What is the definition of a "small meal"??

[CarolandTigger]

Tigger has been getting a 3oz can of FF twice a day,before each shot. And usually also a 1/2 can at midday and at bedtime. So that's a total of 9oz a day. He wants more! We are on an extended road trip with him (home very soon!) and have been since he was diagnosed a few weeks ago. It's been crazy to say the least! He's been starting to wake us up at 2-3am, and then again at 5-6am, seemingly crying for food. It's almost like he's "demanding" it, very forcefully too! Have we not been giving enough? On the FF can it says to feed "1 can for every 3 1/2 lbs of body weight." Tigger is about 13-14 lbs. we figured that translates to about 4 cans a day! But does that hold true for diabetic cats as well? I could have sworn our vet said to give him only 2 cans a day. That's only 6 oz and just doesnt seem enough. When you all say you're feeding your kitties say "5 small meals a day"...what exactly does that mean, in terms of ounces???

 

[CarolandTigger]

Really need advice on this...anyone???

 

[Melanie and Smokey]

Depends on the cat. And the day. And the food. 4 3oz cans does sound like a lot of food for a 13-14lb cat. I target about 1.5-3 cans of food for the cats depending on the food and the cat.
Mittens is a bit skinny and lanky and about 13 pounds so I feed him the most targeting 3cans of FF a day, no less than 2.5 hopefully. If I get him up to 4 cans I don't worry, but he will gain weight.
Cecil is a good weight at 13-13.5lbs but gains easily so we target 2 cans of FF a day or him.
Sly is 13lbs and a bit chubby, I target 1.5-2 cans of Wellness for him, but Wellness is a bit more calorie dense.
Chris is fat and needs to lose weight from 18.8 down to around 16 pounds so I target 1.5-2 cans of Wellness or equivalent calories for him. (Chris's meals literally do look like a spoonful of food each because he's also done better on more feedings. We add water to make it more filling for him).
The rest just eat whatever, I don't watch intake.

I usually split their calories between all the meals of the day, sometimes the main 3 meals are a little higher but we try to keep their calorie intake steady.

 

[BJM]

If he is losing weight and not regulated, you may need to feed up to 50% more, spread out in mini-meals to keep him from getting too hungry. Adding the water further increases the volume and helps keep him hydrated.
Slow him down by spreading the food thinly across a large plate.
Or maybe use a timed feeder.