Feeding & Weight
Cat Feeding Calculator
How the calculation works
Vets start from the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) — the calories a cat burns at rest:
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75
Then RER is multiplied by a Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) factor for the cat's life stage and goal. Typical factors:
| Cat | MER factor (× RER) |
|---|---|
| Neutered adult | 1.2 |
| Intact adult | 1.4 |
| Weight loss (feed to target weight) | 0.8 |
| Kitten (growing) | 2.5 |
| Senior | 1.1–1.4 |
Cat calorie chart by weight
A quick reference for a lean, neutered adult cat at maintenance (RER × 1.2). Use it as a sanity check against the calculator. Feed to your cat's ideal weight, not necessarily today's weight.
| Body weight | Approx. RER (kcal) | Neutered adult (kcal/day) | ≈ 3 oz cans/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lb (2.3 kg) | 130 | ~155 | ~2 |
| 7 lb (3.2 kg) | 170 | ~200 | ~2–3 |
| 9 lb (4.1 kg) | 200 | ~245 | ~3 |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 220 | ~260 | ~3 |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 250 | ~300 | ~3–4 |
| 15 lb (6.8 kg) | 300 | ~360 | ~4–5 |
Figures rounded, assuming ~80 kcal per 3 oz can. A "cup" means a standard 8 oz measuring cup.
Catch weight creep before it becomes a problem
Save this estimate and track your cat's weight in Tavi — log meals, watch body condition, and get a gentle reminder to reweigh. A half-pound on a cat is a lot. Free for your first pet.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my cat per day?
Most lean, neutered indoor adult cats need about 180–250 kcal a day — roughly their resting energy (RER = 70 × body-weight-in-kg0.75) times 1.2. A typical 10 lb (4.5 kg) cat needs around 200 kcal. Feed to a lean body condition and adjust with your vet, since indoor cats gain weight easily.
How many cans of wet food does a cat need a day?
A standard 3 oz (85 g) can of wet food holds roughly 70–90 kcal, so a 200 kcal-a-day cat needs about 2 to 3 cans daily. Check the kcal printed on your can, as pâtés and stews vary. Wet food adds moisture, which is helpful for cats prone to urinary issues.
How much dry food should I feed my cat?
Dry cat food runs about 300 kcal per 8 oz cup, so a 200 kcal-a-day cat needs roughly two-thirds of a cup. Measure it with a proper cup rather than scooping by eye, and use the calorie figure on your bag, since kibble density varies a lot between brands.
Is this cat feeding calculator accurate?
It gives a sensible starting estimate using the RER/MER formulas vets use, but individual cats vary. Kittens, pregnant or nursing cats, and any cat that is overweight or unwell need a plan from your veterinarian. The safest guide is body condition — you should feel the ribs easily and see a waist from above.
My cat is overweight — how do I feed for weight loss?
Feed for the cat's ideal weight, not its current weight, and aim for slow loss under vet supervision — never crash-diet a cat, as rapid weight loss can cause dangerous liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). A common starting point is RER at target weight times about 0.8, split into measured meals.
Tavi's tools are informational only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment — when in doubt, contact your vet. Calorie estimates follow the resting- and maintenance-energy formulas used in the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and AAHA nutritional assessment guidelines. Feline obesity is widespread — the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) estimates a majority of indoor cats are overweight, so favour the lower end and reassess body condition often. Sources: WSAVA, AAHA, APOP.