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| Meta Title | How Much to Feed a Cat: Portions, Calories, and More | Chewy |
| Meta Description | If you understand how much to feed a cat, you can prevent overfeeding and underfeeding by serving the appropriate portion size for your cat. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | As pet parents, we spend a lot of time determining
what to feed our cats
, but figuring out how
much
to feed your cat is just as important.
Not feeding your cat enough can lead to nutrient deficiencies and weight loss, but overfeeding in cats is a much more common problem.
Studies show that approximately
61% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese
. Extra body fat puts cats at increased risk for life-shortening conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
However, knowing how much to feed your cat and providing them with the appropriate amount of food helps them to maintain a healthy body weight—which is essential for a cat’s overall health and happiness.
So, how much food does your cat need?
These general guidelines are a great place to start. Keep in mind, however, that your veterinarian will always be your best resource for determining your cat’s unique nutritional needs.
Key Takeaways
Feeding guidelines vary by a cat’s age, size, and activity level.
Use the food packaging as a starting point but adjust based on your cat’s weight and your vet’s recommendation.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health issues.
Regular vet visits help monitor your cat’s weight so you can adjust their diet accordingly.
Avoid free-feeding your cat, which can lead to unwanted weight gain.
Factors That Impact How Much to Feed a Cat
How much to feed your cat can be impacted by a variety of factors, including:
Age
: For this discussion, we’ll address cats over 10 months of age, which is when most cats can
switch from kitten food to adult food
. Keep in mind that kittens require more energy and nutrients to help them grow when considering
how much to feed them
, and senior cats’ nutritional needs may shift as they age, too. Choosing a
cat food
suited for your cat’s life stage can help support a healthy weight.
Size
: Larger breeds, like
Maine Coons
, need to eat more than their smaller counterparts. Even within the same breed, some individuals naturally have a smaller frame than others and require less food.
Activity level and metabolic rate
: Cats who routinely get a lot of exercise burn more calories than feline couch potatoes. Just as each person has a unique individual metabolism, cats vary too. An individual cat’s metabolic rate may be higher or lower than the average cat.
Reproductive status
:
Spaying
and
neutering a cat
reduces the number of calories they need. However, on the flip side,
pregnant and nursing cats
should have unlimited access to food. A pregnant cat’s food should be appropriate for kittens all life stages to meet the intense nutritional demands that reproduction puts on their bodies.
Body condition and health
: Some health problems can also cause cats to gain or lose weight. Talk to your veterinarian about your
cat’s body condition score
and if your cat needs to gain or lose large amounts of weight or appears sick.
The chart below presents average serving sizes based on a cat’s weight and other factors. Keep in mind that an individual cat’s needs can vary by as much as 50% in either direction from the average, so talk to your veterinarian to determine the best food portions for your cat.
Cat Weight
Spayed or Neutered Cat
Intact Cat
Cat Prone to Gaining Weight
Cat in Need of Weight Loss
5 lbs (2.3 kg)
157 kcal / day
183 kcal / day
131 kcal / day
105 kcal / day
7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)
210 kcal / day
245 kcal / day
175 kcal / day
140 kcal / day
10 lbs (4.5 kg)
260 kcal / day
303 kcal / day
216 kcal / day
173 kcal / day
12.5 lbs (5.7 kg)
298 kcal / day
362 kcal / day
258 kcal / day
207 kcal / day
15 lbs (6.8 kg)
354 kcal / day
413 kcal / day
295 kcal / day
236 kcal / day
17.5 lbs (7.9 kg)
396 kcal / day
462 kcal / day
330 kcal / day
264 kcal / day
20 lbs (9.1 kg)
440 kcal / day
513 kcal / day
367 kcal / day
293 kcal / day
How To Convert Calories into Portion Sizes for Cat Food
Once you’ve determined how many calories your cat needs daily, you need to figure out how much of their food will provide those calories. The good news is that manufacturers are required to list a food’s caloric content on the pet food label.
