🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 142 (from laksa064)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa142.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior","crawl_time":1777155893,"first_indexed_time":1665266282,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,iams!www,\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior s443","src_root_hash":"7510825244219986142","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How Much to Feed Your Cat, From Kitten to Senior | IAMS™","meta_descriptions":["When feeding your cat, it’s hard to overstate how important diet and nutrition are. Ensure your cat is getting the right vitamins and nutrients."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"When it comes to your cat's health, it's hard to overstate how large a role diet and nutrition play. Of course, making sure your cat is getting the exact vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need is much easier said than done.\nIf you have lots of questions, or maybe even feel like you don't know what questions to ask, you're not alone. After all, everybody loves adorable furry things, but not everyone knows the optimal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio for a cat’s diet.\nWhat to Know about Cat Food Nutrition\nSo where is the best place to start understanding your cat's nutritional needs? Take a look at the back of your cat's food packaging. Here are a few important things to look for:\nA high-quality protein source at the top of the ingredients list, like chicken or salmon\nInformation about how the recipe supports your cat's life stage (kitten, adult, senior)\nDetails about key vitamins and minerals\n†\nOnce you're confident that your cat's diet includes the nutritional foundation it needs, it's time to get into some feeding tips specific to your cat.\nHow Much Should a Cat Eat Each Day?\nHow much — and what — to feed your cat varies based on their life stage and unique needs. Let's walk you through some of need-to-knows at each stage of your cat's life.\nFeeding a Kitten\nKittens may not look all that different from adult cats, but their bodies have very different nutritional requirements. First, kitten bodies burn energy at a furious pace to fuel all of that growing and playing. That's why kitten food should be more energy-dense. Kittens also need to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day, while an adult cat may only eat once in the morning and once at night.\nTheir food should contain certain ingredients that are crucial for their development. Amino acids like taurine are vital to the strengthening of their hearts, vision and digestion. Vitamin E helps your kitten build up a sturdy immune system. Choosing a \nkitten food\n that's scientifically formulated to fit your kitten's needs is an important part of caring for them.\nWhen deciding how much to feed your kitten, there are a few methods you can use. Age is the most straightforward, if you're pretty confident you know when your kitten was born. Weight is the second method and can be more appropriate for cats that might be above or below average.\nSee below for feeding guides based on your chosen method. Remember to divide the total recommended feeding amount by the number of times you feed your kitten per day to get the actual portion size per feeding.\nIAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Kitten Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day)\nAge (Weeks)\nCups per Day\nUp to 8\n⅓ cup\n12\n½ cup\n16\n½ cup\n24\n½ cup\n32\n½ cup\n40\n½ cup\nKitten Weight (lbs.)\nCups per Day\n4 lbs.\n⅓ cup\n6 lbs.\n½ cup\n8 lbs.\n⅔ cup\n10 lbs.\n¾ cup\n12 lbs.\n¾ cup\n16 lbs.\n1 cup\n18 lbs.\n1 cup\n20 lbs.\n1 ¼ cup\nIf you opt for a wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Kitten Paté, feed your kitten 4–7 servings each day, adjusting to maintain their ideal body condition.\nFeeding an Adult Cat\nAround your kitten's first birthday, it's time to \nmake the switch to an adult cat food\n. The trickiest part of feeding an adult cat is adjusting your kitten-feeding habits to the mature animal your cat has grown into. As mentioned above, adult cats generally feed fewer times per day, so divide the recommended feeding amount by the number of times you plan to feed them during the day.\nAt the same time, you'll want to \nconsider a few other factors\n.\nWhat is your cat's activity level? Are they zooming around the house, or just going for long walks from the basement to the bedroom? The more active your cat is, the more energy (and food) they’ll need.\nIs your cat eating treats? If your cat enjoys an occasional snack outside of their main meals, don't forget to factor those calories into the amount you're feeding them.\nWet or dry? Dry food is more calorie-dense, so if you plan to replace some dry food with \nwet food\n, make sure you're factoring in the difference.\nJust like kitten food, you'll want your adult cat food to be specially formulated to suit their needs. For example, \nsodium\n is an essential nutrient that supports nerve and muscle function. And you probably already know that \nfiber\n is crucial to pushing food through your cat's digestive system.\nAll that's left is to give them the right amount of food. On average, the guidelines below should help you find a good baseline for feeding your cat.\nIAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Adult with Chicken Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day)\nWeight of Cat (lbs.)\nFeed Daily\n4 lbs.\n⅓ cup\n8 lbs.\n½ – ⅔ cup\n12 lbs.\n⅔ – ¾ cup\n16 lbs.\n¾ – 1 cup\n22 lbs.\n1 – 1 ¼ cup\nFor wet food, be sure to consult the packaging to determine the right amount to give your cat each day. As a general rule, feed adult cats 3-4 servings per 5 pounds of body weight daily.\nFeeding a Senior Cat\nAround seven years of age, your cat should be ready to make the switch to a recipe for senior cats. Your cat will gradually begin to slow down as they age, and feeding them a \ndiet designed for mature cats\n accounts for the burning of fewer calories throughout the day.\nAt this life stage, look for food that includes vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s aging immune system, muscles and heart. You won’t be surprised to learn that \nIAMS™ Healthy Senior\n cat food contains all the nutrients your buddy needs to support their vitality.\nFor a general idea of how much to feed your senior cat, follow the guidelines below.\nIAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Senior Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day)\nWeight of Cat (lbs.)\nFeed Daily\n4 lbs.\n¼ – ⅓ cup\n8 lbs.\n⅓ – ½ cup\n12 lbs.\n½ – ⅔ cup\n16 lbs.\n⅔ – ¾ cup\n22 lbs.\n¾ – 1 cup\nIf your aging cat prefers wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Senior Cuts in Gravy, it's recommended to feed 5 servings per 8 pounds of body weight daily (adjusting as needed to maintain a healthy weight).\nThat's a Recipe for a Happy Cat\nNow that you know more about caring for your cat’s nutritional needs, it might be time to take another look at what your cat’s eating. If you need help finding new food to fit your cat's needs, try getting a recommendation from our \nCat Food Selector\n — and remember to \nswitch your cat’s food gradually\n to avoid GI distress.\nAs a final thought, remember there are some foods and substances you should keep your cat away from, no matter what life stage they're at. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), antifreeze, bleach, lilies, chicken bones, ribs, or other splintery bones, chocolate, garlic, onions, leeks, raisins, grapes or chives. It’s always best to stick with cat food and cat treats designed specifically for your pet’s nutritional needs.