If you’re like a lot of cat parents, your pet’s mealtimes are pretty simple: a quick scoop of dry kibble or a can of wet food in their bowl a few times a day. However, this laidback feeding approach likely means you fall into another category of pet owners—the ones who overfeed their furry friends. If you haven’t asked yourself the question, “How much should I feed my cat?”, now is the time! That’s because overfeeding (or underfeeding) your pet can lead to health problems with lasting consequences. And no human wants that for their beloved cat!
As a general rule, a healthy adult cat needs around 25-30 calories per pound (about 250-300 calories for a 10 pound cat), but this amount can vary. Let’s go back to the basics: how much food your cat needs each day, how to adjust portions, and when it’s time to check in with your vet.
It’s hard to say no to that desperate meow for a second helping after dinnertime, but we’ll provide strategies for counteracting your guilt (and your cat’s nonstop appetite!).
How Much Food Should a Cat Eat? The Basics
The first thing cat parents should know is that there’s no magical amount of food for cats. There are countless factors that can influence how much your cat needs to maintain their ideal weight. For example, a young cat who gets the zoomies every hour might need twice as much food as an older cat who spends their day sleeping.
When determining how much to feed a cat, Embrace recommends considering:
Your cat’s breed
Your cat’s size
Your cat’s activity level
Your cat’s health needs
Your cat’s age
Consulting a cat feeding guide for wet and dry food can give you a good starting point, but which type of cat food is best for your cat?
How Much Wet Food to Feed a Cat
Many cats go crazy for wet food, and that’s for good reason! The sound of a can’s lid popping open can make the laziest of cats come running into the kitchen in record time. Wet food has a lot of benefits:
It typically has a higher water content, which can help cats stay hydrated.
Cats often prefer wet food since it is easier to chew and has a stronger smell.
Many cans contain one or two servings, which makes for convenient feeding and improves the freshness of the food.
Wet food comes in many flavors and textures, providing variation for finicky felines.
There are downsides to this option, however. Canned food is typically much more expensive than dry food. And that oh-so-fragrant smell that your kitty loves? It can be less pleasant to humans, especially first thing in the morning!
If you choose to feed your cat wet food, keep in mind that calorie content can vary between brands. For example, a 3-ounce can of Fancy Feast Classic Pâté typically contains around 85–95 calories, while a 5.5-ounce can of Friskies can range from 180–220 calories. Even within the same brand, different flavors and formulas can vary. Always read the feeding guidelines, typically located on the can’s label, and feed accordingly.
How Much Dry Food to Feed a Cat
How much dry food should a cat eat a day? Again, this amount will vary based on the brand. Like wet food, dry food packaging contains general feeding guidelines. Feeding according to these instructions is fine for most cats’ needs.
Dry food also has its advantages:
Dry food comes in bulk, which means it’s cheaper and needs less room for storage.
Some studies suggest that dry food may be better for cats’ teeth since the kibble effectively “cleans” the teeth compared to wet food.
Dry food is often a good choice for cats who graze. Wet food dries out once exposed to air, whereas kibble can be eaten throughout the day.
How Much to Feed a Cat by Weight and Life Stage
How many calories should your cat eat? Use the information below to determine your cat’s average caloric needs. Most cats fall into the adult or senior category, so the chart below is a starting point. If you have a kitten or a pregnant or nursing cat, their needs are different and are covered just below.
Cat Weight | Adult Cats (1–7 years) | Senior Cats (7+ years) |
5 lbs | 125–150 calories/day | 100–140 calories/day |
8 lbs | 200–240 calories/day | 160–220 calories/day |
10 lbs | 250–300 calories/day | 200–280 calories/day |
12 lbs | 300–360 calories/day | 240–330 calories/day |
15 lbs | 375–450 calories/day | 300–420 calories/day |
Kittens (under 1 year)
Kittens need not only fewer calories than older cats, but they need special formulations and more meals as well. Always feed cats under one year of age according to your vet’s recommendations.
Kittens under 1 month old: Only feed them between 2 and 6 mL of formula at each feeding time (every 2 or 3 hours)
Kittens 4-6 weeks old: ¼-⅓ can and formula gruel but no dry food (4-5x/day)
Kittens 6-8 weeks old: ⅓-½ can or 1-2 tbs. of moistened dry food (4x/day)
Kittens 9-16 weeks old: ½-¾ can or ⅓-½ cup of dry food (3-4x/day)
Kittens 4-6 months old: ⅔-1 can or ⅓-¾ cup of dry food (2-3x/day)
Kittens 6-12 months old: ½ – ⅔ the amount per pound of the adult recommendations and nearly as much as the adult recommendations of wet food (2-3x/day)
Embrace has compiled this convenient kitten feeding chart for more information.
