How Much Food Should I Feed My Cat?

Key takeaways:

• Feeding your cat the right amount based on their age, weight, and lifestyle is key to keeping them healthy and thriving long-term.
• Whether you go with dry, wet, or raw food depends on your cat’s nutritional needs and daily routine.
• Sticking to a consistent feeding schedule helps with digestion, weight management, and overall well-being while also aligning with their natural eating instincts.

Finding the right balance between keeping your cat satisfied and avoiding overfeeding can be a challenge. In fact, research shows that more than 50% of indoor cats struggle with weight issues due to improper feeding habits. So, when it comes to the question, “How much should I feed my cat?” the answer isn’t as simple as just refilling their bowl whenever they meow for more.

Feeding your cat the right amount isn’t just about portion control—it’s about supporting their overall health. A well-structured feeding routine can help regulate their energy levels, improve digestion, and reduce the risk of common issues like obesity and diabetes. Since a cat’s eating habits can change with the seasons or their activity levels, the best way to ensure they’re getting the right nutrition without unnecessary weight gain is by working with a veterinarian to create a feeding plan tailored to their needs.

If you’re looking for reliable information on cat nutrition, PetHealthMD offers a range of articles covering portion control, feeding schedules, and overall feline health.

Now, let’s break down the best feeding schedules for kittens, adult cats, and senior felines—so you can keep your furry friend happy and healthy at every stage of life.

Understanding your cat’s dietary requirements

Making sure your cat gets the right amount of food at every stage of life is key to keeping them healthy, active, and at a good weight. Kittens, adult cats, and seniors all have different nutritional needs, so adjusting their portions as they grow helps support their overall well-being and ensures they’re getting the right balance of nutrients.

Cat feeding guidelines by age

• Kittens (0-6 months)
  • Need 4-6 small meals a day to support rapid growth and high energy levels.
  • Require twice the calories of an adult cat to fuel their development.
  • By six months old, their metabolism slows, so transitioning to 2-3 meals per day is ideal.
• Adult cats (1-7 years)
  • Typically do best with 2-3 meals per day to maintain steady energy levels.
  • Portion sizes should be adjusted based on activity level and weight management goals.
  • Larger breeds, like Maine Coons, may need kitten food until 18-24 months to support their extended growth.
• Senior cats (7+ years)
  • Often require fewer calories as they become less active.
  • May need special diets for joint health, digestion, or chronic conditions.
  • Regular vet check-ups help fine-tune their portions and ensure they’re getting the right nutrition as they age.

Work with your vet for the best plan

Regular vet check-ups are key to fine-tuning your cat’s feeding plan. A veterinarian can assess your cat’s age, activity level, and health status to recommend the best portion sizes and diet adjustments. Keeping up with these small changes ensures your cat stays happy, healthy, and well-nourished at every stage of life.

Types of cat food and their nutritional benefits

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a protein-rich, meat-based diet to stay healthy. Ideally, their food should contain 26-30% protein, along with essential fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of cat food and their benefits.

Dry food (kibble)

Dry food is a convenient and budget-friendly option with a long shelf life. It also helps reduce plaque buildup, which can benefit your cat’s dental health. High-quality kibble usually contains 30-40% protein and 15-20% healthy fats, but be sure to choose a brand that lists real meat as the first ingredient and avoids fillers like corn and artificial additives.

Feeding tip: Most adult cats need about ¼ to ½ cups of dry food per meal, but portion sizes should be adjusted based on their weight and activity level.

Wet food (canned food)

With a moisture content of 70-80%, wet food helps keep your cat hydrated and supports kidney health—especially useful for cats that don’t drink enough water. Its soft texture and strong aroma make it an excellent choice for picky eaters or senior cats.

Feeding tip: On average, adult cats need 3-4 ounces of wet food per meal, but portions should be adjusted based on weight and energy levels. Wet food is also a great choice for kittens, as it provides the extra protein and calories they need for growth.

