How much should a cat eat a day? Amounts, wet and dry food

Feeding the right amount is key to keeping your cat from gaining weight or going hungry. Here's how much it needs, how often and how to adjust it.

Key takeaways

An adult cat of 9 to 11 lb typically needs about 200 to 280 calories a day.
Split the portion into 2 or 3 meals and always measure.
If your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours, call your vet.

There's no single amount

How much a cat should eat depends on its weight, age, activity level, whether it's spayed or neutered and the type of food. A 7-pound cat doesn't eat the same as a 13-pound one, and a growing kitten needs far more energy per pound than an adult. That's why the chart on the bag is only a starting point.

How many calories it needs

As a general reference, an adult cat of about 9 to 11 pounds (4 to 5 kg) needs roughly 200 to 280 calories a day. Spayed or neutered and less active cats usually need a bit less; very active ones, a bit more. To turn that into an amount of food, look at the calories listed on your food, or use our daily food calculator.

Wet food and dry food

Wet food: a 3-ounce (85 g) can usually provides 60 to 90 calories. It's mostly water, which helps the kidneys and hydration.
Dry food (kibble): usually 350 to 400 calories per 100 grams, so an adult cat needs roughly 50 to 70 grams a day if kibble is all it eats. It's convenient but low in water.
A mix: many vets recommend combining both. If you do, reduce the kibble to make up for the wet food's calories.

These numbers vary a lot by brand. Always compare with the information on the package.

How often

Kittens up to six months usually eat three to four times a day. Adults do well with two or three meals. Splitting the portion mimics how cats hunt, many small prey, and keeps them from eating too fast. If your cat vomits after eating, try a slow feeder or puzzle toys. Read why cats vomit.

Free feeding or measured meals?

Keeping the bowl full works for some cats, but many overeat and gain weight. It's safer to measure the daily portion with a scale or measuring cup and split it into several meals. If you have several cats, feed them in separate places so they don't compete.

Water counts too

A cat needs about 50 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight a day, counting the water already in wet food. Many cats drink too little. A fountain with moving water, several bowls around the house and some wet food help.

How to tell if it's at a healthy weight

Look at and feel your cat. You should easily feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above. With our ideal weight tool you can compare and keep a monthly log. If it's gaining, reduce the portion gradually and play more. Never put a cat on a strict diet without checking first: if a cat, especially an overweight one, stops eating, it can develop a serious liver problem.

When to call the vet

See your vet if your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours, loses weight for no reason, eats ravenously but gets thinner, drinks far more than usual or vomits often. Changes in appetite are often one of the first signs that something is wrong.

Frequently asked questions

How much wet food a day? It depends on each can's calories. As a guide, an adult cat may need 2 to 4 cans of 3 oz a day if it eats only wet food.

My cat begs for food all the time. What can I do? Many beg out of habit or boredom. Measure the portion, split meals and play with it before feeding.

Can I give it milk? Not recommended. Many cats can't digest lactose well and it gives them diarrhea.

This article is for information only and does not replace a visit to your vet.