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior#main-content)\n\n[![5 logo](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/sites\/g\/files\/fnmzdf3396\/files\/IAMS%20white%20RGB_0.png)](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/)\n\n- Explore Dog\n  - BY PRODUCT TYPE:\n    \n    [Dry](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-food\/dry \"Dry\")   [Wet](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-food\/wet \"Wet\")\n    BY SPECIAL NEED:\n    \n    [Healthy Weight](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-food\/dry?health_goal%5Bdry-dog-food%5D=Weight%20Management \"Healthy Weight\")   [Healthy Digestion](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/products\/dry\/iams-advanced-health-healthy-digestion \"Healthy Digestion\")\n    BY AGE:\n    \n    [Puppy](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-food\/puppy \"Puppy\")   [Adult](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-food\/adult-dog \"Adult\")   [Mature](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-food\/senior-dog \"Mature\")\n    BY BREED SIZE:\n    \n    [Small](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-food\/small-dog \"Small\")   [Medium](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-food\/medium-dog \"Medium\")   [Large](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-food\/large-dog \"Large\")\n  - FIND PRODUCTS TO MATCH YOUR DOG'S NEEDS\n    \n    [FOOD FINDER TOOL](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/food-quiz \"FOOD FINDER TOOL\")   [VIEW ALL DOG PRODUCTS](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-food\/all-products \"VIEW ALL DOG PRODUCTS\")\n- Explore Cat\n  - BY PRODUCT TYPE:\n    \n    [Dry](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-food\/dry \"Dry\")   [Wet](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-food\/wet \"Wet\")\n    BY AGE:\n    \n    [Kitten](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-food\/kitten \"Kitten\")   [Adult](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-food\/adult-cat \"Adult\")   [Senior](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-food\/senior-cat \"Senior\")\n    BY HEALTH NEEDS:\n    \n    [Hairball](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-food\/hairball-care \"Hairball\")   [Indoor](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-food\/indoor-cat \"Indoor\")   [Urinary Tract Health](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/products\/dry\/iams-proactive-health-urinary-tract-health-chicken \"Urinary Tract Health\")   [Healthy Weight](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/products\/dry\/iams-healthy-weight-dry-cat \"Healthy Weight\")\n  - 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[Home](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/) \/\n2. [Cat Articles](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles) \/\n3. [How Much Food to Feed Your Cat, From Kitten to Senior](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior)\n\n![kitten and senior nutrition guide](data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAAtJREFUGFdjYAACAAAFAAGq1chRAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)\n\n# How Much Food to Feed Your Cat, From Kitten to Senior\nSHARE\n\n- [Facebook (opens in new window)](http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share.php?u=https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior&title=How%20Much%20Food%20to%20Feed%20Your%20Cat,%20From%20Kitten%20to%20Senior)\n- [Email (opens in new window)](<mailto:?subject=How Much Food to Feed Your Cat, From Kitten to Senior&body=https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior>)\n\nWhen it comes to your cat's health, it's hard to overstate how large a role diet and nutrition play. Of course, making sure your cat is getting the exact vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need is much easier said than done.\n\nIf you have lots of questions, or maybe even feel like you don't know what questions to ask, you're not alone. After all, everybody loves adorable furry things, but not everyone knows the optimal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio for a cat’s diet.\n\n## What to Know about Cat Food Nutrition\nSo where is the best place to start understanding your cat's nutritional needs? Take a look at the back of your cat's food packaging. Here are a few important things to look for:\n\n1. A high-quality protein source at the top of the ingredients list, like chicken or salmon\n2. Information about how the recipe supports your cat's life stage (kitten, adult, senior)\n3. Details about key vitamins and minerals†\n\nOnce you're confident that your cat's diet includes the nutritional foundation it needs, it's time to get into some feeding tips specific to your cat.\n\n## How Much Should a Cat Eat Each Day?\nHow much — and what — to feed your cat varies based on their life stage and unique needs. Let's walk you through some of need-to-knows at each stage of your cat's life.\n\n### Feeding a Kitten\nKittens may not look all that different from adult cats, but their bodies have very different nutritional requirements. First, kitten bodies burn energy at a furious pace to fuel all of that growing and playing. That's why kitten food should be more energy-dense. Kittens also need to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day, while an adult cat may only eat once in the morning and once at night.\n\nTheir food should contain certain ingredients that are crucial for their development. Amino acids like taurine are vital to the strengthening of their hearts, vision and digestion. Vitamin E helps your kitten build up a sturdy immune system. Choosing a [kitten food](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/products\/dry\/iams-proactive-health-healthy-kitten) that's scientifically formulated to fit your kitten's needs is an important part of caring for them.\n\nWhen deciding how much to feed your kitten, there are a few methods you can use. Age is the most straightforward, if you're pretty confident you know when your kitten was born. Weight is the second method and can be more appropriate for cats that might be above or below average.\n\nSee below for feeding guides based on your chosen method. Remember to divide the total recommended feeding amount by the number of times you feed your kitten per day to get the actual portion size per feeding.\n\n#### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Kitten Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day)\n| Age (Weeks) | Cups per Day |\n|---|---|\n| Up to 8 | ⅓ cup |\n| 12 | ½ cup |\n| 16 | ½ cup |\n| 24 | ½ cup |\n| 32 | ½ cup |\n| 40 | ½ cup |\n\n| Kitten Weight (lbs.) | Cups per Day |\n|---|---|\n| 4 lbs. | ⅓ cup |\n| 6 lbs. | ½ cup |\n| 8 lbs. | ⅔ cup |\n| 10 lbs. | ¾ cup |\n| 12 lbs. | ¾ cup |\n| 16 lbs. | 1 cup |\n| 18 lbs. | 1 cup |\n| 20 lbs. | 1 ¼ cup |\n\nIf you opt for a wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Kitten Paté, feed your kitten 4–7 servings each day, adjusting to maintain their ideal body condition.\n\n### Feeding an Adult Cat\nAround your kitten's first birthday, it's time to [make the switch to an adult cat food](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/your-kitten-ready-adult-cat-food). The trickiest part of feeding an adult cat is adjusting your kitten-feeding habits to the mature animal your cat has grown into. As mentioned above, adult cats generally feed fewer times per day, so divide the recommended feeding amount by the number of times you plan to feed them during the day.\n\nAt the same time, you'll want to [consider a few other factors](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-choose-right-food-your-cats-unique-needs).\n\n- What is your cat's activity level? Are they zooming around the house, or just going for long walks from the basement to the bedroom? The more active your cat is, the more energy (and food) they’ll need.\n- Is your cat eating treats? If your cat enjoys an occasional snack outside of their main meals, don't forget to factor those calories into the amount you're feeding them.\n- Wet or dry? Dry food is more calorie-dense, so if you plan to replace some dry food with [wet food](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/why-choose-iams-perfect-portions-wet-cat-food), make sure you're factoring in the difference.\n\nJust like kitten food, you'll want your adult cat food to be specially formulated to suit their needs. For example, [sodium](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-sodium-used-our-cat-foods) is an essential nutrient that supports nerve and muscle function. And you probably already know that [fiber](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/why-fiber-important-your-cats-nutrition) is crucial to pushing food through your cat's digestive system.\n\nAll that's left is to give them the right amount of food. On average, the guidelines below should help you find a good baseline for feeding your cat.