How much food does a cat need? The right amount
How much food does a cat actually really need? Almost every cat owner asks themselves this question at some pointâusually when the cat is either constantly standing by the bowl or the scales suddenly show more than they did last year.
The short answer: It depends on your catâs weight, age, and lifestyle. Youâll get the longer answer now, including a table for quick reference.
The rule of thumb for feeding amounts
An adult, normal-weight cat needs about 50 to 60 kilocalories per kilogram of body weight per day.
With high-quality wet food with a high meat content, the energy content is usually around 80 to 100 kilocalories per 100 grams. This gives you a practical rule of thumb:
Around 50 to 60 g of wet food per kilogram of body weight per day.
That puts a 4 kg cat at roughly 200 to 240 g per day.
Feeding amount by weight â table
| Catâs weight | Wet food per day |
|---|---|
| 3 kg | approx. 150â180 g |
| 4 kg | approx. 200â240 g |
| 5 kg | approx. 250â300 g |
| 6 kg | approx. 290â350 g |
| 7 kg | approx. 330â400 g |
These values are guidelines for adult cats with normal activity. The exact requirement is always stated on the packaging of the specific food, because the energy content varies from variety to variety.
These factors change food requirements
Age. Kittens are growing and need significantly more energy relative to their body weightâsometimes two to three times as much. Older cats from around ten years of age move less, but need especially easily digestible protein.
Neutering. After neutering, energy requirements drop by around 20 to 30%. At the same time, appetite increases. This exact combination is the most common reason for overweight in indoor cats.
Indoor cat or outdoor cat. A cat thatâs out and about for hours outdoors uses noticeably more energy than a cat that spends the day on the sofa.
Activity and personality. Some cats race around the home all day, others take twenty-hour breaks. That makes a real difference.
Pregnancy and nursing. Requirements increase sharply hereâsometimes to double or more. Itâs best to discuss this with your vet.
Illnesses. With kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems, different rules apply. In that case, feeding amounts should be handled by your veterinarian.
How often should you feed per day?
Cats are not naturally two-meal animals. In the wild, they eat many small portions throughout the dayâoften eight to twelve mini meals.
In practice, three to four portions per day have proven effective. Itâs better for digestion, prevents cravings, and reduces vomiting in cats that eat too fast.
Important: The daily amount stays the sameâyouâre just splitting it up differently.
Is my cat overweight?
The simplest test works without scales. Run your hands along the sides of your catâs ribcage.
- Normal weight: You can clearly feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without pressing. From above, the cat has a slight waist.
- Overweight: You have to press to find the ribs. The waist disappears, and the belly visibly hangs down.
- Underweight: Ribs and spine are clearly visible and feel bony and angular.
Overweight is widespread in indoor cats and not a minor issue. It increases the risk of diabetes, joint problems, and cardiovascular disease. If you want to reduce weight, do it slowly. Radical fasting can lead to dangerous fatty liver disease in cats.
The most common mistakes with feeding amounts
The bowl is always full. Free feeding works for only a few cats. Most eat more than they need.
Snacks arenât counted. Treats are calories. They should make up a maximum of 10% of the daily amount and should be deducted from the main meal.
Feeding based on begging instead of need. Cats are excellent at training us. A meow doesnât automatically mean hunger.
Switching to a new food without recalculating the amount. Every food has a different energy content. After switching, itâs worth taking a quick look at the packaging.
Feeding amount with MyLILO
Because MyLILO cat food has a very high proportion of animal protein, itâs nutrient-dense. Your cat gets lots of valuable nutrients per gramâwithout fillers that just make them feel full.
If you feed regularly, our subscription is practical: you save 10% on every order, and the food arrives automatically before you run out. If you need more, the 24-pack or 36-pack carton is worth itâyou can put it together yourself from all varieties.
Frequently asked questions about feeding amounts for cats
How much food does a cat need per day?
An adult cat needs about 50 to 60 g of high-quality wet food per kilogram of body weight per day. That puts a 4 kg cat at roughly 200 to 240 g. The exact amount depends on the foodâs energy content and is stated on the packaging.
How often should I feed my cat per day?
Three to four smaller portions per day best match natural eating behaviour. The daily amount stays the sameâitâs just split up differently. This is gentler on digestion and prevents cravings.
How much food does a kitten need?
Kittens need significantly more energy relative to their body weight than adult catsâoften two to three times as much. They should get several small meals spread throughout the day. A strict limit on amounts is usually not necessary during the growth phase.
Does a neutered cat need less food?
Yes. After neutering, energy requirements drop by about 20 to 30%, while appetite often increases. The feeding amount should therefore be adjusted and weight checked regularly.
How can I tell if my cat is overweight?
If you can only feel the ribs with pressure and the waist is no longer visible from above, your cat is probably overweight. In that case, reduce the feeding amount slowly and in consultation with your vet, because rapid weight loss is dangerous for cats.
