For cats to grow up healthily, we need to provide them with a reasonable way of feeding them. Cats need different nutrients at different stages, which makes it even more important for owners to pay attention to the methods of feeding them. You can learn how to buy a variety of cat foods on the market, and you can also make a daily feeding plan for your cat so that they can grow up happily and healthily. 
1. Feed your cat using a fixed method.
When raising a cat, the amount of food to feed it is often the most difficult question to answer: how much should a cat eat? There is no standard answer, as nutritional needs depend on the cat's age, size, and activity level. However, generally speaking, an 8-pound (about 3.6 kg) cat needs about 250 calories a day to stay healthy and maintain its nutritional levels. 250 calories is roughly equivalent to 4/5 cups of dry cat food or nearly 6 ounces (about 170 grams) of wet cat food.
Regardless of the type of food or the amount you feed your cat, try to maintain consistency every day. Irregular feeding (inconsistent nutritional content, feeding time, and feeding amount) can cause your cat to gain or lose weight, and even lead to other health and digestive problems. Therefore, try to keep your feeding routine as consistent as possible. If you have purchased specialty food, please feed your cat according to the instructions. Many brands of cat food list nutritional content and weight on their labels; you can make full use of this information.
2. The method of raising the cat should be determined based on its age and living habits.
Generally, kittens should be fed small amounts frequently, while older cats should be fed at regular times and in measured amounts. Pregnant cats need to be fed even more frequently, and you should also follow your veterinarian's advice to ensure your cat's nutrition is adequate. For the first four weeks after birth, kittens should be exclusively fed their mother's milk (getting 100% of their nutrition from her milk). In the fifth week, pay special attention to the kittens' diet, and generally prepare higher-calorie foods for them. During the weaning period, feed them about 5-6 times a day, usually for several weeks, to ensure the kittens receive sufficient nutrition.
3. Try to feed at the same time every day.
You may have your own schedule (i.e., other things to do), but try to make time to feed your cat, especially when they are young. If you feed your cat regularly, they will be less fussy.
4. Try a combination of total amount control and free feeding.
Cats are difficult to manage. For some cats, free-feeding (constantly placing food in front of them) is very effective; however, for others, this method may lead to overeating. Controlling the total amount of food given while using free-feeding is crucial.
Use a simple experiment to see if your cat is suited to free-feeding. Place food in a bowl and observe whether your cat eats it all eagerly or lies around lazily, ignoring the food. If the latter, then free-feeding is a good option. As cats age, they may become overeaters, meaning you must regularly monitor their weight and body shape. If your cat's appetite has significantly increased compared to a year or a month ago, then you need to reconsider your feeding methods.
5. Be aware of how environmental factors can affect a cat's eating habits.
The number of cats, temperature, and climate can all affect a cat's eating habits. If your cat starts not finishing its food, or eats more and faster than usual, don't rush to take it to the vet. Instead, consider its weight, coat color, eye clarity, and other factors to see if there's a problem. If your cat isn't eating at all, you should take it to the vet immediately.
6. Is kitten food nutritious for adult cats?
Some cat owners have misconceptions about cat food: Many believe kitten food is more nutritious than adult cat food, and thus buy kitten food to feed their adult cats. This is definitely wrong, not because it causes obesity, but because cats need various nutrients, and minerals are a crucial component. Calcium and phosphorus play a vital role in bone development. As cats age, the calcium and phosphorus content in their food should gradually decrease. Phosphorus content, in particular, is higher in kittens than adult cats, and then higher in senior cats. This is because phosphorus metabolism primarily occurs in the kidneys. The older a cat is, the lower its kidney capacity for phosphorus metabolism becomes. Therefore, feeding adult cats or even senior cats kitten food long-term can easily lead to kidney problems, such as kidney failure.
In addition, the sodium content in a cat's food should be reduced as the cat ages. The older a cat gets, the higher its chances of developing heart disease. Sodium ions put a greater burden on the heart, so the sodium content in a cat's food should be reduced as the cat gets older to reduce this burden.
7. Calcium supplements for cats
It's best to follow your veterinarian's advice and use pet-specific calcium supplements. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio differs significantly between animals and humans. Prolonged use of human calcium supplements can cause a rapid increase in blood phosphorus levels in cats, potentially damaging their kidneys. Many cat lovers worry their cats aren't getting enough nutrition and constantly feed them calcium tablets or high-calcium foods. However, cats absorb nutrients differently than dogs. They only need normal, high-quality food, or good cat food, to provide sufficient calcium and balanced nutrition. Conversely, too much calcium can cause problems for cats, such as bone development issues, and may even lead to bladder stones or other urinary tract diseases.