\n\n#### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Adult with Chicken Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day)\n| Weight of Cat (lbs.) | Feed Daily |\n|---|---|\n| 4 lbs. | ⅓ cup |\n| 8 lbs. | ½ – ⅔ cup |\n| 12 lbs. | ⅔ – ¾ cup |\n| 16 lbs. | ¾ – 1 cup |\n| 22 lbs. | 1 – 1 ¼ cup |\n\nFor wet food, be sure to consult the packaging to determine the right amount to give your cat each day. As a general rule, feed adult cats 3-4 servings per 5 pounds of body weight daily.\n\n### Feeding a Senior Cat\nAround seven years of age, your cat should be ready to make the switch to a recipe for senior cats. Your cat will gradually begin to slow down as they age, and feeding them a [diet designed for mature cats](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/senior-cat-nutrition-facts-and-fixes) accounts for the burning of fewer calories throughout the day.\n\nAt this life stage, look for food that includes vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s aging immune system, muscles and heart. You won’t be surprised to learn that [IAMS™ Healthy Senior](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/products\/dry\/iams-proactive-health-healthy-senior) cat food contains all the nutrients your buddy needs to support their vitality.\n\nFor a general idea of how much to feed your senior cat, follow the guidelines below.\n\n#### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Senior Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day)\n| Weight of Cat (lbs.) | Feed Daily |\n|---|---|\n| 4 lbs. | ¼ – ⅓ cup |\n| 8 lbs. | ⅓ – ½ cup |\n| 12 lbs. | ½ – ⅔ cup |\n| 16 lbs. | ⅔ – ¾ cup |\n| 22 lbs. | ¾ – 1 cup |\n\nIf your aging cat prefers wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Senior Cuts in Gravy, it's recommended to feed 5 servings per 8 pounds of body weight daily (adjusting as needed to maintain a healthy weight).\n\n## That's a Recipe for a Happy Cat\nNow that you know more about caring for your cat’s nutritional needs, it might be time to take another look at what your cat’s eating. If you need help finding new food to fit your cat's needs, try getting a recommendation from our [Cat Food Selector](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/food-quiz) — and remember to [switch your cat’s food gradually](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/what-you-should-know-about-changing-your-cats-diet) to avoid GI distress.\n\nAs a final thought, remember there are some foods and substances you should keep your cat away from, no matter what life stage they're at. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), antifreeze, bleach, lilies, chicken bones, ribs, or other splintery bones, chocolate, garlic, onions, leeks, raisins, grapes or chives. It’s always best to stick with cat food and cat treats designed specifically for your pet’s nutritional needs.\n## Table of Contents\n\n## YOU MAY ALSO LIKE …\n![How to teach your dog to stop barking](data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAAtJREFUGFdjYAACAAAFAAGq1chRAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)\n\n### [How to teach your dog to stop barking](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-articles\/how-teach-your-dog-stop-barking \"How to teach your dog to stop barking\")\nExpert dog trainer, Adrena Wilhelm, teaches you to get your dog to speak and also provides techniques for preventing nuisance barking.\n\n[READ MORE](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-articles\/how-teach-your-dog-stop-barking \"READ MORE\")\n\n![How to choose a puppy that is right for your family](data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAAtJREFUGFdjYAACAAAFAAGq1chRAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)\n\n### [How to choose a puppy that is right for your family](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-articles\/how-choose-puppy-right-your-family \"How to choose a puppy that is right for your family\")\nExpert trainer, Kathy Santo, talks about the different factors that go into choosing a puppy and how to make sure you pick one that’s right for you.\n\n[READ MORE](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-articles\/how-choose-puppy-right-your-family \"READ MORE\")\n\n![Kitten and cat adoption basics](data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAAtJREFUGFdjYAACAAAFAAGq1chRAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)\n\n### [Kitten and cat adoption basics](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/kitten-and-cat-adoption-basics \"Kitten and cat adoption basics\")\nGet adoption tips, including how to choose a cat and how to prepare your home for your new family member.\n\n[READ MORE](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/kitten-and-cat-adoption-basics \"READ MORE\")\n\n![Crate training your puppy](data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAAtJREFUGFdjYAACAAAFAAGq1chRAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)\n\n### [Crate training your puppy](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-articles\/crate-training-your-puppy \"Crate training your puppy\")\nGet expert tips from trainer, Kathy Santo, on how to properly crate train your puppy.\n\n[READ MORE](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/dog\/dog-articles\/crate-training-your-puppy \"READ MORE\")\n\n[![5 logo](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/sites\/g\/files\/fnmzdf3396\/files\/IAMS%20white%20RGB_0.png)](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/why-iams \"About Us\")\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/contact-us \"Contact Us\")\n- [FAQ](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/faq \"FAQ\")\n- [News](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/news-articles \"News\")\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/sitemap.xml \"Sitemap\")\n\nFollow Us\n\n- [Facebook (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/IAMS)\n- [YouTube (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@IAMSpet)\n- [Instagram (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/iams\/)\n\n- [Privacy Policy (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.mars.com\/privacy \"Privacy Policy\")\n- [Cookie Notice (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.mars.com\/privacy#cookies \"Cookie Notice\")\n- [Supply Chain Transparency (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.mars.com\/about\/policies-and-practices\/ca-supply-chain-transparency-act \"Supply Chain Transparency\")\n- [Ad Choices (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.mars.com\/mars-incorporated-adchoices-united-states \"Ad Choices\")\n- [Accessibility (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.mars.com\/accessibility \"Accessibility\")\n- [Cookie Settings](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior#Cookie-Settings \"Cookie Settings\")\n- [Legal (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.mars.com\/legal \"Legal\")\n- [Modern Slavery Act (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.mars.com\/about\/policies-and-practices\/global-human-rights-disclosure \"Modern Slavery Act\")\n- [Our Promise (opens in new window)](https:\/\/www.mars.com\/about\/policies-and-practices\/marketing-code \"Our Promise \")\n- [Your Privacy Choices ![Your Privacy Choices](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/sites\/g\/files\/fnmzdf3396\/files\/menu_icons\/privacyoptions_2_2.svg) (opens in new window)](https:\/\/privacyportal-eu.onetrust.com\/webform\/5f2759ff-9efe-412c-a3be-f13092d2c945\/98373dac-6247-48a6-a190-f0094af43ee8 \"Your Privacy Choices\")\n- [Careers (opens in new window)](https:\/\/careers.mars.com\/global\/en \"Careers\")\n\nSELECT REGION\n\nGlobal   SELECT REGION\n\n- [Canada](https:\/\/www.iams.ca\/en-ca)\n- [Global](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/)\n- [Indonesia](https:\/\/id.iams.asia\/)\n- [Malaysia](https:\/\/my.iams.asia\/)\n- [Philippines](https:\/\/ph.iams.asia\/)\n- [Singapore](https:\/\/sg.iams.asia\/)\n\n© 2026 Mars or Affiliates. Third party trademarks are property of their respective owners.\n\nSIGN UP TO STAY CONNECTED\\!\n\n[SIGN UP](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/newsletter \"SIGN UP\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"When it comes to your cat's health, it's hard to overstate how large a role diet and nutrition play. Of course, making sure your cat is getting the exact vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need is much easier said than done.