How Much Should I Feed My Cat per Day?

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 3 sources

Short answer

A typical indoor adult cat needs about 20 calories per pound of body weight per day, so a 10-pound cat needs roughly 200 calories and a 15-pound cat about 300. Outdoor cats need more, about 35 calories per pound. Convert calories to cups or cans using the label, and adjust for your cat's body condition with your vet's advice.

The feeding chart on a bag of cat food is a starting point, not a rule. Most indoor cats need fewer calories than the bag suggests, and obesity is common. Calories are the most reliable way to work out portions.

Daily calories for cats

Cat's weight Indoor cat (about 20 kcal/lb) Outdoor cat (about 35 kcal/lb)
6 lb about 120 kcal about 210 kcal
8 lb about 160 kcal about 280 kcal
10 lb about 200 kcal about 350 kcal
12 lb about 240 kcal about 420 kcal
15 lb about 300 kcal about 525 kcal

Calculated from Catster's veterinarian-reviewed guideline of about 20 calories per pound for indoor cats and 35 for outdoor cats; indoor-outdoor cats fall in between. Use your cat's ideal weight, not current weight, if your cat is overweight. Kittens, pregnant or nursing cats and cats with medical conditions have different needs; ask your vet.

How to turn calories into cups or cans

  1. Find the calories on the label: "kcal/cup" for dry food, "kcal/can" or "kcal/pouch" for wet food.
  2. Divide your cat's daily calories by that number.

Example: a 10-pound indoor cat needs about 200 calories. With a dry food at 400 kcal per cup, that's about half a cup a day. With a wet food at 100 kcal per can, that's about two cans a day. If you feed both, split the calories between them.

How much dry cat food per day?

Dry foods are calorie-dense, so portions are small, often between a quarter and a half cup a day for an average indoor cat, depending on the food. Measure with a real measuring cup or a kitchen scale; a heaping scoop can be much more than intended.

How to tell if you're feeding the right amount

  • You should be able to feel (but not see) your cat's ribs under a thin layer of fat.
  • From above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs.
  • Weigh your cat monthly. If your cat is overweight, Catster's guidance is to feed for about 2 pounds less than the current weight (about 40 fewer calories a day) and readjust as the cat loses weight. Rapid weight loss is dangerous for cats, so make changes gradually and with your vet's help.

Tips for feeding cats

  • Split the daily amount into two or more meals, or use puzzle feeders.
  • Count treats: they should be a small part of daily calories.
  • Store dry food in its original bag inside a sealed container, below 80°F, as the FDA recommends, and refrigerate opened wet food promptly. See does cat food expire.
  • Any sudden change in appetite or weight is a reason to see the vet.

Find pet stores and veterinarians near you.

Sources

  1. Catster: How many calories should a cat eat? (reviewed by Dr. Lorna Whittemore, 2026)
  2. FDA: Proper storage of pet food and treats
  3. AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines: life stage definitions

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