Calories are estimates from the standard veterinary RER formula — individual needs vary, and food labels differ. Confirm feeding amounts with your vet, especially for kittens and weight-loss plans.
Daily calories by weight (quick reference)
| Cat's weight | Neutered adult | Intact adult | Weight loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 lbs | 178 kcal | 208 kcal | 119 kcal |
| 8 lbs | 221 kcal | 258 kcal | 147 kcal |
| 10 lbs | 261 kcal | 305 kcal | 174 kcal |
| 12 lbs | 299 kcal | 349 kcal | 200 kcal |
| 14 lbs | 336 kcal | 392 kcal | 224 kcal |
| 16 lbs | 371 kcal | 433 kcal | 248 kcal |
| 20 lbs | 439 kcal | 512 kcal | 293 kcal |
How the calculation works
Veterinary nutrition uses Resting Energy Requirement (RER) = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75, multiplied by a life-stage factor: 2.5 for young kittens, 2.0 for older kittens, 1.2 for neutered adults, 1.4 for intact adults, about 1.1 for seniors, and 0.8 for vet-supervised weight loss. Portion sizes then depend entirely on your specific food's calorie density, which is printed on the label as kcal/kg or kcal/cup.
For consistent portions day to day, many owners pair a kitchen scale with a scheduled feeder — see our cat feeding chart by weight, automatic feeders for multi-cat homes, and kitten food picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I feed my cat per day?
By the standard RER formula, a neutered 10-lb adult cat needs roughly 260 kcal per day — about 70 g of dry food or 1.4 five-ounce cans of wet food. Low-activity indoor cats often need 15–20% less, so watch body condition and adjust; the food label’s calorie density decides the actual portion.
Is free feeding okay for cats?
Free feeding works for a minority of self-regulating cats but is the most common cause of gradual weight gain. Measured meals two to three times a day give you portion control and make appetite changes — an early illness signal — visible immediately.
How often should kittens eat?
Kittens under 6 months do best with 3–4 smaller meals a day because their stomachs are small and their energy needs per pound are roughly double an adult’s. From 6–12 months you can transition to 2–3 meals.