\n\nIf you have lots of questions, or maybe even feel like you don't know what questions to ask, you're not alone. After all, everybody loves adorable furry things, but not everyone knows the optimal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio for a cat’s diet.\n\n## What to Know about Cat Food Nutrition\nSo where is the best place to start understanding your cat's nutritional needs? Take a look at the back of your cat's food packaging. Here are a few important things to look for:\n\n1. A high-quality protein source at the top of the ingredients list, like chicken or salmon\n2. Information about how the recipe supports your cat's life stage (kitten, adult, senior)\n3. Details about key vitamins and minerals†\n\nOnce you're confident that your cat's diet includes the nutritional foundation it needs, it's time to get into some feeding tips specific to your cat.\n\n## How Much Should a Cat Eat Each Day?\nHow much — and what — to feed your cat varies based on their life stage and unique needs. Let's walk you through some of need-to-knows at each stage of your cat's life.\n\n### Feeding a Kitten\nKittens may not look all that different from adult cats, but their bodies have very different nutritional requirements. First, kitten bodies burn energy at a furious pace to fuel all of that growing and playing. That's why kitten food should be more energy-dense. Kittens also need to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day, while an adult cat may only eat once in the morning and once at night.\n\nTheir food should contain certain ingredients that are crucial for their development. Amino acids like taurine are vital to the strengthening of their hearts, vision and digestion. Vitamin E helps your kitten build up a sturdy immune system. Choosing a [kitten food](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/products\/dry\/iams-proactive-health-healthy-kitten) that's scientifically formulated to fit your kitten's needs is an important part of caring for them.\n\nWhen deciding how much to feed your kitten, there are a few methods you can use. Age is the most straightforward, if you're pretty confident you know when your kitten was born. Weight is the second method and can be more appropriate for cats that might be above or below average.\n\nSee below for feeding guides based on your chosen method. Remember to divide the total recommended feeding amount by the number of times you feed your kitten per day to get the actual portion size per feeding.\n\n#### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Kitten Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day)\n| Age (Weeks) | Cups per Day |\n|---|---|\n| Up to 8 | ⅓ cup |\n| 12 | ½ cup |\n| 16 | ½ cup |\n| 24 | ½ cup |\n| 32 | ½ cup |\n| 40 | ½ cup |\n\n| Kitten Weight (lbs.) | Cups per Day |\n|---|---|\n| 4 lbs. | ⅓ cup |\n| 6 lbs. | ½ cup |\n| 8 lbs. | ⅔ cup |\n| 10 lbs. | ¾ cup |\n| 12 lbs. | ¾ cup |\n| 16 lbs. | 1 cup |\n| 18 lbs. | 1 cup |\n| 20 lbs. | 1 ¼ cup |\n\nIf you opt for a wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Kitten Paté, feed your kitten 4–7 servings each day, adjusting to maintain their ideal body condition.\n\n### Feeding an Adult Cat\nAround your kitten's first birthday, it's time to [make the switch to an adult cat food](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/your-kitten-ready-adult-cat-food). The trickiest part of feeding an adult cat is adjusting your kitten-feeding habits to the mature animal your cat has grown into. As mentioned above, adult cats generally feed fewer times per day, so divide the recommended feeding amount by the number of times you plan to feed them during the day.\n\nAt the same time, you'll want to [consider a few other factors](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-choose-right-food-your-cats-unique-needs).\n\n- What is your cat's activity level? Are they zooming around the house, or just going for long walks from the basement to the bedroom? The more active your cat is, the more energy (and food) they’ll need.\n- Is your cat eating treats? If your cat enjoys an occasional snack outside of their main meals, don't forget to factor those calories into the amount you're feeding them.\n- Wet or dry? Dry food is more calorie-dense, so if you plan to replace some dry food with [wet food](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/why-choose-iams-perfect-portions-wet-cat-food), make sure you're factoring in the difference.\n\nJust like kitten food, you'll want your adult cat food to be specially formulated to suit their needs. For example, [sodium](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/how-sodium-used-our-cat-foods) is an essential nutrient that supports nerve and muscle function. And you probably already know that [fiber](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/why-fiber-important-your-cats-nutrition) is crucial to pushing food through your cat's digestive system.\n\nAll that's left is to give them the right amount of food. On average, the guidelines below should help you find a good baseline for feeding your cat.\n\n#### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Adult with Chicken Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day)\n| Weight of Cat (lbs.) | Feed Daily |\n|---|---|\n| 4 lbs. | ⅓ cup |\n| 8 lbs. | ½ – ⅔ cup |\n| 12 lbs. | ⅔ – ¾ cup |\n| 16 lbs. | ¾ – 1 cup |\n| 22 lbs. | 1 – 1 ¼ cup |\n\nFor wet food, be sure to consult the packaging to determine the right amount to give your cat each day. As a general rule, feed adult cats 3-4 servings per 5 pounds of body weight daily.\n\n### Feeding a Senior Cat\nAround seven years of age, your cat should be ready to make the switch to a recipe for senior cats. Your cat will gradually begin to slow down as they age, and feeding them a [diet designed for mature cats](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/senior-cat-nutrition-facts-and-fixes) accounts for the burning of fewer calories throughout the day.\n\nAt this life stage, look for food that includes vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s aging immune system, muscles and heart. You won’t be surprised to learn that [IAMS™ Healthy Senior](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/products\/dry\/iams-proactive-health-healthy-senior) cat food contains all the nutrients your buddy needs to support their vitality.\n\nFor a general idea of how much to feed your senior cat, follow the guidelines below.\n\n#### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Senior Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day)\n| Weight of Cat (lbs.) | Feed Daily |\n|---|---|\n| 4 lbs. | ¼ – ⅓ cup |\n| 8 lbs. | ⅓ – ½ cup |\n| 12 lbs. | ½ – ⅔ cup |\n| 16 lbs. | ⅔ – ¾ cup |\n| 22 lbs. | ¾ – 1 cup |\n\nIf your aging cat prefers wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Senior Cuts in Gravy, it's recommended to feed 5 servings per 8 pounds of body weight daily (adjusting as needed to maintain a healthy weight).\n\n## That's a Recipe for a Happy Cat\nNow that you know more about caring for your cat’s nutritional needs, it might be time to take another look at what your cat’s eating. If you need help finding new food to fit your cat's needs, try getting a recommendation from our [Cat Food Selector](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/food-quiz) — and remember to [switch your cat’s food gradually](https:\/\/www.iams.com\/cat\/cat-articles\/what-you-should-know-about-changing-your-cats-diet) to avoid GI distress.\n\nAs a final thought, remember there are some foods and substances you should keep your cat away from, no matter what life stage they're at. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), antifreeze, bleach, lilies, chicken bones, ribs, or other splintery bones, chocolate, garlic, onions, leeks, raisins, grapes or chives. It’s always best to stick with cat food and cat treats designed specifically for your pet’s nutritional needs.","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Pets_and_Animals\":983,\"\/Pets_and_Animals\/Pets\":951,\"\/Pets_and_Animals\/Pets\/Cats\":948}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":999,\"\/Article\/How_to\":874}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":999}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":0,"attrs_original_publish_time":1665266282,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"1945","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"1213","body_ext_links_number":20,"body_int_links_number":55,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":472,"download_ttfb_msec":363,"download_size":53012}

