The Five-a-Day Felix Feeding Plan: A Smarter Way to Feed Your Cat

The Five-a-Day Felix feeding plan, developed by feline behaviour experts Dr Sarah Ellis and Dr Lizzie Rowe, is a brilliant way to enrich your cat’s mealtimes and support their natural instincts. Despite its catchy name, the plan has no connection to Felix cat food. Instead, “Felix” pays homage to the Latin word for cat (felis), while the “five-a-day” concept mirrors the familiar human ‘five-a-day’, promoting eating fruit and veg.

A natural instinct – don’t forget the water

The idea behind the plan is to replicate the natural hunting and eating patterns of cats in the wild. In their natural environment, cats would hunt small prey multiple times a day, eating little and often to sustain their energy. This behaviour is ingrained in domestic cats too, and the Five-a-Day Felix plan aims to mimic these instincts by splitting their food into five smaller portions.
Always remember to place sources of clean water a little distance from their food in a place they often wander past, such as a hallway or bathroom.

Try puzzle-feeding your cat

Feeding sessions become even more engaging with the use of puzzle feeders. These clever devices challenge cats to work for their food, encouraging them to use their paws, noses, and jaws, much like they would while hunting. Puzzle feeders can be store-bought or homemade, and they work with both wet and dry food.

Think Outside the Bowl

The Five-a-Day Felix plan also aligns perfectly with the “Think Outside the Bowl” campaign, which promotes the benefits of puzzle feeding. Cats eating exclusively from bowls may miss out on vital mental and physical stimulation, potentially leading to health and behavioural problems. By using puzzle feeders, you can replicate the challenges of hunting and provide a more fulfilling mealtime experience for your feline friend.

By slowing down eating and stimulating your cat mentally and physically, puzzle feeders help reduce boredom and combat common behavioural issues linked to conventional bowl feeding.

Living in the wild, cats would hunt and stash small prey, eating little and often to ensure they had enough to survive.

Remember to limit treats to avoid weight gain and steer clear of giving fish too often, as the fatty acids and bones aren’t ideal for daily consumption.

Feline enrichment

Incorporating the Five-a-Day Felix feeding plan into your routine is a simple yet effective way to ensure your cat is happy, healthy, and engaged. It’s feeding with purpose—and your cat will thank you for it!

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