🐟 Cat Food Calculator: How Much Should My Cat Eat?
Indoor cats put on weight easily, and the feeding guide on the bag tends to be generous. This works out your cat’s own daily calories and turns them into portions of your food.
The method vets use
RER = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75, then a life-stage factor: 2.5 for kittens, 1.2 for a neutered adult, 1.0 for an inactive indoor cat and 0.8 of the target weight for weight loss. Divide by the calories per cup (or per can) of your food.
Lose weight slowly
Cats must never crash-diet — fasting can trigger a serious liver condition (hepatic lipidosis). Aim for about 1% of body weight a week, and ask your vet before cutting food for an overweight cat.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 10 lb cat eat?
A 10 lb (4.5 kg) adult needs roughly 220 kcal a day if it is an inactive indoor cat and about 260 kcal if it is a typical neutered adult — around half a cup of a dry food with 450 kcal per cup. Check the kcal/cup on your bag.
How many times a day should I feed my cat?
Two or more small meals suit most cats; many do well with several small portions or a puzzle feeder spread through the day.
Sources
These calculators give general estimates for healthy pets. They are not veterinary advice — if your pet is unwell or has eaten something it shouldn’t, call your vet.