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How Much to Feed Your Cat, From Kitten to Senior | IAMS™

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When it comes to your cat's health, it's hard to overstate how large a role diet and nutrition play. Of course, making sure your cat is getting the exact vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need is much easier said than done. If you have lots of questions, or maybe even feel like you don't know what questions to ask, you're not alone. After all, everybody loves adorable furry things, but not everyone knows the optimal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio for a cat’s diet. What to Know about Cat Food Nutrition So where is the best place to start understanding your cat's nutritional needs? Take a look at the back of your cat's food packaging. Here are a few important things to look for: A high-quality protein source at the top of the ingredients list, like chicken or salmon Information about how the recipe supports your cat's life stage (kitten, adult, senior) Details about key vitamins and minerals † Once you're confident that your cat's diet includes the nutritional foundation it needs, it's time to get into some feeding tips specific to your cat. How Much Should a Cat Eat Each Day? How much — and what — to feed your cat varies based on their life stage and unique needs. Let's walk you through some of need-to-knows at each stage of your cat's life. Feeding a Kitten Kittens may not look all that different from adult cats, but their bodies have very different nutritional requirements. First, kitten bodies burn energy at a furious pace to fuel all of that growing and playing. That's why kitten food should be more energy-dense. Kittens also need to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day, while an adult cat may only eat once in the morning and once at night. Their food should contain certain ingredients that are crucial for their development. Amino acids like taurine are vital to the strengthening of their hearts, vision and digestion. Vitamin E helps your kitten build up a sturdy immune system. Choosing a kitten food that's scientifically formulated to fit your kitten's needs is an important part of caring for them. When deciding how much to feed your kitten, there are a few methods you can use. Age is the most straightforward, if you're pretty confident you know when your kitten was born. Weight is the second method and can be more appropriate for cats that might be above or below average. See below for feeding guides based on your chosen method. Remember to divide the total recommended feeding amount by the number of times you feed your kitten per day to get the actual portion size per feeding. IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Kitten Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day) Age (Weeks) Cups per Day Up to 8 ⅓ cup 12 ½ cup 16 ½ cup 24 ½ cup 32 ½ cup 40 ½ cup Kitten Weight (lbs.) Cups per Day 4 lbs. ⅓ cup 6 lbs. ½ cup 8 lbs. ⅔ cup 10 lbs. ¾ cup 12 lbs. ¾ cup 16 lbs. 1 cup 18 lbs. 1 cup 20 lbs. 1 ¼ cup If you opt for a wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Kitten Paté, feed your kitten 4–7 servings each day, adjusting to maintain their ideal body condition. Feeding an Adult Cat Around your kitten's first birthday, it's time to make the switch to an adult cat food . The trickiest part of feeding an adult cat is adjusting your kitten-feeding habits to the mature animal your cat has grown into. As mentioned above, adult cats generally feed fewer times per day, so divide the recommended feeding amount by the number of times you plan to feed them during the day. At the same time, you'll want to consider a few other factors . What is your cat's activity level? Are they zooming around the house, or just going for long walks from the basement to the bedroom? The more active your cat is, the more energy (and food) they’ll need. Is your cat eating treats? If your cat enjoys an occasional snack outside of their main meals, don't forget to factor those calories into the amount you're feeding them. Wet or dry? Dry food is more calorie-dense, so if you plan to replace some dry food with wet food , make sure you're factoring in the difference. Just like kitten food, you'll want your adult cat food to be specially formulated to suit their needs. For example, sodium is an essential nutrient that supports nerve and muscle function. And you probably already know that fiber is crucial to pushing food through your cat's digestive system. All that's left is to give them the right amount of food. On average, the guidelines below should help you find a good baseline for feeding your cat. IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Adult with Chicken Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day) Weight of Cat (lbs.) Feed Daily 4 lbs. ⅓ cup 8 lbs. ½ – ⅔ cup 12 lbs. ⅔ – ¾ cup 16 lbs. ¾ – 1 cup 22 lbs. 1 – 1 ¼ cup For wet food, be sure to consult the packaging to determine the right amount to give your cat each day. As a general rule, feed adult cats 3-4 servings per 5 pounds of body weight daily. Feeding a Senior Cat Around seven years of age, your cat should be ready to make the switch to a recipe for senior cats. Your cat will gradually begin to slow down as they age, and feeding them a diet designed for mature cats accounts for the burning of fewer calories throughout the day. At this life stage, look for food that includes vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s aging immune system, muscles and heart. You won’t be surprised to learn that IAMS™ Healthy Senior cat food contains all the nutrients your buddy needs to support their vitality. For a general idea of how much to feed your senior cat, follow the guidelines below. IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Senior Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day) Weight of Cat (lbs.) Feed Daily 4 lbs. ¼ – ⅓ cup 8 lbs. ⅓ – ½ cup 12 lbs. ½ – ⅔ cup 16 lbs. ⅔ – ¾ cup 22 lbs. ¾ – 1 cup If your aging cat prefers wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Senior Cuts in Gravy, it's recommended to feed 5 servings per 8 pounds of body weight daily (adjusting as needed to maintain a healthy weight). That's a Recipe for a Happy Cat Now that you know more about caring for your cat’s nutritional needs, it might be time to take another look at what your cat’s eating. If you need help finding new food to fit your cat's needs, try getting a recommendation from our Cat Food Selector — and remember to switch your cat’s food gradually to avoid GI distress. As a final thought, remember there are some foods and substances you should keep your cat away from, no matter what life stage they're at. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), antifreeze, bleach, lilies, chicken bones, ribs, or other splintery bones, chocolate, garlic, onions, leeks, raisins, grapes or chives. It’s always best to stick with cat food and cat treats designed specifically for your pet’s nutritional needs.

