How Much Should I Feed My Cat? Complete Feeding Guide
Feeding your cat the right amount is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term health. Obesity in cats leads to diabetes, joint problems and a shorter life. Too little food leads to malnutrition and muscle loss.
The Basic Calculation
A healthy adult cat typically needs around 40–45 calories per kilogram of body weight per day. However, this changes significantly based on age, activity level, whether the cat is neutered, and the type of food being fed.
Kittens Need Much More
Kittens under 6 months need about twice the calories of an adult cat of the same weight. They are growing rapidly and burn energy very fast. Always feed kitten-specific food which has higher protein and fat content for healthy development.
Senior Cats Need Less
From around age 7, most cats become less active and need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. Senior-specific cat food tends to have fewer calories but more joint supplements and easily digestible protein.
Dry Food vs Wet Food
Wet cat food contains 70–80% water, which means you need to feed significantly more of it by weight to meet calorie needs. However, wet food is excellent for keeping cats hydrated — cats naturally have a low thirst drive and often do not drink enough water.
How Many Meals Per Day?
Adult cats do well on 2–3 meals per day. Kittens under 6 months should eat 3–4 times daily. Free-feeding (leaving dry food out all day) is not recommended as it almost always leads to overeating and obesity, especially in indoor cats.