How Much Should I Feed My Cat? Daily Cat Feeding Guide
Exactly how much to feed your cat per day — by weight, age, and wet vs dry food. Includes a daily calorie chart, portion sizes, and feeding frequency tips.
Feeding your cat too much — or too little — is surprisingly easy, and most indoor cats end up overfed. This guide shows exactly how much to feed your cat per day based on weight, age, and whether you feed wet or dry food, with a simple cat feeding chart and the calorie formula vets use.
Quick Answer
- • Most adult cats need 180–280 calories a day.
- • An average 4–5 kg cat ≈ 200–250 calories.
- • That's roughly 1/2 cup of dry or 2–3 cans of wet food.
- • Feed twice a day (kittens 3–4 times).
Get your cat's exact daily calories
Enter your cat's weight and activity level for a precise daily calorie target and portion size.
Open Cat Food Calorie CalculatorCat Feeding Chart (Daily Amount by Weight)
Use this chart as a starting point for a typical neutered indoor adult cat. Find your cat's weight to see daily calories and rough portions:
| Cat Weight | Daily Calories | Dry Food | Wet Food |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kg (7 lb) | ~165 kcal | ~1/3 cup | ~2 cans |
| 4 kg (9 lb) | ~200 kcal | ~1/2 cup | ~2.5 cans |
| 5 kg (11 lb) | ~235 kcal | ~1/2 cup | ~3 cans |
| 6 kg (13 lb) | ~270 kcal | ~2/3 cup | ~3 cans |
| 7 kg (15 lb) | ~300 kcal | ~3/4 cup | ~3.5 cans |
Portions assume an average dry food (~350 kcal/cup) and 3 oz wet cans (~90 kcal). Always check your own food's label — calorie density varies widely.
How to Calculate Your Cat's Calorie Needs
Vets use a two-step formula. First, the Resting Energy Requirement (RER):
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
Then multiply by an activity factor to get daily calories (Maintenance Energy Requirement):
- • Neutered indoor adult: RER × 1.0–1.2
- • Active / intact adult: RER × 1.4–1.6
- • Weight loss (target weight): RER × 0.8
- • Kitten (growing): RER × 2.0–2.5
Example: a 4 kg neutered indoor cat → RER ≈ 198 → × 1.0 ≈ 200 calories a day. Skip the math with the Cat Food Calorie Calculator.
Wet Food vs Dry Food
What matters most is total daily calories, not the format. Wet food is mostly water, which helps hydration and urinary health, so a cat eats more of it by volume — about 2–3 cans a day. Dry food is calorie-dense, so the portions look tiny. Many owners feed a mix: dry in the morning, wet at night.
If you feed mostly wet food and want exact can counts by weight, see our dedicated wet food portion guide.
Feeding by Life Stage
Kitten (0–12 months)
High-calorie growth food, 3–4 small meals a day. Don't restrict — they need the energy.
Adult (1–7 years)
Two measured meals a day. Watch weight closely — this is when most cats start gaining.
Senior (7+ years)
Needs may drop slightly, but underweight seniors should be checked by a vet (often kidney or thyroid related).
Not sure how old your cat is in human terms? Check our cat years to human years chart.
Measure, don't guess. “Free-feeding” a full bowl is the number-one cause of feline obesity. Use an actual measuring cup or a kitchen scale, and count treats as part of the daily total (keep treats under 10% of calories).
The Bottom Line
Most adult cats need 200–250 calories a day, fed as two measured meals — about half a cup of dry food or 2–3 cans of wet. Adjust for age, activity, and weight goals, always read your food's calorie label, and weigh portions rather than guessing. For an exact number tailored to your cat, use the Cat Food Calorie Calculator. 🐱
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I feed my cat per day?
Most healthy adult cats need about 180-280 calories a day, depending on weight and activity. As a rough guide, an average 4-5 kg (9-11 lb) indoor cat needs around 200-250 calories — roughly 1/2 cup of dry food, or 2-3 standard 3 oz cans of wet food, split into two meals. Always check the calories printed on your specific food, since they vary a lot between brands.
How many times a day should I feed my cat?
Twice a day (morning and evening) suits most adult cats. Kittens under 6 months need 3-4 smaller meals because they grow fast and have tiny stomachs. Some owners use measured 'grazing' or a timed feeder, but portion control is easier with set meals — important since many indoor cats are prone to weight gain.
How do I calculate my cat's calorie needs?
Vets start with Resting Energy Requirement (RER) = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75, then multiply by an activity factor: about 1.0-1.2 for a neutered indoor adult, 1.4-1.6 for an active cat, and up to 2.5 for kittens. For example, a 4 kg neutered indoor cat: RER ≈ 198, × 1.0 ≈ 200 calories a day. Our Cat Food Calorie Calculator does this for you.
Wet food or dry food — which is better and how much?
Both can be healthy; the key is total daily calories. Wet food has more moisture (good for hydration and urinary health) but fewer calories per gram, so cats eat more of it by volume — typically 2-3 cans a day. Dry food is calorie-dense, so portions look small (around 1/3 to 2/3 cup). Many owners feed a mix. If you feed mostly wet food, see our wet food portion guide for exact cans.
How much should I feed a kitten?
Kittens need roughly 2-2.5 times the calories per kg that an adult does, fed across 3-4 meals. Feed a food labelled for 'growth' or 'kitten' and follow the package amounts for their current weight, adjusting as they grow. Never restrict a healthy kitten's calories — they need the energy to develop.
My cat is overweight — how much should I cut back?
Don't crash-diet a cat — rapid weight loss is dangerous for them. Work out the calories for their ideal (target) weight rather than current weight, reduce gradually, and aim to lose no more than 0.5-1% of body weight per week. Switch to measured meals, cut treats, and re-check with your vet. Indoor cats especially benefit from play to burn energy.