On cat wet food labels, it will be written as kcal/kg and kcal/can. On dry food, it will be written as kcal/cup.
Don’t be intimidated by the lingo; in nutrition circles, a kcal (kilocalorie) is the same as a calorie.
Divide your cat’s caloric needs (kcal/day) by the food’s caloric content (kcal/can or cup). The answer will let you know how much food your cat needs each day.
To figure out how much food to feed at each meal, simply divide the daily amount of food by the number of meals you plan to offer each day.
For example, let’s say your cat is spayed or neutered, weighs 10 pounds, and is very active.
According to the chart , your cat should consume 260 kcal/day. Now, imagine they are on a diet of
Purina Pro Plan White Meat and Vegetable Canned Food
.
Recommended Product
Let’s take a look at the label:
Since the calorie content of the wet cat food is 73 kcal/can, you would determine your cat’s daily portion by dividing 260 kcal/day by 73 kcal/can.
260 kcal/day ÷ 73 kcal/can = 3 ½ (3.5) cans
If you feed two meals per day, divide 3.5 by 2 to find out how much to feed at each meal: roughly 1 Âľ (1.75) cans per meal.
Pro Tips:
If you don’t use the whole can of wet cat food and want to store the rest,
Speckle & Spot Pet Can Covers
can help keep the cat food fresh.
Recommended Product
To encourage your kitty to “hunt” and work for their food, consider feeding your kitty’s wet food in a
cat lick mat
made for wet food or an interactive
puzzle toy
made for both dry and wet food.
Recommended Products
Feeding Wet Cat Food vs. Dry Cat Food
Should you feed your cat wet food, dry food, or some of both?
The question of what the overall
benefits of wet cat food versus dry cat food
is more complicated than it seems and is determined by many factors including:
Your cat’s weight
The calories, protein, and fat in each food
The amount of food fed
Any health issues your cat may have
Dry cat food contains around 10% water, and wet food contains around 70% water. Dry food is typically less expensive and doesn’t have to be stored in the refrigerator.
Certain types of dry food can benefit cats with health conditions, such as dental diets made of kibbles that work like a toothbrush and help reduce plaque, stain, and tartar buildup right up to the gumline.
The largest benefit of wet cat food is the amount of water included, which can especially benefit cats with certain health conditions including
kidney disease
,
lower urinary tract disease
, and
diabetes
.
Because it’s such a loaded answer depending on your cat, partnering with your vet is key to determining whether to feed your kitty
dry cat food
,
wet cat food
, or both types of food.
Recommended Products
How Often Should I Feed My Cat?
Cats have evolved to eat numerous small meals throughout the day—but leaving food out all day is a major risk factor for
obesity in cats
.
At a minimum, a cat’s total daily food intake should be divided into two meals, but more (up to six!) is better.
You can consider an
automatic cat feeder
 that can be preloaded with multiple, measured meals is a great way to provide your cat with just the right amount of food, divided into small meals.
Recommended Product
Or find fun and creative ways to hide your cat’s dry food by using experimenting with different types of interactive food puzzles.Â
Recommended Products
This content was medically reviewed by Molly Price, DVM, Chewy veterinarian. |
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# How Much To Feed a Cat: Portions, Counting Calories, and More
[](https://www.chewy.com/education/author/jennifer-coates)
By [Jennifer Coates, DVM](https://www.chewy.com/education/author/jennifer-coates)
Updated
Nov. 24, 2025

Photo by iStock.com/eclipse\_images
Jump to section
***
- [Factors That Impact How Much to Feed a Cat](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/how-much-should-i-feed-my-cat#factors-that-impact-how-much-to-feed-a-cat)
- [How Much To Feed a Cat Chart](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/how-much-should-i-feed-my-cat#how-much-to-feed-a-cat-chart)
- [How To Convert Calories into Portion Sizes for Cat Food](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/how-much-should-i-feed-my-cat#how-to-convert-calories-into-portion-sizes-for-cat-food)
- [Feeding Wet Cat Food vs. Dry Cat Food](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/how-much-should-i-feed-my-cat#feeding-wet-cat-food-vs-dry-cat-food)
- [How Often Should I Feed My Cat?](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/how-much-should-i-feed-my-cat#how-often-should-i-feed-my-cat)
As pet parents, we spend a lot of time determining [what to feed our cats](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/what-do-cats-eat), but figuring out how *much* to feed your cat is just as important.
