Welcome, pet lovers! I’m Jordan Lee, a certified groomer with five years of experience, and I’m thrilled to share some wisdom on a topic that’s super important for every cat owner: how much should I feed my cat? With my British short-hair and Persian cat ruling the roost at home, I’ve had plenty of practice figuring out the right feeding amounts for my furry crew.
Cats, especially, can be tricky. Feed them too much, and they might turn into little fluff balls (my Persian has been there!); feed them too little, and they’ll let you know with those dramatic meows. Getting it right keeps them healthy, happy, and at a good weight.
In my grooming salon, I’ve seen how proper nutrition reflects in a cat’s shiny coat and bright eyes, and I’ve learned from my cats that every feline is unique regarding food needs. In this article, I’ll break down how to determine the right amount to feed your cat based on their age, weight, and lifestyle, plus share some tips from my years of pet care experience. Whether you’re feeding a sassy senior like my Persian or a playful kitten, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
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Why feeding the right amount matters
Feeding your cat the correct portion isn’t just about keeping them full—it’s about their overall health. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Maintains healthy weight: obesity is a common issue in cats and can lead to diabetes, joint problems, and a shorter lifespan. My Persian put on a few extra pounds a while back, and adjusting her portions made a huge difference in her energy levels.
- Supports energy needs: kittens, adults, and seniors have different calorie requirements. A growing kitten needs more fuel than my British short-hair, who loves lounging all day.
- Prevents health issues: overfeeding can cause digestive problems, while underfeeding might lead to nutrient deficiencies. Proper portions keep your cat’s system running smoothly.
- Improves coat and skin health: as a groomer, I can always tell when a cat’s diet is balanced—their coat shines like my Persian’s after I got her feeding routine dialed in.
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Factors that affect how much to feed
Every cat is different, and several factors determine how much food they need. Here’s what to consider:
- Age:
- Kittens (up to 1 year) require more calories for growth—about 2–3 times what an adult cat eats.
- Adult cats (1–7 years) require maintenance calories based on their weight and activity level.
- Senior cats (7+ years) often require fewer calories due to lower activity, but some may need more if they have health issues. My Persian eats slightly less now that she’s a senior.
- Weight: a 10-pound cat needs different portions than a 15-pound cat. Check your cat’s body condition score (more on that below) to ensure they’re at a healthy weight.
- Activity level: indoor cats like my British short-hair burn fewer calories than outdoor or highly active cats. If your cat’s a couch potato, they’ll need less food.
- Health conditions: cats with diabetes, thyroid issues, or other conditions may need special diets. Always consult your vet for medical needs.
- Type of food: wet food has more water and fewer calories per ounce than dry kibble, so portions vary. I feed my cats a mix of both for variety and hydration.
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How much should you feed?
As a general rule, most adult cats require about 20–30 calories per pound of body weight per day, but this varies based on the factors above. Here’s a breakdown to get you started:
Kittens
- Feed 3–4 small meals daily, following the guidelines on the food package for their age and weight.
- Example: A 5-pound kitten might need 150–200 calories/day, split into multiple meals.
Adult cats
- A typical 8–10-pound adult cat needs 160–300 calories/day, depending on activity level.
- Example: My British short-hair, who’s about 9 pounds and fairly lazy, gets around 180–200 calories/day, split into two meals.
3. Senior cats
- Senior cats often need 15–25 calories per pound, adjusted for health and activity.
- Example: My 11-pound Persian, who’s less active now, gets about 200–220 calories/day, with a mix of wet and dry food.
Wet vs. dry food:
- Dry food: check the package for calorie content (usually listed per cup). A 10-pound cat might need ½–¾ cup of kibble daily, split into two meals.
- Wet food: cans list calories per ounce or can. A 10-pound cat might need 1–1.5 small cans (3–5.5 oz) daily, split into two meals.
- I give my cats a combo: wet food in the morning for hydration and dry food at night for dental health.
Pro tip: Always check the feeding guidelines on your cat’s food package, but don’t blindly follow them—adjust based on your cat’s needs and consult your vet if unsure.
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How to tell if you are feeding the right amount
To know if you’re hitting the mark, check your cat’s body condition score (BCS). This is something I do regularly with my cats to make sure they’re at a healthy weight:
- Feel the ribs: you should feel them with slight pressure, like the back of your hand. If you can’t feel them, your cat might be overweight; if they’re too prominent, they might be underweight.
- Look at the waist: from above, your cat should have a slight hourglass shape. From the side, their tummy should tuck up slightly.
- Monitor weight: weigh your cat monthly using a pet or baby scale. My Persian’s weight crept up last year, so I cut back her portions slightly and added more playtime.
If your cat is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, adjust portions gradually (by 10–15% at a time) and check with your vet.
Tips for feeding your cat
Here are some tricks I’ve picked up from my years as a groomer and pet parent:
- Feed multiple small meals: cats prefer small, frequent meals (2–3 times daily) to mimic their natural hunting behavior. My cats get breakfast and dinner, with a tiny midday snack if they’re extra vocal.
- Use a measuring cup: eyeballing portions can lead to overfeeding. I use a precise measuring cup for my cats’ kibble to keep things consistent.
- Keep water fresh: cats on dry food need plenty of water to stay hydrated. I place multiple water bowls around the house and refresh them daily—my Persian drinks more this way.
- Avoid free-feeding: Leaving food out all day can lead to overeating. My British short-hair would graze endlessly if I let her, so I stick to scheduled meals.
- Introduce new foods gradually: wwitching foods too fast can upset their stomach. When I changed my Persian’s diet, I mixed the new food with the old over a week.
- Add playtime: exercise helps maintain a healthy weight. I use a laser pointer to get my British short-hair moving—she’s a pro at chasing it!
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Special considerations
- Health issues: if your cat has conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, they may need a prescription diet. My friend’s cat needed a low-protein diet for kidney issues, and her vet provided exact feeding guidelines.
- Spayed/neutered cats: these cats often need fewer calories (about 25% less) because their metabolism slows. My Persian was spayed young, so I’ve always kept her portions on the lower side.
- Multi-cat households: cats may steal each other’s food (my cats are guilty of this!). Feed them in separate areas or use microchip feeders to ensure everyone gets the right amount.
Always consult your vet for personalized advice, especially if your cat has specific needs.
Wrapping it up
Feeding your cat the right amount is one of the best ways to keep them healthy, active, and purring happily for years to come. With five years of grooming experience and a house full of pets, I’ve seen how proper nutrition transforms a cat’s coat, energy, and overall well-being. Whether you’re portioning out kibble for a kitten or adjusting meals for a senior like my Persian, it’s all about balance, observation, and a little trial and error.
Start by checking your cat’s weight and body condition, follow the feeding guidelines on their food, and tweak as needed. And don’t forget to make mealtime fun—my British short-hair loves when I hide a few kibbles for her to “hunt”! If you’re ever unsure, contact us for a consultation to see the nearest vet.
I’m a certified pet groomer with five years of experience, passionate about helping pet owners keep their furry friends happy and healthy. I run a bustling grooming salon where I work with dogs, cats, and even the occasional small pet, offering practical advice based on hands-on expertise. My home is a lively pet haven, shared with a golden retriever, a spaniel, a British short-hair, a Persian cat, a hamster, and an African Grey parrot—each teaching me something new about pet care daily.