How Much Should I Feed My Cat? Calories, Weight and Feeding Schedules
Few questions in cat care sound simpler and are harder to answer than "how much should I feed my cat?" The bag says one thing, your vet may say another, and your cat's belly may tell a third story. The good news is that there is a clear method for finding the right amount, and you can adjust it as you go.
Start with calories, not cups
Cups are a poor measure because kibble varies enormously in density, and a "cup" can be anything from 250 to 500 calories. Calories are the common currency. Check the packaging, where most foods list kilocalories per cup, per can or per kilogram.
A widely used estimate for resting energy requirement in kilocalories is 70 times body weight in kilograms raised to the power 0.75. A multiplier is then applied for life stage and lifestyle. In practice, many neutered adult indoor cats do well on about 20 calories per pound of ideal body weight per day, with more for active, intact or growing cats and less for those that need to lose weight.
Typical daily calories by weight
| Ideal weight | Approximate daily calories (neutered adult, indoor) |
|---|---|
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 130 to 160 |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 160 to 200 |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 190 to 250 |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 220 to 290 |
| 15 lb (6.8 kg) | 260 to 340 |
These are ranges, not prescriptions. Use our free cat food amount calculator for a personalized estimate, and confirm with your veterinarian.
What changes the number
Age. Kittens need about two to three times more per pound than adults. Seniors may need less, or more if they are losing muscle.
Neutering. Spayed and neutered cats generally need fewer calories than intact cats.
Activity. An indoor couch cat burns far less than an outdoor roamer or a young playful cat.
Body condition. Use the ideal weight, not the current weight, when calculating for an overweight cat.
Health. Hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease and digestive problems all change needs. Do not adjust diet for a sick cat without veterinary advice.
Pregnancy and nursing. Queens need significantly more.
Reading the package
Feeding guides on food packages are written to suit a broad range of cats, and many err high. Treat them as a starting point. Begin with the recommended amount for your cat's ideal weight, then adjust every two to four weeks depending on body condition.
Wet, dry or both
Wet food usually provides about 70 to 80 percent moisture, which helps cats that drink little. Dry food is energy-dense, so small volumes carry many calories and overfeeding is easy. If you mix them, count both. For example, if a cat needs 220 calories a day and gets one 80-calorie can, the dry portion should provide the remaining 140.
How often to feed
Cats are natural small-meal eaters. Two to four meals a day suits most adults. Puzzle feeders and slow bowls make mealtime longer and more enriching, which helps indoor cats stay active and less bored. Free feeding, with food always available, works for some cats but often contributes to obesity.
Checking body condition
Weight alone does not tell the whole story. Use a body condition check at home:
- Ribs. You should be able to feel them under a thin layer of fat, like the back of your hand, not the palm.
- Waist. Seen from above, there should be a gentle waist behind the ribs.
- Belly. Seen from the side, the belly should tuck up slightly. A swinging belly pad is normal, but a heavy droop is not.
If you cannot feel ribs, your cat is likely overweight. If ribs, spine and hips stand out, your cat may be too thin and needs a vet check.
Treats and extras
Treats, toppers, dental chews and licks of human food all count. As a rule, keep them to about 10 percent of daily calories. A few safe options include plain cooked chicken and eggs, but account for the calories.
Signs you are feeding too much or too little
Too much: gradual weight gain, no visible waist, reluctance to jump or groom, soft stool, begging that does not stop even when the bowl is full.
Too little: visible ribs and spine, dull coat, low energy, constant crying for food, weight loss.
A sudden increase in appetite with weight loss, or a change in thirst, can be a sign of disease, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes, so see your vet instead of simply feeding more. Our cat health guides explain more.
Keep other pets out of the bowl
In multi-pet homes, cats may eat each other's food or the dog's, which disrupts portions. See can cats eat dog food for strategies such as separate feeding spots and microchip feeders.
A simple routine
- Weigh your cat monthly, using a kitchen scale or a bathroom scale holding the cat.
- Measure food with a kitchen scale, not a scoop.
- Divide the daily amount into set meals.
- Record body condition every few weeks.
- Adjust by about 10 percent at a time, and recheck after a few weeks.
Your veterinarian can confirm your cat's ideal weight and rule out medical causes of weight change. If you do not have a regular clinic, our US vet directory is a place to start.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does a cat need per day?
A common estimate for a neutered adult indoor cat is about 20 calories per pound of body weight, so roughly 200 for a 10-pound cat, but it varies a lot by individual.
Should I feed my cat wet or dry food?
Both can be complete and balanced. Wet food adds moisture, which supports urinary health, while dry food is convenient. Many owners combine them. Count the calories of both.
How often should I feed my cat?
Most adult cats do well with two to four small meals a day. Kittens need more frequent meals, and senior cats may prefer smaller, more frequent portions.
Is free feeding bad?
For many cats it leads to weight gain. Measured meals make it easier to control calories and notice appetite changes.
Sources and further reading
Pet food rules and nutrient standards come from regulators and professional bodies. Start here when you want the primary source.
- FDA Center for Veterinary MedicineU.S. regulator for animal food, drugs and recalls.
- ASPCA: people foods to avoid feeding your petsWhich common kitchen foods are unsafe for dogs and cats.
- Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline health information from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
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.