Learning and establishing your cat’s feeding routine is important. The best thing you can do is to learn about your cat’s digestive process to understand what amount of food is appropriate to feed them. Cat digestion time depends on several factors including the type of food they eat, the cat’s age, health, and individual metabolism. On average, cat digestion time is about 12 to 24 hours to digest a meal. Here is a general breakdown of the cat’s digestive process:

How Long Does Cat Digestion Take?

Cats are relatively small animals, so they will take between 12 and 24 hours to properly digest food. They’re also obligate carnivores which means that they must consume meat. Their teeth have evolved for slicing rather than chewing. As a result, when cats eat, they swallow their meat in chunks which takes longer for them to digest.

cat eating raw food digestion time

How Often Should I feed My Cat?

Creating a feeding routine that’s suitable for your cat will ensure that they get all the necessary nutrients at the right time and minimizes the risk of digestion problems. There are a few ways you can go about this, depending on your cat’s adaptability and your schedule.

  1. A feeding schedule focused on 2 meals a day (such as morning and evening) has proved to be highly efficient if your goal is to monitor the food intake and be on the lookout for any behavioral changes.
  2. The second option is you can opt for free feeding your cat. This means that there should always be food available for your cat to consume whenever they’re hungry.
  3. Another option is a combination of the two plans. Feed your cat wet food at specific times during the day but also leave dry food or kibble around for them to snack between meals if needed. If you’re unsure which option to go for, test out all three of them and see which one works best for you and your kitty.

Signs of Digestion Problems in Cats

There are signs to look for if you’re concerned your cat is not digesting food properly.  One of the most common signs is poorly formed stools, or even diarrhea. Your cat might vomit, lose weight, have a dull coat, or appear listless. Plus, if there’s a change in your cat’s bathroom routine or if they suddenly have no appetite or energy, this could also be an indication that they’re struggling to digest their food. Whenever you see any of these symptoms or are concerned about your cat’s digestion, contact your vet for advice

 

Scoop Buddy Helps Monitor Eliminations

An easy and efficient way to clean the litter box is by attaching Scoop Buddy to eliminate litter spills and prevent collapsed bags while you scoop. This is a great way to pay attention to eliminations to make sure your cat’s digestion time and health is on track. Scoop Buddy attaches to nearly any style litter box and makes it easy to collect fecal samples to bring to the vet with any concerns.

Scoop Buddy litter box accessory

Natural Remedies for Digestion Problems

One of our favorite products to help cat digestion is CATalyst. It’s made with digestive enzymes cats need to help break down food and support digestive health. This product helps also supports immune, joint and digestive health for cats while caring for their skin and fur. It’s a simple liquid supplement that can be added to their daily food routine.

Cat Digestion Time Synopsis

Cat digestion times may vary based on the type of food they consume. Cats on a diet of primarily wet cat food may have a shorter digestion time compared to cats on a dry kibble diet. Wet food is more easily digested and will have a shorter digestion time. In addition, younger cats and kittens typically have faster digestion compared to older cats.

If you have concerns about your cat’s digestion time or notice any changes in their eating habits or bowel movements, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.