Not feeding your cat enough can lead to nutrient deficiencies and weight loss, but overfeeding in cats is a much more common problem.
Studies show that approximately [61% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese](https://www.petobesityprevention.org/#:~:text=In%20our%202022%20U.S.%20survey,be%20overweight%20or%20have%20obesity.). Extra body fat puts cats at increased risk for life-shortening conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
However, knowing how much to feed your cat and providing them with the appropriate amount of food helps them to maintain a healthy body weight—which is essential for a cat’s overall health and happiness.
So, how much food does your cat need?
These general guidelines are a great place to start. Keep in mind, however, that your veterinarian will always be your best resource for determining your cat’s unique nutritional needs.
### Key Takeaways
- Feeding guidelines vary by a cat’s age, size, and activity level.
- Use the food packaging as a starting point but adjust based on your cat’s weight and your vet’s recommendation.
- Overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health issues.
- Regular vet visits help monitor your cat’s weight so you can adjust their diet accordingly.
- Avoid free-feeding your cat, which can lead to unwanted weight gain.
## Factors That Impact How Much to Feed a Cat
***
How much to feed your cat can be impacted by a variety of factors, including:
- **Age**: For this discussion, we’ll address cats over 10 months of age, which is when most cats can [switch from kitten food to adult food](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/switch-kitten-food). Keep in mind that kittens require more energy and nutrients to help them grow when considering [how much to feed them](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/new-cat/how-much-to-feed-your-kitten), and senior cats’ nutritional needs may shift as they age, too. Choosing a [cat food](https://www.chewy.com/b/food-387) suited for your cat’s life stage can help support a healthy weight.
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- **Size**: Larger breeds, like [Maine Coons](https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/maine-coon), need to eat more than their smaller counterparts. Even within the same breed, some individuals naturally have a smaller frame than others and require less food.
- **Activity level and metabolic rate**: Cats who routinely get a lot of exercise burn more calories than feline couch potatoes. Just as each person has a unique individual metabolism, cats vary too. An individual cat’s metabolic rate may be higher or lower than the average cat.
- **Reproductive status**: [Spaying](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/health-and-wellness/spaying-cats) and [neutering a cat](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/health-and-wellness/cat-neutering) reduces the number of calories they need. However, on the flip side, [pregnant and nursing cats](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/health-and-wellness/cat-pregnancy) should have unlimited access to food. A pregnant cat’s food should be appropriate for kittens all life stages to meet the intense nutritional demands that reproduction puts on their bodies.
- **Body condition and health**: Some health problems can also cause cats to gain or lose weight. Talk to your veterinarian about your [cat’s body condition score](https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/average-weight-cats) and if your cat needs to gain or lose large amounts of weight or appears sick.
## How Much To Feed a Cat Chart
***
The chart below presents average serving sizes based on a cat’s weight and other factors. Keep in mind that an individual cat’s needs can vary by as much as 50% in either direction from the average, so talk to your veterinarian to determine the best food portions for your cat.
