How many times a day should you BARF your cat? The right number of meals explained simply

When BARFing, cats should ideally be fed 2 to 4 meals a day. How many portions are appropriate depends primarily on their age, activity level, and whether your cat goes outdoors.

How often should adult cats be BARFed?

For adult indoor cats, 2 to 3 meals a day are usually more than enough. It is important to distribute the daily ration evenly among these meals.

This keeps digestion steady and ensures your cat has enough energy throughout the day.

How often should kittens be BARFed?

Kittens and young cats have a significantly higher energy requirement. They should therefore be fed 3 to 4 small meals a day—or even more, depending on their age—spread throughout the day.

Small, regular portions are particularly important here because the gastrointestinal tract of young cats can still be more sensitive to large amounts at once.

How often should outdoor cats be BARFed?

Outdoor cats sometimes catch mice or birds outside as well. If that is the case, 2 meals a day are often enough.

It is best to observe how much your cat actually eats and whether they maintain their weight. This allows you to adjust the portion size individually.

Can a cat eat as much as it wants when BARFed?

Some cat owners leave the food out, as cats, unlike dogs, are often able to judge well for themselves how much they want to eat.

However, with raw meat, you should not leave the food out all day. For reasons of hygiene and freshness, it is better to remove the portion after a limited time.

Calculating the right portion size

BARF calculators can help you calculate the exact portion size. They take into account your cat's weight, activity level, and life stage, among other factors.

It remains important: calculators are a good guide, but every cat is an individual. If you are unsure, or if your cat is underweight, overweight, or has specific health conditions, it is worth consulting a veterinary practice.