How Much Should a Cat Eat Per Day?

Overfeeding is the #1 nutritional problem in pet cats. Getting portions right prevents obesity and its associated health risks.

General Guidelines

• Average 10lb indoor cat: ~200–250 calories/day
• Active cats: May need 20–30% more
• Overweight cats: Your vet can calculate a safe deficit
• Kittens: More calories per pound (check kitten food labels)

How to Measure

Use a kitchen scale for dry food (cup measurements are often inaccurate). For wet food, follow package guidelines and adjust based on your cat’s body condition. Your vet can help you assess ideal weight and portion size.

For weight management strategies, see Weight Control Tips for Indoor Cats.

),