| Cat Weight | Spayed or Neutered Cat | Intact Cat | Cat Prone to Gaining Weight | Cat in Need of Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | 157 kcal / day | 183 kcal / day | 131 kcal / day | 105 kcal / day |
| 7\.5 lbs (3.4 kg) | 210 kcal / day | 245 kcal / day | 175 kcal / day | 140 kcal / day |
| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 260 kcal / day | 303 kcal / day | 216 kcal / day | 173 kcal / day |
| 12\.5 lbs (5.7 kg) | 298 kcal / day | 362 kcal / day | 258 kcal / day | 207 kcal / day |
| 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 354 kcal / day | 413 kcal / day | 295 kcal / day | 236 kcal / day |
| 17\.5 lbs (7.9 kg) | 396 kcal / day | 462 kcal / day | 330 kcal / day | 264 kcal / day |
| 20 lbs (9.1 kg) | 440 kcal / day | 513 kcal / day | 367 kcal / day | 293 kcal / day |
## How To Convert Calories into Portion Sizes for Cat Food
***
Once you’ve determined how many calories your cat needs daily, you need to figure out how much of their food will provide those calories. The good news is that manufacturers are required to list a food’s caloric content on the pet food label.
On cat wet food labels, it will be written as kcal/kg and kcal/can. On dry food, it will be written as kcal/cup. **Don’t be intimidated by the lingo; in nutrition circles, a kcal (kilocalorie) is the same as a calorie.**
Divide your cat’s caloric needs (kcal/day) by the food’s caloric content (kcal/can or cup). The answer will let you know how much food your cat needs each day.
To figure out how much food to feed at each meal, simply divide the daily amount of food by the number of meals you plan to offer each day.
For example, let’s say your cat is spayed or neutered, weighs 10 pounds, and is very active.
According to the chart , your cat should consume 260 kcal/day. Now, imagine they are on a diet of [Purina Pro Plan White Meat and Vegetable Canned Food](https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-adult-white-meat/dp/52904).
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Let’s take a look at the label:

Since the calorie content of the wet cat food is 73 kcal/can, you would determine your cat’s daily portion by dividing 260 kcal/day by 73 kcal/can.
260 kcal/day ÷ 73 kcal/can = 3 ½ (3.5) cans
If you feed two meals per day, divide 3.5 by 2 to find out how much to feed at each meal: roughly 1 Âľ (1.75) cans per meal.
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To encourage your kitty to “hunt” and work for their food, consider feeding your kitty’s wet food in a [cat lick mat](https://www.chewy.com/b/cat-lick-mats-121254) made for wet food or an interactive [puzzle toy](https://www.chewy.com/b/puzzle-toys-games-2371) made for both dry and wet food.
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## Feeding Wet Cat Food vs. Dry Cat Food
***
Should you feed your cat wet food, dry food, or some of both?
The question of what the overall [benefits of wet cat food versus dry cat food](https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/wet-cat-food-vs-dry-cat-food-which-better) is more complicated than it seems and is determined by many factors including:
- Your cat’s weight
- The calories, protein, and fat in each food
- The amount of food fed
- Any health issues your cat may have
Dry cat food contains around 10% water, and wet food contains around 70% water. Dry food is typically less expensive and doesn’t have to be stored in the refrigerator.
Certain types of dry food can benefit cats with health conditions, such as dental diets made of kibbles that work like a toothbrush and help reduce plaque, stain, and tartar buildup right up to the gumline.
The largest benefit of wet cat food is the amount of water included, which can especially benefit cats with certain health conditions including [kidney disease](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/health-and-wellness/cat-kidney-disease-kidney-problems-common-cats), [lower urinary tract disease](https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/feline_idiopathic_lower_urinary_tract_disease), and [diabetes](https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_diabetes_mellitus).
Because it’s such a loaded answer depending on your cat, partnering with your vet is key to determining whether to feed your kitty [dry cat food](https://www.chewy.com/b/dry-food-388), [wet cat food](https://www.chewy.com/b/wet-food-389), or both types of food.
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[**Purina Pro Plan** Complete Essentials Classic Chunky Chicken Entree Adult Wet Cat Food, 3-oz can, case of 24](https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-complete-essentials/dp/52878)
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
4\.5
809Reviews
\$42.72Chewy Price
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## How Often Should I Feed My Cat?
