PawsMathHow cat calorie needs are calculated
The calculator uses the standard veterinary formula. First it finds the resting energy requirement, RER = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75. Then it multiplies by a life-stage factor: about 1.2 for a neutered adult, 1.0 for an inactive indoor cat, a little more for older cats (see when a cat counts as senior), and up to 2.5–3 for growing kittens. Because most pet cats live indoors and are neutered, they need fewer calories than many feeding charts suggest.
Daily calories by weight
| Weight | Neutered adult | Inactive indoor | Kitten 4–12 mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lb | 155 kcal | 129 kcal | 323 kcal |
| 7 lb | 200 kcal | 167 kcal | 416 kcal |
| 8 lb | 221 kcal | 184 kcal | 460 kcal |
| 10 lb | 261 kcal | 218 kcal | 544 kcal |
| 12 lb | 299 kcal | 249 kcal | 624 kcal |
| 14 lb | 336 kcal | 280 kcal | 700 kcal |
| 16 lb | 371 kcal | 310 kcal | 774 kcal |
Feeding tips for a healthy weight
- Read the label for "kcal/cup" (dry) and "kcal/can" (wet). Calorie density varies by more than 50% between foods.
- Use a measuring cup or scale. A "handful" can easily be double the right amount.
- Count treats and keep them under 10% of daily calories.
- Weigh your cat monthly. For a 10 lb cat, even half a pound is a 5% change.
- Pregnant and nursing cats need far more than maintenance, often two to three times as much at the height of nursing. Feed kitten food and let her eat freely; the cat pregnancy calculator shows where she is in the timeline.
- Never crash-diet a cat. Cats that stop eating for even a few days can develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), which can be fatal. Weight loss should be slow and vet-supervised.
Your questions answered
How much should I feed my cat a day?
A typical 10 lb (4.5 kg) neutered indoor cat needs about 220–260 kcal a day. That is roughly two-thirds of a cup of an average dry food, or about three 3 oz cans of wet food, depending on the calorie content printed on the label.
Is wet or dry food better for cats?
Both can be complete and balanced. Wet food adds lots of water, which supports urinary and kidney health and helps with weight control. Dry food is convenient and economical. Many vets recommend including at least some wet food.
How often should cats eat?
Cats naturally eat many small meals. Two to four measured meals a day works well for most adults, and kittens need three to four. Puzzle feeders can spread dry food out over the day.
How do I feed both wet and dry food?
Decide what share of calories should come from each, then calculate the amount of each food separately. The calculator does this for you when you choose a mixed diet.
Should I free-feed my cat?
Leaving dry food out all day is a leading cause of obesity in indoor cats. Measuring meals makes it much easier to keep your cat at a healthy weight and to notice early if appetite changes.
Sources
- Global Nutrition Guidelines, World Small Animal Veterinary Association
- Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals, Merck Veterinary Manual
Use this as a starting point, not a diagnosis. Every cat is a little different, so check with your vet before making big changes, and call them straight away in an emergency. Disclaimer