Cat Feeding Chart by Weight: How Many Calories Does Your Cat Need?

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Few questions come up more often than how much to feed a cat. The label on the bag gives a range, your neighbor swears by a scoop, and your cat insists it is starving. A calorie chart based on body weight gives you a better starting point, because it is built on what cats actually burn rather than on volume. This guide shows how to use one, how to adjust it, and what to watch for.

Why calories, not cups

A cup of one dry food may hold 350 calories, while a cup of another holds 500. A can of one wet food may have 70 calories, and another 110. Feeding by cups or cans without checking the calorie content is a major reason cats gain weight. Look for "kcal per cup" or "kcal per can" on the package, or on the manufacturer's website. If it is not listed, contact the company, since the number is required in many regions. See cat calories in food explained.

The basic formula

Vets use resting energy requirement, abbreviated RER, as a base. It is roughly 70 times the cat's weight in kilograms raised to the power of 0.75. That energy is then multiplied by a factor that reflects lifestyle. For a neutered adult indoor cat, the factor is about 1.2. You do not need to do this maths by hand, because the chart below does it for you.

Chart for typical adult neutered indoor cats

These are estimates for cats at a healthy weight. If your cat is overweight, feed for the ideal weight, not the current one, and ask your vet to set the target. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.

Turning calories into portions

1. Find the calories per cup or can on the label.
2. Divide your cat's daily calories by that number.
3. Split the result across meals.

For example, a cat needing 240 calories on a food with 80 calories per can would eat three cans in a day. A cat on a dry food with 400 calories per cup would get just over half a cup. Use a measuring cup, or better, a kitchen scale in grams, which is more accurate. Scoops that come with the bag vary widely.

Treats and extras

Treats, toppers, milk and table scraps count. A common guideline is that treats should be no more than about ten percent of daily calories. For a cat on 240 calories, that is around 24 calories, which is only a few small treats. Subtract treat calories from meals, so the total stays the same. See healthy cat treats.

Adjusting for your cat

Charts assume an average cat, and cats are not average. Adjust based on:

• Activity. Active cats, and cats that go outdoors, may need more. Couch cats may need less.
• Neuter status. Spayed and neutered cats need roughly a quarter fewer calories than intact ones. See feeding a neutered or spayed cat.
• Age. Kittens need much more, and seniors can need more or less depending on health. See best food for senior cats.
• Breed and build. A large Maine Coon has a bigger frame than a petite Siamese, so weight alone may mislead.
• Health conditions. Hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease and digestive problems change calorie needs.

Body condition score

Weight is only half the picture. Vets use a body condition score, usually on a nine-point scale, where four or five is ideal. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat, see a waist from above and notice a slight tuck of the belly from the side. If you cannot feel the ribs, or the belly sags, your cat is probably overweight. If ribs, spine and hips are very prominent, your cat may be underweight.

How to adjust

Weigh your cat every two to four weeks, using a baby scale or by weighing yourself with and without the cat. Aim for stable weight in a healthy cat. If weight creeps up, reduce food by about ten percent. If your cat is losing weight without trying, do not simply feed more, because weight loss can signal illness. See cat weight loss causes.

Kittens, pregnancy and illness

Kittens need two to three times as many calories per kilogram as adults. Pregnant and nursing cats need much more. Sick cats may need special diets. See kitten feeding schedule, feeding a pregnant cat and feeding a nursing cat.

Tips for success

• Weigh food, not scoops.
• Write the daily amount on a note near the food.
• Share the plan with everyone in the house, and with sitters.
• Use puzzle feeders to slow eating. See puzzle feeders and slow feeders for cats.
• Do not respond to every meow with food. Play or attention may be what your cat wants.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat gains or loses weight quickly, is always ravenous, or has changes in thirst or appetite. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic, and ask for a body condition score at the next visit. Your vet can calculate a precise target and suggest an appropriate diet.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.