How much should my cat eat?
Enter your cat’s weight and life stage to estimate daily calories. Add your food’s calories per cup or per can to see portions.
How this cat calorie calculator works
We estimate the resting energy requirement withRER = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75, then multiply by a life-stage factor:
- Adult, spayed/neutered: 1.2 × RER
- Adult, intact: 1.4 × RER
- Adult, obesity-prone: 1 × RER
- Kitten: 2.5 × RER
Mixing wet and dry? Split the daily calories between the two, then use each label’s numbers.
Sources
FAQ
How many calories does a cat need per day?
Start from the resting energy requirement (RER = 70 × body weight in kg^0.75) and multiply by a life-stage factor — 1.2 for a typical spayed or neutered adult. A 10 lb (4.5 kg) neutered cat comes out at roughly 260 kcal/day.
How do I split calories between wet and dry food?
Decide what share of calories each food should provide, then divide each share by that food’s kcal per can or per cup. The labels list calorie content.
Should kittens be portioned?
The Merck Veterinary Manual notes kittens can alternatively be fed free choice. The number here is a general reference — ask your vet about your kitten’s growth.