3 siblings are finished.
Thank you for your ideas on helping Little One enjoy his feeding time better!