***
Cats have evolved to eat numerous small meals throughout the day—but leaving food out all day is a major risk factor for [obesity in cats](https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_obesity).
At a minimum, a cat’s total daily food intake should be divided into two meals, but more (up to six!) is better.
You can consider an [automatic cat feeder](https://www.chewy.com/b/cat-feeders-396) that can be preloaded with multiple, measured meals is a great way to provide your cat with just the right amount of food, divided into small meals.
Recommended Product
[](https://www.chewy.com/petlibro-air-automatic-dog-cat-bowl/dp/1017158)
[**Petlibro** Air Automatic Cat Feeder with Battery Powered Dog & Cat Food Dispenser, Black, 2-litter](https://www.chewy.com/petlibro-air-automatic-dog-cat-bowl/dp/1017158)
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Or find fun and creative ways to hide your cat’s dry food by using experimenting with different types of interactive food puzzles.
Recommended Products
[](https://www.chewy.com/nina-ottosson-by-outward-hound-buggin/dp/253617)
[**Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound** Buggin' Out Interactive Puzzle Feeder Cat Toy](https://www.chewy.com/nina-ottosson-by-outward-hound-buggin/dp/253617)
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
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1\.7KReviews
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[](https://www.chewy.com/catit-senses-20-food-tree-cat-feeder/dp/178226)
[**Catit** Senses 2.0 Food Tree Cat Feeder](https://www.chewy.com/catit-senses-20-food-tree-cat-feeder/dp/178226)
Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
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440Reviews
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*This content was medically reviewed by Molly Price, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.*
### Attributions
***
[](https://www.chewy.com/education/author/jennifer-coates)
#### [Jennifer Coates, DVM More articles by](https://www.chewy.com/education/author/jennifer-coates)
Dr. Jennifer Coates is veterinarian and writer with over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine and animal welfare. She was
Dr. Jennifer Coates is veterinarian and writer with over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine and animal welfare. She was valedictorian of her graduating veterinary class and has been an associate veterinarian and chief of staff in several clinics in Virginia, Wyoming, and Colorado. She has written books, short stories, and thousands of articles that all relate to veterinary medicine, pet care, and the human-animal bond. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and many beloved fur friends.
See More +
**Related** articles
- [](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/do-cats-need-wet-food)
[Do Cats Need Wet Food? Benefits of Wet Food for Cats](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/do-cats-need-wet-food)
***
- [](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/wet-vs-dry-cat-food)
[Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: What’s the Difference?](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/wet-vs-dry-cat-food)
***
- [](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/can-cats-eat-carrots)
[Can Cats Eat Carrots?](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/can-cats-eat-carrots)
***
- [](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/holiday-foods-to-keep-away-from-cat)
[19 Holiday Foods To Keep Away From Your Cat](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/holiday-foods-to-keep-away-from-cat)
***
## Read more
[ Do Cats Need Wet Food? Benefits of Wet Food for Cats](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/do-cats-need-wet-food)
[ Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: What’s the Difference?](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/wet-vs-dry-cat-food)
[ Can Cats Eat Carrots?](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/can-cats-eat-carrots)
[ 19 Holiday Foods To Keep Away From Your Cat](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/holiday-foods-to-keep-away-from-cat)
[ Does Your Cat Need a High-Protein Cat Food?](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/high-protein-cat-food)
[ What Can Cats Not Eat? 13 Types of Toxic Foods to Avoid](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/what-can-cats-not-eat)
[ Can Cats Eat Garlic?](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/can-cats-eat-garlic)
[ The Best Cat Foods for Urinary Health, According to Veterinarians](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/cat-food-for-urinary-health)
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| Readable Markdown | As pet parents, we spend a lot of time determining [what to feed our cats](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/what-do-cats-eat), but figuring out how *much* to feed your cat is just as important.
