Calculate the perfect daily feeding amount for your cat — dry, wet, or a mix — with costs, scenarios, and a full health guide.
Cat Details
Neutering reduces caloric needs by ~20%
Advanced Cost Settings ▾
Daily Feeding
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Based on RER × life stage × activity × condition
RER: —DER: —Mix: —Per Meal: —
Daily kcal
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Dry Amount
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Wet Amount
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Monthly Dry Cost
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Monthly Wet Cost
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Total Monthly
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Feeding Schedule
Food Mix Breakdown
Actions
Feeding Scenarios
Three caloric targets based on your current cat profile. Calculate first for accurate results.
Calculate in Tab 1 first.
Daily kcal Sensitivity Matrix
Daily calorie needs by weight and life stage using your current activity & condition settings. Your profile is highlighted in gold.
Calculate in Tab 1 first.
Monthly Cost by Food Mix
Estimated monthly cost for each food mix strategy at your current caloric density and prices.
Foods Toxic to Cats
Cats have unique sensitivities. Never feed these to your cat.
All LiliesSevere kidney failure — even pollen or vase water is deadly
Onions & GarlicHeinz body anemia; toxic cooked or raw
Raw Fish (long-term)Thiamine (B1) deficiency; neurological damage
ChocolateTheobromine toxicity; cardiac arrhythmia
AlcoholCNS and liver damage; even small amounts
XylitolHypoglycemia; avoid sugar-free products
Grapes & RaisinsKidney damage (same as in dogs)
Dog Food (long-term)Lacks taurine; causes dilated cardiomyopathy
Raw Eggs (long-term)Avidin depletes biotin; bacterial risk
CaffeineRapid heart rate, tremors; fatal in large doses
Hydration: Wet vs. Dry Food
Food Type
Water Content
Daily Water Impact
Recommendation
Dry kibble
~10%
Cat must drink actively
Always provide fresh water; consider a fountain
Wet food
70–80%
Covers most daily needs
Ideal for UTI/kidney-prone cats
50/50 Mix
~40%
Partial hydration
Good balance of cost and hydration
Food Transition Schedule
Abrupt food changes cause vomiting and diarrhea. Always transition over 7–10 days.
Days
Old Food
New Food
Notes
1–3
75%
25%
Watch for GI changes
4–6
50%
50%
Some loose stools are normal
7–9
25%
75%
Acceptance should increase
10+
0%
100%
Fully transitioned
Body Condition Score (BCS) Reference
BCS is assessed by feel and visual inspection. BCS 5 is ideal for most cats.
BCS 1–2: Emaciated Ribs, spine & pelvis visible. Severe muscle loss. Urgent vet visit required.
BCS 3–4: Underweight Ribs easily felt with minimal fat. Waist very pronounced. Increase caloric intake.
BCS 5: Ideal Ribs felt but not seen. Visible waist from above. Slight abdominal tuck. Maintain current diet.
BCS 6–7: Overweight Ribs difficult to feel. Waist barely visible. Fat deposits over spine. Reduce calories 10–15%.
BCS 8–9: Obese Ribs not palpable. Heavy abdominal deposits. Serious health risk. Vet-supervised weight loss essential.
Today's Feeding Schedule
Based on your current calculator settings. Switch to the Calculator tab and adjust inputs to update.
Morning
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Evening
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories does my cat need per day? +
An average 10-lb indoor neutered adult cat needs approximately 200 kcal/day. We calculate this using the RER formula (70 × weight_kg^0.75) multiplied by life stage, activity, and body condition factors. Kittens need 2.5× more; outdoor cats need 1.4× more.
Does spaying/neutering change my cat's food needs? +
Yes — neutering reduces metabolic rate by about 20–25%. Switch this calculator's "Spayed/Neutered" toggle to "Yes" after the procedure. Failing to reduce portions after neutering is the most common cause of post-neuter weight gain in cats.
Should I feed my cat wet or dry food? +
Both have benefits. Wet food provides moisture (cats have a naturally low thirst drive) and is more palatable. Dry food supports dental health through chewing and is more cost-effective. Many vets recommend a 50/50 mix or mostly wet diet, especially for cats prone to urinary tract issues or kidney disease.
How often should I feed my cat? +
Most adult cats do best with 2 measured meals per day. Kittens under 6 months need 3–4 small meals. Scheduled meals help you monitor appetite changes — early loss of appetite is often the first sign of illness. Avoid free-feeding dry food unless your cat demonstrably self-regulates.
