How Much Should You Feed a Cat? Calories and Portions
How to work out a cat's daily calories, convert them to cups of dry food or cans of wet food, and adjust for weight.
Obesity is one of the most common health problems in pet cats, and it often starts with portions that are a little too big. Measuring food by calories is the easiest way to avoid it.
Cats need fewer calories than most people expect
An average 10-pound neutered adult cat needs roughly 260 calories a day. That is about two-thirds of a cup of a 400 kcal-per-cup dry food, or around three 3-ounce cans of an 80-calorie wet food. A scoop that looks small can easily be too much.
How the estimate works
Like dogs, cats have a resting energy requirement: RER = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75. That is multiplied by a factor for life stage and activity. Cat factors are lower than dog factors:
| Cat | Factor |
|---|---|
| Adult, neutered or spayed | 1.2 |
| Adult, not neutered or spayed | 1.4 |
| Active adult | 1.6 |
| Senior or low activity | 1.0 |
| Weight loss (with your vet) | 0.8 |
| Kitten, 6 to 12 months | 2.0 |
| Kitten, under 6 months | 2.5 |
Our cat food calculator does this for you and converts the result to cups or cans.
Check the calories on the food
Cat foods vary widely: dry food is often 350 to 550 kcal per cup, and wet food ranges from about 70 to 100 calories in a small 3-ounce can to more in larger cans. Look for the calorie statement on the label (it is usually printed as kcal per cup or per can), just as you would for dog food. Our label guide shows where to look, and the same layout applies to cat food.
How often to feed
Most adult cats do well with two measured meals a day. Some owners split the day into three or four small meals, or use puzzle feeders to slow eating. Free-feeding dry food all day makes it hard to know how much a cat eats, and it is a common route to weight gain.
Treats count
Keep treats to no more than about 10 percent of daily calories. For a cat that needs 260 calories a day, that is just 26 calories, so only a few small treats.
Check body condition
You should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, and see a slight waist from above. A hanging belly pouch is normal in some cats, but a round, wide belly with no waist suggests extra weight. If your cat needs to lose weight, do it slowly with your vet's help. Losing weight too fast can cause a serious liver condition in cats.
General estimates only. Ask your vet for personal advice, especially for kittens, seniors, and cats with health problems.
Work out your cat's portion: use the cat food calculator or pick your cat's breed for typical amounts.