Adult cats (1-7 years)
Once your pet reaches their feline years, you’ll need to adjust their feeding schedule. At this point, most cats will only need to eat once in the morning and once in the evening. Calorie requirements vary by weight, but an average 10-pound cat will need around 262 calories each day.
Senior cats (7+)
By the time cats reach seven years old, they’re beginning to slow down a little. Those wild kitten days are long gone, and these seniors are ready to relax and enjoy some quiet time. This means senior cats need fewer calories than adult felines. This is the time you’ll need to switch to a food specially formulated for older cats and follow the updated feeding requirements. Older cats need between 20 and 30 calories for each pound they weigh.
Pregnant/nursing cats
As you might imagine, a cat who is either carrying or feeding a litter of kittens is going to be burning a lot of extra calories. That means they need extra food, and formulations that offer more protein can be especially helpful for these tired mamas.
How Often Should I Feed My Cat?
As we mentioned, kittens are voracious eaters and need to be fed several times a day. Adult cats and seniors, on the other hand, only need to be fed once in the morning and once in the evening. Sometimes, it’s necessary to tweak your cat’s feeding schedule to three or more small meals if they have a hard time digesting a lot of food at once.
If you’ve noticed that your cat only eats a little at a time, you might consider just leaving a bowl of food out throughout the day. Sticking to the same schedule as closely as possible can help your cat’s digestion and give them peace of mind about when their next meal is due.
Health Conditions and Weight Management
Even small weight changes can matter, as shifts in body condition can affect a cat’s overall health. Keep an eye out for signs that your cat has a weight problem, and consult with your cat’s vet if you’re concerned about their weight.
Underweight
While it’s more likely that your cat will be overfed, it’s important to note if your cat appears too thin. If you’re feeding your cat enough food, a low body weight could mean they have an illness that needs to be addressed.
Visible ribs and hip bones
Absence of a thin layer of fat
Stomach appears too high behind the ribcage
Overweight
A cat with too many pounds on their frame could develop arthritis and heart problems over time. Signs that your cat is a bit too plump include:
A hanging belly
Ribs can’t be felt by touch
Difficulty grooming themselves
Medical conditions can cause your cat to burn too many or too few calories over the course of the day. Common feline issues include:
Kidney issues: Chronic kidney failure in cats can cause weight loss and other symptoms, including frequent drinking and urinating. While IV fluids may be needed periodically and medications needed daily, your cat’s diet may also need to switch to a special renal one that limits phosphorus, sodium, and protein.
Diabetes: Like humans, cats can develop diabetes mellitus. Weight loss can also occur with this condition even though your cat will likely want to eat more than usual. If your cat is already overweight, helping them lose weight can be one way to treat the condition. Special food to regulate sugar levels can also help.
Thyroid problems: A cat that is eating and drinking a lot but never seems to gain weight could also be showing signs of feline hyperthyroidism, especially if those symptoms are coupled with rapid breathing, a fast heartbeat, and a lump on their neck. Medications, prescription diets, surgery, and radioactive iodine therapy are also treatment options.
Digestive issues: If your cat has weight loss and frequent diarrhea, ask the vet about inflammatory bowel disease. This condition often requires a combination of medications and dietary changes to keep symptoms at bay.
Keeping Your Cat Healthy Long-Term
Feeding your cat the right amount plays a big role in their long-term health, but even well-fed cats can develop medical conditions over time. Weight-related issues, chronic illnesses, and age-related changes can all require ongoing care or treatment. Cat insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected illnesses or injuries, making it easier to say yes to the care your cat needs when something goes wrong.
You may not think a pound or two of weight gain or loss on your pet is a big deal. Remember that unexplained weight changes of even just half a pound or so can have an impact on your cat’s delicate frame. Frequent checkups at the vet can help identify any potential issues before they grow more serious.
An optional cat wellness plan can help you budget for routine care like annual exams, vaccinations, and even special diets recommended by your veterinarian. This kind of preventive support can make it easier to stay consistent with the care that helps keep your cat healthy in the first place.
How Much Food Should I Feed My Cat?
When determining how much food a cat should eat, take a holistic approach. Consider their age, weight, and any health conditions. Both wet food and dry food have feeding recommendations printed on their packaging, but these should only be used as a guide. Consult a veterinarian for a more individualized approach to feeding your feline. Keep a close eye on your cat’s weight, and adjust their diet as necessary, per your vet’s recommendations.