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[Skip to main content](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior#main-content) [![5 logo](https://www.iams.com/sites/g/files/fnmzdf3396/files/IAMS%20white%20RGB_0.png)](https://www.iams.com/) - Explore Dog - BY PRODUCT TYPE: [Dry](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food/dry "Dry") [Wet](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food/wet "Wet") BY SPECIAL NEED: [Healthy Weight](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food/dry?health_goal%5Bdry-dog-food%5D=Weight%20Management "Healthy Weight") [Healthy Digestion](https://www.iams.com/products/dry/iams-advanced-health-healthy-digestion "Healthy Digestion") BY AGE: [Puppy](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food/puppy "Puppy") [Adult](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food/adult-dog "Adult") [Mature](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food/senior-dog "Mature") BY BREED SIZE: [Small](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food/small-dog "Small") [Medium](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food/medium-dog "Medium") [Large](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-food/large-dog "Large") - 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[Home](https://www.iams.com/) / 2. [Cat Articles](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles) / 3. [How Much Food to Feed Your Cat, From Kitten to Senior](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior) ![kitten and senior nutrition guide](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAAtJREFUGFdjYAACAAAFAAGq1chRAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) # How Much Food to Feed Your Cat, From Kitten to Senior SHARE - [Facebook (opens in new window)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior&title=How%20Much%20Food%20to%20Feed%20Your%20Cat,%20From%20Kitten%20to%20Senior) - [Email (opens in new window)](<mailto:?subject=How Much Food to Feed Your Cat, From Kitten to Senior&body=https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior>) When it comes to your cat's health, it's hard to overstate how large a role diet and nutrition play. Of course, making sure your cat is getting the exact vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need is much easier said than done. If you have lots of questions, or maybe even feel like you don't know what questions to ask, you're not alone. After all, everybody loves adorable furry things, but not everyone knows the optimal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio for a cat’s diet. ## What to Know about Cat Food Nutrition So where is the best place to start understanding your cat's nutritional needs? Take a look at the back of your cat's food packaging. Here are a few important things to look for: 1. A high-quality protein source at the top of the ingredients list, like chicken or salmon 2. Information about how the recipe supports your cat's life stage (kitten, adult, senior) 3. Details about key vitamins and minerals† Once you're confident that your cat's diet includes the nutritional foundation it needs, it's time to get into some feeding tips specific to your cat. ## How Much Should a Cat Eat Each Day? How much — and what — to feed your cat varies based on their life stage and unique needs. Let's walk you through some of need-to-knows at each stage of your cat's life. ### Feeding a Kitten Kittens may not look all that different from adult cats, but their bodies have very different nutritional requirements. First, kitten bodies burn energy at a furious pace to fuel all of that growing and playing. That's why kitten food should be more energy-dense. Kittens also need to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day, while an adult cat may only eat once in the morning and once at night. Their food should contain certain ingredients that are crucial for their development. Amino acids like taurine are vital to the strengthening of their hearts, vision and digestion. Vitamin E helps your kitten build up a sturdy immune system. Choosing a [kitten food](https://www.iams.com/products/dry/iams-proactive-health-healthy-kitten) that's scientifically formulated to fit your kitten's needs is an important part of caring for them. When deciding how much to feed your kitten, there are a few methods you can use. Age is the most straightforward, if you're pretty confident you know when your kitten was born. Weight is the second method and can be more appropriate for cats that might be above or below average. See below for feeding guides based on your chosen method. Remember to divide the total recommended feeding amount by the number of times you feed your kitten per day to get the actual portion size per feeding. #### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Kitten Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day) | Age (Weeks) | Cups per Day | |---|---| | Up to 8 | ⅓ cup | | 12 | ½ cup | | 16 | ½ cup | | 24 | ½ cup | | 32 | ½ cup | | 40 | ½ cup | | Kitten Weight (lbs.) | Cups per Day | |---|---| | 4 lbs. | ⅓ cup | | 6 lbs. | ½ cup | | 8 lbs. | ⅔ cup | | 10 lbs. | ¾ cup | | 12 lbs. | ¾ cup | | 16 lbs. | 1 cup | | 18 lbs. | 1 cup | | 20 lbs. | 1 ¼ cup | If you opt for a wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Kitten Paté, feed your kitten 4–7 servings each day, adjusting to maintain their ideal body condition. ### Feeding an Adult Cat Around your kitten's first birthday, it's time to [make the switch to an adult cat food](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/your-kitten-ready-adult-cat-food). The trickiest part of feeding an adult cat is adjusting your kitten-feeding habits to the mature animal your cat has grown into. As mentioned above, adult cats generally feed fewer times per day, so divide the recommended feeding amount by the number of times you plan to feed them during the day. At the same time, you'll want to [consider a few other factors](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-choose-right-food-your-cats-unique-needs). - What is your cat's activity level? Are they zooming around the house, or just going for long walks from the basement to the bedroom? The more active your cat is, the more energy (and food) they’ll need. - Is your cat eating treats? If your cat enjoys an occasional snack outside of their main meals, don't forget to factor those calories into the amount you're feeding them. - Wet or dry? Dry food is more calorie-dense, so if you plan to replace some dry food with [wet food](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/why-choose-iams-perfect-portions-wet-cat-food), make sure you're factoring in the difference. Just like kitten food, you'll want your adult cat food to be specially formulated to suit their needs. For example, [sodium](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-sodium-used-our-cat-foods) is an essential nutrient that supports nerve and muscle function. And you probably already know that [fiber](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/why-fiber-important-your-cats-nutrition) is