How many calories does a cat need?
Cat calorie needs start with the same resting energy formula used for dogs, RER = 70 × kg0.75, multiplied by a life-stage factor. A typical spayed or neutered indoor cat needs about 1.2 × RER; inactive cats may need only 1.0 ×, and kittens need about 2.5 ×.
Cat feeding chart by weight
| Cat weight | Calories/day (neutered adult) | Dry cups at 400 kcal | Wet cans at 90 kcal | Inactive cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lb (2.3 kg) | 155 kcal | 0.39 cups | 1.7 cans | 129 kcal |
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 178 kcal | 0.44 cups | 2 cans | 148 kcal |
| 7 lb (3.2 kg) | 200 kcal | 0.5 cups | 2.2 cans | 167 kcal |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 221 kcal | 0.55 cups | 2.5 cans | 184 kcal |
| 9 lb (4.1 kg) | 241 kcal | 0.6 cups | 2.7 cans | 201 kcal |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 261 kcal | 0.65 cups | 2.9 cans | 218 kcal |
| 11 lb (5 kg) | 280 kcal | 0.7 cups | 3.1 cans | 234 kcal |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 299 kcal | 0.75 cups | 3.3 cans | 249 kcal |
| 14 lb (6.4 kg) | 336 kcal | 0.84 cups | 3.7 cans | 280 kcal |
| 16 lb (7.3 kg) | 371 kcal | 0.93 cups | 4.1 cans | 310 kcal |
How much wet food to feed a cat
Wet food calories vary a lot by brand, so always check the label. As a guide, a 3 oz can typically has 70-100 kcal and a 5.5 oz can about 150-200 kcal. This chart assumes 85 kcal per 3 oz can and 170 kcal per 5.5 oz can for a cat eating only wet food.
| Cat weight | Calories/day | 3 oz cans/day | 5.5 oz cans/day | Inactive cat (3 oz cans) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lb | 155 kcal | 1.8 cans | 0.9 cans | 1.5 cans |
| 6 lb | 178 kcal | 2.1 cans | 1 cans | 1.7 cans |
| 7 lb | 200 kcal | 2.4 cans | 1.2 cans | 2 cans |
| 8 lb | 221 kcal | 2.6 cans | 1.3 cans | 2.2 cans |
| 9 lb | 241 kcal | 2.8 cans | 1.4 cans | 2.4 cans |
| 10 lb | 261 kcal | 3.1 cans | 1.5 cans | 2.6 cans |
| 11 lb | 280 kcal | 3.3 cans | 1.6 cans | 2.7 cans |
| 12 lb | 299 kcal | 3.5 cans | 1.8 cans | 2.9 cans |
| 14 lb | 336 kcal | 4 cans | 2 cans | 3.3 cans |
| 16 lb | 371 kcal | 4.4 cans | 2.2 cans | 3.6 cans |
Split the daily amount into two or more meals. Kittens need much more per pound (about 2.5 × resting energy), so use the kitten setting in the calculator above.
Wet vs dry food for cats
Wet food contains about 75-80% water, which helps cats that do not drink much and can support urinary health and weight control. Dry food is calorie dense and convenient. Many owners feed a mix; the calculator splits calories between both so you don't overfeed.
Tips for healthy feeding
- Measure dry food with a kitchen scale or measuring cup, not by eye.
- Feed measured meals rather than leaving the bowl full all day if your cat is gaining weight.
- Keep treats to 10% of daily calories. Our can cats eat guides include treat calculators.
- Never put a cat on a crash diet: rapid weight loss can cause a dangerous liver condition (hepatic lipidosis). Plan weight loss with your vet.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 10 lb cat eat per day?
A typical neutered 10 lb indoor cat needs about 261 kcal per day, roughly 0.65 cups of a 400 kcal/cup dry food or about 2.9 cans of a 90 kcal wet food.
How many times a day should I feed my cat?
Two or more measured meals a day suits most adult cats. Kittens eat 3-4 meals a day.
How much wet food should I feed my cat per day?
It depends on the calories per can. Many 3 oz cans contain 70-100 kcal, so an average adult cat may need 2-3 cans a day if fed only wet food.
Can cats lose weight too fast?
Yes. Rapid weight loss can trigger hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). Aim for about 1-2% of body weight per week under vet supervision.