Cats should generally be fed according to their age and individual needs, with a focus on regular feeding routines:

• Kittens : Up to six months old, kittens require more frequent meals due to their growth needs. Feeding them three to four times a day is recommended to support healthy development and prevent overeating or obesity

• Adolescents (6 months to 1 year) : Feeding twice daily is generally best during this stage

• Adult cats (1 year and older) : Most adult cats do well with one or two meals per day. Feeding twice daily is common and helps maintain a routine that supports their digestive health and behavior. Some cats may do fine with one meal a day if healthy and without special medical needs

• Senior cats : Typically maintain the same feeding frequency as adults unless a veterinarian advises otherwise

Additional points:

• Cats prefer routine and benefit from consistent feeding times, which can help with appetite regulation and make it easier to detect health issues if appetite changes

• Cats have small stomachs, so smaller, more frequent meals are often better than one large meal to avoid digestive upset and weight gain

• Some cats may do better with three or more meals a day, especially if they tend to beg between meals or eat only small amounts at a time

• Free feeding (leaving food out all day) is generally not recommended, especially for kittens, as it can lead to obesity and other health problems

In summary, feeding frequency typically ranges from three to four times daily for kittens, twice daily for adolescents and most adults, and once or twice daily for healthy adult cats, with adjustments based on the cat’s health, age, and behavior