crucial to pushing food through your cat's digestive system. All that's left is to give them the right amount of food. On average, the guidelines below should help you find a good baseline for feeding your cat. #### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Adult with Chicken Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day) | Weight of Cat (lbs.) | Feed Daily | |---|---| | 4 lbs. | ⅓ cup | | 8 lbs. | ½ – ⅔ cup | | 12 lbs. | ⅔ – ¾ cup | | 16 lbs. | ¾ – 1 cup | | 22 lbs. | 1 – 1 ¼ cup | For wet food, be sure to consult the packaging to determine the right amount to give your cat each day. As a general rule, feed adult cats 3-4 servings per 5 pounds of body weight daily. ### Feeding a Senior Cat Around seven years of age, your cat should be ready to make the switch to a recipe for senior cats. Your cat will gradually begin to slow down as they age, and feeding them a [diet designed for mature cats](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/senior-cat-nutrition-facts-and-fixes) accounts for the burning of fewer calories throughout the day. At this life stage, look for food that includes vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s aging immune system, muscles and heart. You won’t be surprised to learn that [IAMS™ Healthy Senior](https://www.iams.com/products/dry/iams-proactive-health-healthy-senior) cat food contains all the nutrients your buddy needs to support their vitality. For a general idea of how much to feed your senior cat, follow the guidelines below. #### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Senior Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day) | Weight of Cat (lbs.) | Feed Daily | |---|---| | 4 lbs. | ¼ – ⅓ cup | | 8 lbs. | ⅓ – ½ cup | | 12 lbs. | ½ – ⅔ cup | | 16 lbs. | ⅔ – ¾ cup | | 22 lbs. | ¾ – 1 cup | If your aging cat prefers wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Senior Cuts in Gravy, it's recommended to feed 5 servings per 8 pounds of body weight daily (adjusting as needed to maintain a healthy weight). ## That's a Recipe for a Happy Cat Now that you know more about caring for your cat’s nutritional needs, it might be time to take another look at what your cat’s eating. If you need help finding new food to fit your cat's needs, try getting a recommendation from our [Cat Food Selector](https://www.iams.com/food-quiz) — and remember to [switch your cat’s food gradually](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/what-you-should-know-about-changing-your-cats-diet) to avoid GI distress. As a final thought, remember there are some foods and substances you should keep your cat away from, no matter what life stage they're at. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), antifreeze, bleach, lilies, chicken bones, ribs, or other splintery bones, chocolate, garlic, onions, leeks, raisins, grapes or chives. It’s always best to stick with cat food and cat treats designed specifically for your pet’s nutritional needs. ## Table of Contents ## YOU MAY ALSO LIKE … ![How to teach your dog to stop barking](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAAtJREFUGFdjYAACAAAFAAGq1chRAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) ### [How to teach your dog to stop barking](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-articles/how-teach-your-dog-stop-barking "How to teach your dog to stop barking") Expert dog trainer, Adrena Wilhelm, teaches you to get your dog to speak and also provides techniques for preventing nuisance barking. 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[READ MORE](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-articles/how-choose-puppy-right-your-family "READ MORE") ![Kitten and cat adoption basics](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAAtJREFUGFdjYAACAAAFAAGq1chRAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) ### [Kitten and cat adoption basics](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/kitten-and-cat-adoption-basics "Kitten and cat adoption basics") Get adoption tips, including how to choose a cat and how to prepare your home for your new family member. [READ MORE](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/kitten-and-cat-adoption-basics "READ MORE") ![Crate training your puppy](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAAtJREFUGFdjYAACAAAFAAGq1chRAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) ### [Crate training your puppy](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-articles/crate-training-your-puppy "Crate training your puppy") Get expert tips from trainer, Kathy Santo, on how to properly crate train your puppy. [READ MORE](https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-articles/crate-training-your-puppy "READ MORE") [![5 logo](https://www.iams.com/sites/g/files/fnmzdf3396/files/IAMS%20white%20RGB_0.png)](https://www.iams.com/) - [About Us](https://www.iams.com/why-iams "About Us") - [Contact Us](https://www.iams.com/contact-us "Contact Us") - [FAQ](https://www.iams.com/faq "FAQ") - [News](https://www.iams.com/news-articles "News") - [Sitemap](https://www.iams.com/sitemap.xml "Sitemap") Follow Us - [Facebook (opens in new window)](https://www.facebook.com/IAMS) - [YouTube (opens in new window)](https://www.youtube.com/@IAMSpet) - [Instagram (opens in new window)](https://www.instagram.com/iams/) - [Privacy Policy (opens in new window)](https://www.mars.com/privacy "Privacy Policy") - [Cookie Notice (opens in new window)](https://www.mars.com/privacy#cookies "Cookie Notice") - [Supply Chain Transparency (opens in new window)](https://www.mars.com/about/policies-and-practices/ca-supply-chain-transparency-act "Supply Chain Transparency") - [Ad Choices (opens in new window)](https://www.mars.com/mars-incorporated-adchoices-united-states "Ad Choices") - [Accessibility (opens in new window)](https://www.mars.com/accessibility "Accessibility") - [Cookie Settings](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior#Cookie-Settings "Cookie Settings") - [Legal (opens in new window)](https://www.mars.com/legal "Legal") - [Modern Slavery Act (opens in new window)](https://www.mars.com/about/policies-and-practices/global-human-rights-disclosure "Modern Slavery Act") - [Our Promise (opens in new window)](https://www.mars.com/about/policies-and-practices/marketing-code "Our Promise ") - [Your Privacy Choices ![Your Privacy Choices](https://www.iams.com/sites/g/files/fnmzdf3396/files/menu_icons/privacyoptions_2_2.svg) (opens in new window)](https://privacyportal-eu.onetrust.com/webform/5f2759ff-9efe-412c-a3be-f13092d2c945/98373dac-6247-48a6-a190-f0094af43ee8 "Your Privacy Choices") - [Careers (opens in new window)](https://careers.mars.com/global/en "Careers") SELECT REGION Global SELECT REGION - [Canada](https://www.iams.ca/en-ca) - [Global](https://www.iams.com/) - [Indonesia](https://id.iams.asia/) - [Malaysia](https://my.iams.asia/) - [Philippines](https://ph.iams.asia/) - [Singapore](https://sg.iams.asia/) © 2026 Mars or Affiliates. 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Readable Markdown

