How much should a cat eat?

The question "how much should a cat eat?" can be resolved with a relatively simple calculation. Let's take a look at precise numbers.

Energy requirements

Base requirement formula (RER):

RER = 70 × (weight in kg) ^ 0.75

For a healthy adult cat, the real requirement is the RER multiplied by:

  • Neutered and sedentary: × 1.2
  • Active adult: × 1.4
  • Kitten (4-12 months): × 2.5
  • Pregnant or nursing: × 4-6
  • Senior with poor appetite: × 1.1

Concrete examples

Neutered cat weighing 4 kg, sedentary:
RER = 70 × 40.75 ≈ 198 kcal · real requirement ≈ 240 kcal/day

Adult cat weighing 4 kg, active (playing, climbing, window):
RER ≈ 198 × 1.4 ≈ 280 kcal/day

Kitten weighing 2 kg, 5 months old:
RER = 70 × 20.75 ≈ 118 × 2.5 ≈ 295 kcal/day

Converting to food

Dry food only

Average food for adult cats: 380-400 kcal per 100 g.

  • Cat 4 kg sedentary: 60 g/day
  • Cat 4 kg active: 70 g/day

Wet food only

Average wet food: 80-100 kcal per 100 g.

  • Cat 4 kg sedentary: 250-300 g/day (3 cans of 100g or 4 pouches of 85g)
  • Cat 4 kg active: 300-350 g/day

Mixed (recommended)

Example: 40 g dry food + 1.5 cans of 100g = 160 + 150 = 310 kcal (active cat).

How many times a day

  • Kittens under 4 months: 4 meals
  • Kittens 4-12 months: 3 meals
  • Adults: 2-3 meals (in nature there are 8-10 snacks, dividing is more physiological)
  • Seniors: 3-4 small meals

Checking their well-being

It’s not just the scale that matters. Check:

  • Body condition score: ribs slightly palpable, visible waist
  • Coat: shiny, not greasy
  • Energy: plays, explores, not always tired
  • Stools: formed, not soft
  • Drinking: stable (excessive thirst = problem)

Adjusting portions

  • Monthly: weigh the cat. Same scale, same time.
  • If gaining weight: -10% of portions. Recheck after 4 weeks.
  • If losing weight: +10%. Blood tests if persistent (hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney issues).

In short

Precise portions prevent both obesity (the most common problem) and inadequate thinness. The calculation takes 5 minutes, the monthly check another 5. These are the 10 most impactful minutes you can dedicate to your cat's health.