Not feeding your cat enough can lead to nutrient deficiencies and weight loss, but overfeeding in cats is a much more common problem.
Studies show that approximately [61% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese](https://www.petobesityprevention.org/#:~:text=In%20our%202022%20U.S.%20survey,be%20overweight%20or%20have%20obesity.). Extra body fat puts cats at increased risk for life-shortening conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
However, knowing how much to feed your cat and providing them with the appropriate amount of food helps them to maintain a healthy body weight—which is essential for a cat’s overall health and happiness.
So, how much food does your cat need?
These general guidelines are a great place to start. Keep in mind, however, that your veterinarian will always be your best resource for determining your cat’s unique nutritional needs.
### Key Takeaways
- Feeding guidelines vary by a cat’s age, size, and activity level.
- Use the food packaging as a starting point but adjust based on your cat’s weight and your vet’s recommendation.
- Overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health issues.
- Regular vet visits help monitor your cat’s weight so you can adjust their diet accordingly.
- Avoid free-feeding your cat, which can lead to unwanted weight gain.
Factors That Impact How Much to Feed a Cat
How much to feed your cat can be impacted by a variety of factors, including:
- **Age**: For this discussion, we’ll address cats over 10 months of age, which is when most cats can [switch from kitten food to adult food](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/food-and-nutrition/switch-kitten-food). Keep in mind that kittens require more energy and nutrients to help them grow when considering [how much to feed them](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/new-cat/how-much-to-feed-your-kitten), and senior cats’ nutritional needs may shift as they age, too. Choosing a [cat food](https://www.chewy.com/b/food-387) suited for your cat’s life stage can help support a healthy weight.
- **Size**: Larger breeds, like [Maine Coons](https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/maine-coon), need to eat more than their smaller counterparts. Even within the same breed, some individuals naturally have a smaller frame than others and require less food.
- **Activity level and metabolic rate**: Cats who routinely get a lot of exercise burn more calories than feline couch potatoes. Just as each person has a unique individual metabolism, cats vary too. An individual cat’s metabolic rate may be higher or lower than the average cat.
- **Reproductive status**: [Spaying](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/health-and-wellness/spaying-cats) and [neutering a cat](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/health-and-wellness/cat-neutering) reduces the number of calories they need. However, on the flip side, [pregnant and nursing cats](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/health-and-wellness/cat-pregnancy) should have unlimited access to food. A pregnant cat’s food should be appropriate for kittens all life stages to meet the intense nutritional demands that reproduction puts on their bodies.
- **Body condition and health**: Some health problems can also cause cats to gain or lose weight. Talk to your veterinarian about your [cat’s body condition score](https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/average-weight-cats) and if your cat needs to gain or lose large amounts of weight or appears sick.
The chart below presents average serving sizes based on a cat’s weight and other factors. Keep in mind that an individual cat’s needs can vary by as much as 50% in either direction from the average, so talk to your veterinarian to determine the best food portions for your cat.
| Cat Weight | Spayed or Neutered Cat | Intact Cat | Cat Prone to Gaining Weight | Cat in Need of Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | 157 kcal / day | 183 kcal / day | 131 kcal / day | 105 kcal / day |
| 7\.5 lbs (3.4 kg) | 210 kcal / day | 245 kcal / day | 175 kcal / day | 140 kcal / day |
| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 260 kcal / day | 303 kcal / day | 216 kcal / day | 173 kcal / day |
| 12\.5 lbs (5.7 kg) | 298 kcal / day | 362 kcal / day | 258 kcal / day | 207 kcal / day |
| 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 354 kcal / day | 413 kcal / day | 295 kcal / day | 236 kcal / day |
| 17\.5 lbs (7.9 kg) | 396 kcal / day | 462 kcal / day | 330 kcal / day | 264 kcal / day |
| 20 lbs (9.1 kg) | 440 kcal / day | 513 kcal / day | 367 kcal / day | 293 kcal / day |
How To Convert Calories into Portion Sizes for Cat Food
Once you’ve determined how many calories your cat needs daily, you need to figure out how much of their food will provide those calories. The good news is that manufacturers are required to list a food’s caloric content on the pet food label.