When it comes to your cat's health, it's hard to overstate how large a role diet and nutrition play. Of course, making sure your cat is getting the exact vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need is much easier said than done. If you have lots of questions, or maybe even feel like you don't know what questions to ask, you're not alone. After all, everybody loves adorable furry things, but not everyone knows the optimal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio for a cat’s diet. ## What to Know about Cat Food Nutrition So where is the best place to start understanding your cat's nutritional needs? Take a look at the back of your cat's food packaging. Here are a few important things to look for: 1. A high-quality protein source at the top of the ingredients list, like chicken or salmon 2. Information about how the recipe supports your cat's life stage (kitten, adult, senior) 3. Details about key vitamins and minerals† Once you're confident that your cat's diet includes the nutritional foundation it needs, it's time to get into some feeding tips specific to your cat. ## How Much Should a Cat Eat Each Day? How much — and what — to feed your cat varies based on their life stage and unique needs. Let's walk you through some of need-to-knows at each stage of your cat's life. ### Feeding a Kitten Kittens may not look all that different from adult cats, but their bodies have very different nutritional requirements. First, kitten bodies burn energy at a furious pace to fuel all of that growing and playing. That's why kitten food should be more energy-dense. Kittens also need to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day, while an adult cat may only eat once in the morning and once at night. Their food should contain certain ingredients that are crucial for their development. Amino acids like taurine are vital to the strengthening of their hearts, vision and digestion. Vitamin E helps your kitten build up a sturdy immune system. Choosing a [kitten food](https://www.iams.com/products/dry/iams-proactive-health-healthy-kitten) that's scientifically formulated to fit your kitten's needs is an important part of caring for them. When deciding how much to feed your kitten, there are a few methods you can use. Age is the most straightforward, if you're pretty confident you know when your kitten was born. Weight is the second method and can be more appropriate for cats that might be above or below average. See below for feeding guides based on your chosen method. Remember to divide the total recommended feeding amount by the number of times you feed your kitten per day to get the actual portion size per feeding. #### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Kitten Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day) | Age (Weeks) | Cups per Day | |---|---| | Up to 8 | ⅓ cup | | 12 | ½ cup | | 16 | ½ cup | | 24 | ½ cup | | 32 | ½ cup | | 40 | ½ cup | | Kitten Weight (lbs.) | Cups per Day | |---|---| | 4 lbs. | ⅓ cup | | 6 lbs. | ½ cup | | 8 lbs. | ⅔ cup | | 10 lbs. | ¾ cup | | 12 lbs. | ¾ cup | | 16 lbs. | 1 cup | | 18 lbs. | 1 cup | | 20 lbs. | 1 ¼ cup | If you opt for a wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Kitten Paté, feed your kitten 4–7 servings each day, adjusting to maintain their ideal body condition. ### Feeding an Adult Cat Around your kitten's first birthday, it's time to [make the switch to an adult cat food](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/your-kitten-ready-adult-cat-food). The trickiest part of feeding an adult cat is adjusting your kitten-feeding habits to the mature animal your cat has grown into. As mentioned above, adult cats generally feed fewer times per day, so divide the recommended feeding amount by the number of times you plan to feed them during the day. At the same time, you'll want to [consider a few other factors](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-choose-right-food-your-cats-unique-needs). - What is your cat's activity level? Are they zooming around the house, or just going for long walks from the basement to the bedroom? The more active your cat is, the more energy (and food) they’ll need. - Is your cat eating treats? If your cat enjoys an occasional snack outside of their main meals, don't forget to factor those calories into the amount you're feeding them. - Wet or dry? Dry food is more calorie-dense, so if you plan to replace some dry food with [wet food](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/why-choose-iams-perfect-portions-wet-cat-food), make sure you're factoring in the difference. Just like kitten food, you'll want your adult cat food to be specially formulated to suit their needs. For example, [sodium](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/how-sodium-used-our-cat-foods) is an essential nutrient that supports nerve and muscle function. And you probably already know that [fiber](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/why-fiber-important-your-cats-nutrition) is crucial to pushing food through your cat's digestive system. All that's left is to give them the right amount of food. On average, the guidelines below should help you find a good baseline for feeding your cat. #### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Adult with Chicken Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day) | Weight of Cat (lbs.) | Feed Daily | |---|---| | 4 lbs. | ⅓ cup | | 8 lbs. | ½ – ⅔ cup | | 12 lbs. | ⅔ – ¾ cup | | 16 lbs. | ¾ – 1 cup | | 22 lbs. | 1 – 1 ¼ cup | For wet food, be sure to consult the packaging to determine the right amount to give your cat each day. As a general rule, feed adult cats 3-4 servings per 5 pounds of body weight daily. ### Feeding a Senior Cat Around seven years of age, your cat should be ready to make the switch to a recipe for senior cats. Your cat will gradually begin to slow down as they age, and feeding them a [diet designed for mature cats](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/senior-cat-nutrition-facts-and-fixes) accounts for the burning of fewer calories throughout the day. At this life stage, look for food that includes vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s aging immune system, muscles and heart. You won’t be surprised to learn that [IAMS™ Healthy Senior](https://www.iams.com/products/dry/iams-proactive-health-healthy-senior) cat food contains all the nutrients your buddy needs to support their vitality. For a general idea of how much to feed your senior cat, follow the guidelines below. #### IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Senior Feeding Guidelines (Cups per Day) | Weight of Cat (lbs.) | Feed Daily | |---|---| | 4 lbs. | ¼ – ⅓ cup | | 8 lbs. | ⅓ – ½ cup | | 12 lbs. | ½ – ⅔ cup | | 16 lbs. | ⅔ – ¾ cup | | 22 lbs. | ¾ – 1 cup | If your aging cat prefers wet food like IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Healthy Senior Cuts in Gravy, it's recommended to feed 5 servings per 8 pounds of body weight daily (adjusting as needed to maintain a healthy weight). ## That's a Recipe for a Happy Cat Now that you know more about caring for your cat’s nutritional needs, it might be time to take another look at what your cat’s eating. If you need help finding new food to fit your cat's needs, try getting a recommendation from our [Cat Food Selector](https://www.iams.com/food-quiz) — and remember to [switch your cat’s food gradually](https://www.iams.com/cat/cat-articles/what-you-should-know-about-changing-your-cats-diet) to avoid GI distress. As a final thought, remember there are some foods and substances you should keep your cat away from, no matter what life stage they're at. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), antifreeze, bleach, lilies, chicken bones, ribs, or other splintery bones, chocolate, garlic, onions, leeks, raisins, grapes or chives. It’s always best to stick with cat food and cat treats designed specifically for your pet’s nutritional needs.

ML Classification

ML Categories

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/Pets_and_Animals/Pets		95.1%
/Pets_and_Animals/Pets/Cats		94.8%

Raw JSON

{
    "/Pets_and_Animals": 983,
    "/Pets_and_Animals/Pets": 951,
    "/Pets_and_Animals/Pets/Cats": 948
}

ML Page Types

/Article		99.9%
/Article/How_to		87.4%

Raw JSON

{
    "/Article": 999,
    "/Article/How_to": 874
}

ML Intent Types

Informational

99.9%

Raw JSON

{
    "Informational": 999
}

Content Metadata

Language

Author

null

Publish Time

not set

Original Publish Time

2022-10-08 21:58:02 (3 years ago)

Republished

Word Count (Total)

1,945

Word Count (Content)

1,213

Links

External Links

Internal Links

Technical SEO

Meta Nofollow

Meta Noarchive

JS Rendered

Redirect Target

null

Performance

Download Time (ms)

472

TTFB (ms)

363

Download Size (bytes)

53,012

Shard

142 (laksa)

Root Hash

7510825244219986142

Unparsed URL

com,iams!www,/cat/cat-articles/how-much-to-feed-cat-kitten-senior s443