Five a Day Felix: Why How You Feed Your Cat Matters More Than You Think
When we think about feeding our cats, most of us focus on what we feed them.
But what if how we feed them is just as important?
At Kowhai Vet, we often see cats struggling with weight, boredom, or behaviour challenges—and surprisingly, feeding style plays a huge role in all of these.
That’s where the “Five a Day Felix” concept comes in.
What is “Five a Day Felix”?
Developed by feline behaviour and welfare experts at International Cat Care, the “Five a Day Felix” plan is a simple way to feed cats that better matches their natural instincts.
Instead of feeding one or two large meals, the idea is to:
- Feed at least five small meals per day, spread across 24 hours
- Encourage hunting and problem-solving behaviours
- Make feeding mentally and physically enriching
This approach mimics how cats eat in the wild—catching multiple small prey throughout the day and night.
Why does this matter?
It helps prevent obesity.
Up to 39–52% of cats are overweight or obese, which is linked to conditions like diabetes, joint disease, and reduced lifespan.
Large, infrequent meals (or free feeding) make it easy for cats to overeat—especially with calorie-dense dry food. By splitting food into smaller portions, you:
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- Improve portion control
- Reduce binge eating
- Support a healthier body condition
It supports natural behaviour (and mental health)
Cats are designed to hunt, not graze from a bowl.
When we feed them in a single location with no effort required, we remove a huge part of their natural behaviour. This can lead to:
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- Boredom
- Anxiety or frustration
- Attention-seeking behaviours
- Overgrooming or destructive behaviour
“Five a Day Felix” brings that behaviour back by making food something they have to find or work for.
It increases activity and reduces boredom
Instead of eating and going straight back to sleep, cats:
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- Move around more
- Explore their environment
- Engage in problem-solving
This is especially important for indoor cats, who often lack stimulation.
It can improve behaviour at home
This feeding style has been linked to:
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- Reduced aggression
- Less food-related frustration
- Fewer attention-seeking behaviours (like 5am wake-ups)
It essentially gives cats a “job”—and a fulfilled cat is usually a much easier cat to live with.
What does this look like in real life?
You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Small changes can make a big difference:
Split daily food into multiple meals
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- Aim for 3–5+ portions (even 3 is a great start)
- Use timed feeders if you’re not home
Use puzzle feeders
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- Encourage your cat to “work” for food
- Can reduce stress and support weight loss
Change feeding locations
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- Hide food in different spots
- Use vertical spaces like shelves or cat trees
Feed across day and night
Cats are naturally active at dawn and dusk—so overnight feeding can actually be beneficial.
Want help getting started?
If you’re not sure how to transition your cat to this style of feeding (especially if they’re used to a bowl always being full), we can help.
We offer nurse consults for:
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- Weight management
- Diet and lifestyle advice
- Enrichment and behaviour support
Because a healthier cat isn’t just about what’s in the bowl— it’s about how they experience their whole world.