On cat wet food labels, it will be written as kcal/kg and kcal/can. On dry food, it will be written as kcal/cup. **Don’t be intimidated by the lingo; in nutrition circles, a kcal (kilocalorie) is the same as a calorie.**
Divide your cat’s caloric needs (kcal/day) by the food’s caloric content (kcal/can or cup). The answer will let you know how much food your cat needs each day.
To figure out how much food to feed at each meal, simply divide the daily amount of food by the number of meals you plan to offer each day.
For example, let’s say your cat is spayed or neutered, weighs 10 pounds, and is very active.
According to the chart , your cat should consume 260 kcal/day. Now, imagine they are on a diet of [Purina Pro Plan White Meat and Vegetable Canned Food](https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-adult-white-meat/dp/52904).
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Let’s take a look at the label:

Since the calorie content of the wet cat food is 73 kcal/can, you would determine your cat’s daily portion by dividing 260 kcal/day by 73 kcal/can.
260 kcal/day ÷ 73 kcal/can = 3 ½ (3.5) cans
If you feed two meals per day, divide 3.5 by 2 to find out how much to feed at each meal: roughly 1 Âľ (1.75) cans per meal.
**Pro Tips:** If you don’t use the whole can of wet cat food and want to store the rest, [Speckle & Spot Pet Can Covers](https://www.chewy.com/ore-pet-can-cover-green/dp/43416) can help keep the cat food fresh.
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To encourage your kitty to “hunt” and work for their food, consider feeding your kitty’s wet food in a [cat lick mat](https://www.chewy.com/b/cat-lick-mats-121254) made for wet food or an interactive [puzzle toy](https://www.chewy.com/b/puzzle-toys-games-2371) made for both dry and wet food.
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Feeding Wet Cat Food vs. Dry Cat Food
Should you feed your cat wet food, dry food, or some of both?
The question of what the overall [benefits of wet cat food versus dry cat food](https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/wet-cat-food-vs-dry-cat-food-which-better) is more complicated than it seems and is determined by many factors including:
- Your cat’s weight
- The calories, protein, and fat in each food
- The amount of food fed
- Any health issues your cat may have
Dry cat food contains around 10% water, and wet food contains around 70% water. Dry food is typically less expensive and doesn’t have to be stored in the refrigerator.
Certain types of dry food can benefit cats with health conditions, such as dental diets made of kibbles that work like a toothbrush and help reduce plaque, stain, and tartar buildup right up to the gumline.
The largest benefit of wet cat food is the amount of water included, which can especially benefit cats with certain health conditions including [kidney disease](https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/health-and-wellness/cat-kidney-disease-kidney-problems-common-cats), [lower urinary tract disease](https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/feline_idiopathic_lower_urinary_tract_disease), and [diabetes](https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_diabetes_mellitus).
Because it’s such a loaded answer depending on your cat, partnering with your vet is key to determining whether to feed your kitty [dry cat food](https://www.chewy.com/b/dry-food-388), [wet cat food](https://www.chewy.com/b/wet-food-389), or both types of food.
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How Often Should I Feed My Cat?
Cats have evolved to eat numerous small meals throughout the day—but leaving food out all day is a major risk factor for [obesity in cats](https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_obesity).
At a minimum, a cat’s total daily food intake should be divided into two meals, but more (up to six!) is better.
You can consider an [automatic cat feeder](https://www.chewy.com/b/cat-feeders-396) that can be preloaded with multiple, measured meals is a great way to provide your cat with just the right amount of food, divided into small meals.
Recommended Product
Or find fun and creative ways to hide your cat’s dry food by using experimenting with different types of interactive food puzzles.
Recommended Products
*This content was medically reviewed by Molly Price, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.* |
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