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Complete Cat Feeding Guide: How Much & How Often Should You Feed Your Cat?
Figuring out how much to feed a cat can feel like guesswork. Every label says something different. Every cat behaves like they’re always hungry. And somehow, you’re meant to make sense of it all.
If you’re wondering what’s right for your cat, you’re not alone. Feeding your cat the right amount, at the right time, can improve energy, prevent obesity, and even support long-term health. But it isn’t just about measuring cups or feeding times. It’s about understanding what works best for your cat’s age, weight, and lifestyle.
In this guide, we break it all down. You’ll get straight answers to common feeding questions, guidance based on expert-backed insights, and a simple framework you can actually stick to. Ready to feed your cat the right way? Let’s get into it.
How much to feed your cat: it’s not one-size-fits-all
You’ve seen the feeding guide on the back of the food bag. But what does it really mean? Every cat is different, and no chart is a perfect fit. Still, knowing how much to feed a cat can give you a helpful starting point.
Here’s what actually affects your cat’s portion size:
- Age: Kittens need more frequent meals with higher calorie content. Adults require balanced maintenance portions. Senior cats might need fewer calories, depending on activity and health.
- Weight and body condition: Is your cat overweight or underweight? Feeding the same amount every day without adjusting can lead to health issues.
- Activity level: Indoor cats usually need fewer calories than outdoor or highly active cats.
- Health conditions: Diabetes, thyroid issues, and kidney disease all affect how much food is appropriate.
Dry and wet food also vary in calorie density. A cup of dry food usually has more calories than a pouch of wet food, even if the portion looks smaller. That’s why it’s worth checking your specific food’s calorie count and adjusting from there.
Some brands offer feeding calculators online. You enter your cat’s weight, age, and lifestyle, and get a tailored daily portion. These can be more accurate than broad charts, but even then, you may need to adjust slightly based on how your cat responds over time.
Sample Feeding Chart (Dry Food Only)
Once you’ve narrowed down your cat’s weight and activity level, it helps to use a how much to feed a cat chart to visualise your cat’s needs.
Here’s a general guide for dry food portions based on common weight ranges:
| Cat’s Weight (kg) | Indoor (Low Activity) (g/day) | Moderate Activity (g/day) | High Activity (g/day) |
| 2 | 30 | 35 | 40 |
| 3 | 40 | 50 | 55 |
| 4 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
| 5 | 60 | 70 | 85 |
| 6 | 70 | 85 | 100 |
Always refer to your specific cat food brand for calorie content and adjust based on your cat’s needs.
This is a starting point. Your food brand may have different calorie content, so check the label or ask a vet for a more personalised recommendation.
Split the daily amount across meals based on your routine. Many cat owners prefer two meals a day, but some cats do better with three smaller meals. The total grams matter more than how you divide it, but regularity is key.
How many times should I feed my cat?
Feeding frequency can be just as important as portion size. Some cats thrive on scheduled meals. Others prefer grazing. But before you follow your cat’s lead, it’s worth understanding what actually works best.
Here’s how to approach it:
- Kittens (up to 6 months): 3–4 meals a day
- Young adults (6 months–1 year): 2–3 meals a day
- Healthy adults (1–7 years): 2 meals a day
- Senior cats (7+ years): 2 smaller, more frequent meals
These are general guidelines. You’ll need to factor in activity, breed, health, and whether you’re feeding dry, wet, or a mix of both.
Some cat parents prefer to free-feed using dry food. While this can work for some cats, it often leads to overeating. Scheduled feeding makes it easier to monitor intake and catch early signs of illness, like appetite loss.
Cats are creatures of habit. Feeding them at the same time each day helps reduce anxiety, especially in multi-cat homes. And if your cat seems obsessed with food outside of mealtimes, you might want to evaluate portion size or switch to a more filling, high-protein formula.
Still wondering how many times should I feed my cat? If your cat’s energy levels seem off or their weight is fluctuating, that’s your cue to adjust and speak with a vet.
Reading your cat’s appetite: signs you’re feeding too much or too little
Cats don’t always communicate clearly, but their habits can tell you when something’s off. Whether you’re following a feeding chart or going by instinct, it helps to know what signs to watch for.
Ask yourself:
- Does your cat finish meals fast and look for more, or do they walk away mid-bite?
- Are they begging at odd times or scratching at the bowl between meals?
- Have you noticed weight gain or changes in their energy levels?
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health complications like diabetes or joint pain. Underfeeding can cause lethargy, nutritional deficiencies, or weight loss. Neither is ideal.
Here’s what to watch for:
- You might be overfeeding if your cat’s waistline disappears, their belly swings when they walk, or they seem constantly sleepy.
- You might be underfeeding if their ribs feel sharp, their coat loses shine, or they act aggressively around food.
Cats are creatures of habit. If you make small changes to how many times to feed a cat per day, do it gradually and monitor their behaviour.
Sometimes, adjusting portion size or switching to food with a different calorie count makes a big difference without changing the routine.
Pay attention. Your cat’s appetite can reveal more than a feeding chart ever could.
Feeding your cat starts with the right info
Feeding your cat doesn’t need to be a guessing game. With the right mix of portion awareness, observation, and routine, you can keep your cat happy and healthy for years to come.
Use the how much to feed a cat chart as a guide. Watch your cat’s appetite, energy, and weight. Make small adjustments when needed. If anything seems off, talk to your vet.
Every cat is different, but you know yours best. Stay consistent, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to tweak things along the way.
Have questions about your cat’s diet? Book a consultation with one of our expert vets today.