How much should I be feeding my cat?

[zmoz]

Well, I just inherited a cat. She is about 12 years old, although looks like she is only about 2. She is pretty skinny, but I think that's just the way she is. How much should I be feeding her? Right now she gets half a can of wet in the morning, and half at night. She also gets about 1/2 cup of dry food, although she usually doesn't eat it all. Does that sound about right?

[andreaS15]

Most foods will have a suggeted feeding guide on the side of the container. But to me it sounds like your feeding her a good amount. My cats were "grazers" or free feeders on dry food only.
If you can see/feel her rib cage, she would be underweight. But a good thing to do is have a Check up at your family Vet, if the cat is underweight or unhealthy your Vet could suggest what to do and give you other information.
With cats eating wet foods, i would suggest brushing there teeth, wet food sticks and causes plaque. Brushing the teeth reduces the chance of heart disease and keeps the teeth healthier so you don't have to pay huge Dental bills later on in the cats life.

Congratulations on the new kitty! :)

[FalsettoJones]

With my cats, they just meow reallllly loudly when they're hungry and I go and give 'em a scoop of dry food. It's not really on a schedule.

[brandy pup]

Has she had a medical exam? Sometimes being skinny can be the sign of an illness.

SELECTING A PET FOOD
http://www.api4animals.org/doc.asp?ID=689

Dog Feeding Info (with food links)
http://www.bowchow.com/index.html

[lizzykins]

Most foods will have a suggeted feeding guide on the side of the container.
Heh on the side of the cans we get it says the reccomended amount is half a can a meal but my vet said it should be 1/4 of a can, my dad feeds my cat 1/3 and she's overweight :S

I say ask your vet.