Cat Feeding Calculator

How Much Should You Feed Your Cat?

The right amount of food depends on your cat's size, age, and activity level: and on the specific food you're using. A calorie-dense dry kibble requires far less volume than wet food. That's why it's essential to match portions to your actual food, not rely on generic guidelines.

This calculator combines your cat's personalized calorie needs with the specific calorie content of your food to give you an exact daily amount.

Wet Food, Dry Food, or Both?

Many vets recommend wet food for cats because it provides extra hydration and tends to be higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates. Wet food typically has 70–100 calories per 3-oz can, while dry food has 300–500 calories per cup. You can use any combination: just track total calories.

Why Cats Are Different from Dogs at Mealtime

Cats are obligate carnivores with a metabolism tuned for frequent small meals; in the wild, a cat might eat 10-12 tiny meals per day (each mouse or bird being one "serving"). This biological reality means most cats do better with 2-3 measured meals than with one or two large portions. Their small stomachs and fast transit times mean they process food in shorter cycles than dogs do.

Scheduled Feeding vs. Free Feeding

Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) is a leading contributor to feline obesity. Most veterinarians recommend scheduled meals: typically two meals per day for adult cats. Measured portions at set times give you much better control over your cat's calorie intake.