Raw diets

A raw diet is meant to mimic a cat’s natural diet, offering 75% moisture and up to 50% protein. While it’s a nutrient-dense option, it requires careful handling to prevent bacterial contamination. If you choose a raw diet, make sure to thaw frozen food in the refrigerator and discard any uneaten portions after 30 minutes to keep your cat safe.

Feeding tip: Cats on a raw diet typically need 2-3% of their body weight in food per day, divided into two meals.

How to create the best feeding schedule for your cat

Finding the right feeding schedule for your cat takes a bit of trial and error, but once you establish a routine, the benefits are worth it. A consistent mealtime schedule aids digestion, keeps their energy levels steady, and helps curb unwanted behaviors like excessive begging or food aggression.

Here are some easy tips to help you create a feeding routine that works for your cat:

• Stick to set mealtimes – Instead of free-feeding, try to feed your cat at the same times every day. Cats thrive on routine, and regular mealtimes help regulate their natural rhythms while preventing stomach discomfort.
• Serve 2-3 smaller meals – Cats are natural grazers and prefer to eat smaller portions throughout the day. Dividing their daily food into two to three meals, spaced 8-12 hours apart, mimics their instinctual hunting and eating patterns.
• Prioritize wet food over dry food – You may want to switch from dry food to canned food since it’s higher in protein and moisture, which supports hydration and makes portion control easier. If your cat is used to free-feeding on kibble, transitioning to scheduled meals with wet food can help prevent overeating and weight gain.
• Adjust portions based on activity level – Not all cats burn the same amount of energy. Indoor cats usually need fewer calories than outdoor or highly active cats, but regardless of lifestyle, sticking to consistent meal times helps keep their metabolism steady.
• Pay attention to your cat’s response – A structured feeding routine makes it easier to notice changes in appetite or eating habits. If your cat suddenly starts eating more or less than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue—so a vet visit might be in order.

Common feeding questions answered

As a cat owner, you want to make sure your pet’s diet is on point—but with so much information out there, it’s easy to have questions. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns about feeding your cat.

Can cats safely eat dog food?

If your cat sneaks a bite of dog food, don’t panic—it won’t harm them in small amounts. But it’s definitely not something you should encourage. Cats have unique dietary needs that dog food just doesn’t meet. They require essential nutrients like taurine, vitamin A, and higher protein levels, all of which are lacking in dog food. Feeding it regularly—even as an occasional substitute—can lead to nutritional deficiencies and serious health problems over time.

What’s the right balance of wet and dry food?

The ideal mix of wet and dry food depends on your cat’s age, weight, and activity level, but a good starting point for an average 8-10 pound adult cat is:

• ⅓ cup of dry food OR 3 ounces of wet food per meal
• Served twice daily

How can I tell if my cat’s weight is healthy?

An easy way to check is by gently running your hands along your cat’s sides—you should be able to feel their ribs without pressing too hard, but they shouldn’t be sticking out. When viewed from above, your cat should have a visible waist, and from the side, their belly shouldn’t sag excessively.

When should I talk to my vet about my cat’s diet?

It’s always a good idea to check in with your vet if you notice:

• Changes in eating habits (eating too much or too little)
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea

Regular wellness check-ups are the perfect time to discuss your cat’s nutritional needs and make adjustments as they age or if any health concerns arise.

Taking steps toward a healthier diet for your cat

Figuring out how much to feed your cat is all about understanding their body condition and unique nutritional needs. On average, adult cats need about 300g of wet food per day, but this can vary depending on their size, age, and activity level.

Keeping an eye on your cat’s body condition, energy levels, and eating habits will help you fine-tune their diet to meet their needs. Even small changes—like adjusting portion sizes or shifting meal times—can have a big impact on their overall well-being.

For high-quality cat food that meets your pet’s nutritional needs at every life stage, PetMeds offers a wide selection of premium wet and dry food options. Shop online for trusted brands, convenient delivery, and expert-approved nutrition to help your cat thrive every day.