How Much Should I Feed My Cat? A Complete Feeding Chart by Age & Weight
One of the most common questions new cat owners ask is “how much should I feed my cat?” — and it’s a great question, because getting it right has a bigger impact on your cat’s health than almost any other decision you’ll make.
Over 60% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). In most cases, the cause is simple: too much food and not enough activity.
This guide gives you clear, evidence-based portion guidelines for every age, from newborn kitten to senior cat. For personalized recommendations tailored to your specific cat, try our Cat Calorie Calculator.
The Quick Answer: Daily Feeding Chart for Adult Cats
For a healthy, spayed/neutered indoor adult cat at normal weight:
| Cat Weight | Daily Calories | Wet Food Only (3 oz cans) | Dry Food Only | Mixed (wet + dry) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | ~150 kcal | 1.5-2 cans | ⅓ cup | 1 can + ⅛ cup dry |
| 8 lbs (3.6 kg) | ~200 kcal | 2-2.5 cans | ⅜ cup | 1 can + ¼ cup dry |
| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | ~250 kcal | 2.5-3 cans | ½ cup | 1.5 cans + ¼ cup dry |
| 12 lbs (5.4 kg) | ~280 kcal | 3-3.5 cans | ½ cup | 2 cans + ¼ cup dry |
| 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | ~320 kcal | 3.5-4 cans | ⅔ cup | 2 cans + ⅓ cup dry |
Based on approximately 20 kcal per pound of body weight for sedentary indoor cats (NRC 2006; WSAVA Nutrition Guidelines). Active, outdoor, or intact cats may need 25-35 kcal/lb. Always check the specific calorie content on your cat food label, as it varies significantly between brands.
Feeding by Age: Kitten Through Senior
Kittens (0-12 months)
Kittens have dramatically higher calorie needs than adult cats — roughly twice the calories per pound of body weight. Their small stomachs mean they need frequent, small meals.
| Age | Meals per Day | What to Feed |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 weeks | Every 2-3 hrs | Mother’s milk or KMR only |
| 4-8 weeks | 4-5x/day | Kitten wet food gruel + KMR |
| 2-4 months | 3-4x/day | Kitten wet/dry food, ~200-250 kcal/day |
| 4-6 months | 3x/day | Kitten food, ~250-300 kcal/day |
| 6-12 months | 2-3x/day | Kitten food, ~200-280 kcal/day |
Key rules for kittens:
- Always feed kitten-specific food (not adult food) — it has higher protein and calorie density
- Free-feeding (leaving food out) is acceptable for kittens under 4 months
- Transition to adult food gradually at 12 months (7-10 days of mixing)
- Large breeds (Maine Coon, Ragdoll) may stay on kitten food until 18-24 months
For a detailed breakdown by week, see our Kitten Feeding Guide.
Adult Cats (1-7 years)
Most adult cats do best with 2 meals per day, on a consistent schedule.
How to calculate your cat’s daily calories:
- Weigh your cat
- Multiply by 20 kcal/lb for inactive indoor cats, or 25-30 kcal/lb for active cats
- Reduce by 20-30% if spayed/neutered (if you haven’t already accounted for this)
- Adjust based on body condition over time
Example: A 10 lb spayed indoor cat needs approximately 10 × 20 = 200-250 kcal per day.
Senior Cats (7+ years)
Older cats may need dietary adjustments:
- Less active seniors may need fewer calories to avoid weight gain
- Underweight seniors may need calorie-dense food (some senior cats lose weight due to decreased appetite or underlying disease)
- Cats with kidney disease may need a prescription low-phosphorus diet
- 2-3 smaller meals per day may be easier on an aging digestive system
Always consult your vet about dietary changes for senior cats, as many common senior conditions (CKD, hyperthyroidism, diabetes) require specific nutritional management.
Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Which Is Better?
Both can be nutritionally complete if they meet AAFCO standards, but they have important differences:
| Factor | Wet Food | Dry Food |
|---|---|---|
| Water content | ~78% | ~10% |
| Calorie density | ~80-100 kcal per 3 oz can | ~300-400 kcal per cup |
| Carbohydrate content | Generally lower (3-10%) | Generally higher (25-50%) |
| Dental health | No proven benefit | Minimal benefit (some prescription diets may help) |
| Cost per calorie | Higher | Lower |
| Convenience | Requires refrigeration after opening | Can be left out longer |
| Hydration | Excellent — critical for cats with low thirst drive | Poor — cats need to drink significantly more |
Most veterinary nutritionists lean toward wet food as the primary diet, primarily because of the hydration benefit. Cats evolved as desert animals with a naturally low thirst drive — many cats on dry-food-only diets are chronically mildly dehydrated, which can contribute to urinary tract and kidney issues over time.
A mixed approach (primarily wet food with some dry) is a practical compromise that many vets recommend.
The Most Common Feeding Mistakes
1. Eyeballing Portions
Studies show that pet owners consistently overestimate how much food their cat needs and underestimate how much they’re actually serving. Always use a measuring cup for dry food and a kitchen scale for precision.
2. Free-Feeding Adult Cats
Leaving a full bowl of dry food out all day is the #1 cause of cat obesity. Adult cats with unlimited access to food tend to overconsume, especially if bored or stressed. Switch to measured, timed meals.
3. Forgetting About Treats
Cat treats are often high in calories. A single Temptations treat is about 2 calories — that seems small, but 15 treats per day adds 30 calories, which is 12-15% of a small cat’s entire daily intake. Keep treats under 10% of daily calories.
4. Not Adjusting After Spay/Neuter
Spaying or neutering reduces metabolic rate by approximately 20-30% (per research in the Journal of Nutrition). If you don’t reduce portions after the procedure, weight gain is almost inevitable.
5. Feeding Dog Food
Cat and dog nutritional requirements are fundamentally different. Cats are obligate carnivores and need significantly more protein and specific amino acids (taurine, arginine) that dog food doesn’t provide in adequate amounts. Even occasional dog food feeding can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
How to Tell If You’re Feeding the Right Amount
The best way to monitor is through body condition scoring (BCS):
- Too thin (BCS 1-3): Ribs, spine, and hip bones visibly prominent. No palpable fat cover.
- Ideal (BCS 4-5): Ribs easily felt with light pressure but not visible. Visible waist when viewed from above. Slight belly tuck when viewed from the side.
- Overweight (BCS 6-7): Ribs hard to feel under fat layer. No visible waist. Rounded belly.
- Obese (BCS 8-9): Ribs not palpable. No waist. Pendulous belly. Fat deposits on limbs and face.
Weigh your cat monthly and adjust portions if weight trends up or down by more than half a pound.
Get Personalized Recommendations
Every cat is different. Our Cat Calorie Calculator factors in your cat’s specific weight, age, activity level, and spay/neuter status to give you a personalized daily calorie target and portion guide.
Also useful:
- Cat Weight Chart — healthy weight ranges by breed and age
- Kitten Feeding Guide — detailed newborn through adult feeding timeline
Sources: NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (2006); WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 2023 Survey; AAFCO Pet Food Regulations; Journal of Nutrition — Effects of Gonadectomy on Energy Requirements.