How Much Food Should I Feed My Cat? A Simple Daily Guide

Is your cat bulking day by day?

Every cat is different from others. They required meals according to their age and weight. The activity level is an important factor that decides how much wet food is necessary to feed a cat. A kitten needs more food because their activity level is higher than a lazy indoor cat. On the other hand, an adult cat might need a low amount of food because their activity level is lower. A cat needs proper attention to grow properly.

Knowing how much dry food to feed your cat is also necessary. Your cat could prefer dry food because of its different choice of food. Your cat can no longer go without food. You should also know how long a cat can go without food. Kittens at the age of their first year need more energy because of their activeness.

If you feed your cat more than it needs, there is a chance that the weight of your cat can increase. On the other hand, feeding your cat less than its body needs, your cat could become weak and lazy. Both situations are dangerous for your cat. You have to know every situation about your cat. You are completely responsible for the health of your cat.

How much food should a Cat Eat?

Some factors decide how much a cat can eat in one day. The factors included age, weight, and activity level. For an adult cat, you should provide twenty calories per pound of total weight. This indicates that a 10-pound cat needs 200 calories daily. A kitten needs more energy because of their activity level. So, you have to feed a kitten more food compared to an adult cat.

The metabolism is also an important factor that decides how much food a cat should need. The increase in outdoor activities of a cat can also increase the amount they need. You have to properly check over your cat.

Table

Age and weight	Wet food per day	Dry food per day	Calories per day
Kitten (2-6 months, 2-5lbs)	4-6 oz	½ – ¾ cup	250-300 kcal
Young Adult (6-12 months, 5-10lbs)	3-5 oz	½ cup	220-270 kcal
Adult (1-7 years, 8-12lbs)	2-4 oz	1/3 – ½ cup	200-250 kcal
Senior (7+ years, 7-10lbs)	2-3 oz	¼ – 1/3 cup	180-220 kcal

How Much Wet and Dry Food Should You Feed a Cat?

Feeding your cat wet and dry food in a balanced amount is a little difficult task. Some owners prefer wet food over dry food because it can contain more water content. With this wet food you can keep your cat hydrated. On the other side, some prefer dry food, but the mixture of both foods is best among both. A table content will help you find how much you should feed your cat. 

Table

Factor	Wet food	Dry food
Water content	70-80% (keeps cat hydrated)	10-12% (low moisture)
Calorie density	Lower (more volume needed)	Higher (smell portion needed)
Taste and palatability	Stronger smell, more appealing	Some cats prefer crunchy texture
Convenience	Short shelf life after opening	Easy to store and leave out

How to Balance Wet and Dry Food?

It may taste better when the two foods are combined. Wet food has the ability to fulfill the hydration needs. On the other hand, dry food is rich in calories and prevents cats from having dental issues. The equal quantity of both foods makes the best quality content food.

How many Cups of Cat Food are Required?

A table will help you find out how much dry food you should feed a cat.

Cat’s weight	Calories needed per day	Dry food (cups per day)
5lbs	150-180 kcal	1/8 – ¼ cup
8lbs	180-220 kcal	1/4 – 1/3 cup
10lbs	200-250 kcal	1/3-1/2 cup
12lbs	230-270 kcal	½ – 2/3 cup
15lbs	250-300 kcal	2/3 – ¾ cup

How to Measure Cat Food?

• You have to check the label of the cat food you have because different brands have different calorie content per cup.
• You should use a standard measuring cup. Avoid guessing the quantity of food.
• Adjust your portion according to the activity level of your cat.

Signs You are Feeding Your Cat in Wrong Quantity

Giving the wrong amount of food can cause serious issues for the health of your cat. If you are feeding your cat too much or too low, some signs can help you to determine.

Signs of Overfeeding

• Overfeeding can cause an increase in weight.
• Overfeeding could result in less activity.
• If your cat leaves food in the bowl, it might be full with previous food you give them.

Signs of Underfeeding

• If you underfeed your cat, then your cat will stare at its bowl and can use food to fulfill its need.
• Your cat could lose weight if you underfeed them.
• Your cat will feel less active due to energy loss.

Conclusion

The key to making your cat healthy and active is to feed them properly. It could also result in joint pain. Feeding too little to your cat can result in weight loss and inactivity. Keep that in mind that every cat is different. This means that they have different tastes according to their age. You have to feed your cat wet and dry food in an equal number of proteins. This could make your cat healthy and happy.

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