My cat seems hungry even after eating the calculated amount. What should I do? +
Cats often request food from habit or boredom rather than genuine hunger. Try puzzle feeders to slow eating and provide mental stimulation. If your cat consistently seems ravenous, rule out hyperthyroidism or diabetes with a vet check — both conditions dramatically increase appetite.
Input weight, life stage, and neuter status. Neutered adult cats need ~20% fewer calories than intact cats — this is the single biggest calculation error most owners make.
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Set Activity & Condition
Indoor sedentary cats need fewer calories than outdoor cats. If your cat is overweight, select that option to automatically reduce the portion to a safe weight-loss level.
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Read Your Results
Get daily kcal targets, cup/can amounts, monthly cost estimates, and a per-meal feeding schedule. Use the Scenarios tab to explore weight loss vs. maintenance plans.
Formula & Methodology
Step 1
RER = 70 × (weight kg)^0.75
Resting Energy Requirement — metabolic baseline at complete rest.
Prioritize wet food for hydration. Annual kidney function bloodwork recommended.
Feline Nutrition: Feeding Your Cat Correctly
Cats are obligate carnivores with nutritional requirements that differ fundamentally from dogs and humans. They cannot synthesize essential nutrients like taurine and arachidonic acid — these must come from animal protein. Getting the feeding amount right is critical: obese cats face diabetes, hepatic lipidosis, and joint disease, while underweight cats may be signaling hidden illness.
Why Neuter Status Matters More Than Most Owners Realize
Neutering reduces a cat's metabolic rate by 20–25%. The most common post-neuter mistake is continuing to feed the same pre-surgery amount. A 4.5 kg neutered adult cat needs ~218 kcal/day — about 20% less than an intact cat of the same weight. This single factor is responsible for the majority of feline obesity cases in pet cats.
Wet vs. Dry Food: The Hydration Question
Cats evolved as desert predators who obtained most water from prey. Their thirst drive is naturally low. Dry kibble forces cats to rely on active water drinking they often won't do sufficiently, contributing to urinary tract issues and chronic kidney disease (the leading cause of death in cats over 10). Many veterinary nutritionists recommend wet food or a mixed diet, especially for older cats.
Measuring Matters: Why Cups Are Inaccurate
Standard measuring cups can be inaccurate by 20% depending on how kibble is scooped. For best results, use a kitchen scale and weigh food in grams rather than scooping by volume. Check the kcal/cup value on your food's packaging and enter it into this calculator for the most accurate portions.
More Questions Answered
How often should I feed my cat? +
Adult cats do best with 2 measured meals per day. Kittens under 6 months need 3–4 feedings. Diabetic cats need meals timed with insulin injections. Avoid free-feeding dry kibble unless your cat demonstrably self-regulates.
Is taurine deficiency a real concern? +
Yes. Taurine deficiency causes dilated cardiomyopathy (heart disease) and retinal degeneration in cats. Commercial cat foods must be taurine-fortified. Never feed dog food to cats long-term — it is not adequately taurine-supplemented.
Can cats be vegetarian or vegan? +
No. Cats are obligate carnivores and cannot synthesize nutrients found only in animal tissue. Plant-based diets cause severe deficiencies and are considered harmful by virtually all veterinary organizations.
Why is my cat always hungry despite eating enough? +
Constant hunger can indicate hyperthyroidism, diabetes, intestinal parasites, or food too low in protein/fat. If your cat seems hungry on calculated portions, consult your veterinarian.
When should I switch from kitten to adult food? +
Switch at 12 months for most breeds, 18–24 months for large breeds. Kitten food is higher in protein, fat, and calories for growth. Continuing kitten food past this point often leads to obesity.
How does pregnancy affect a cat's feeding needs? +
Pregnant cats need 25–50% more calories in the last 3 weeks of pregnancy and up to 4× normal calories during nursing. Feed high-quality kitten food during this period for its higher caloric and nutrient density.
What does the sensitivity matrix in the Scenarios tab show? +
The matrix shows estimated daily calorie needs across 5 common weights and 5 life stages (Kitten, Neutered Adult, Intact Adult, Senior, Pregnant), using your current activity and body condition settings. Your current profile cell is highlighted in gold.