How Much Should You Feed Your Cat?
Calculate daily cat food portions by weight, age, and activity. Wet food, dry food, and mixed feeding schedules.
How Much to Feed a Cat
An average 10-lb indoor adult cat needs approximately 200-250 calories per day. This translates to roughly 1/3-1/2 cup of dry kibble or 1.5-2 cans (5.5 oz) of wet food. The exact amount depends on activity level, age, and whether the cat needs to lose or gain weight.
Wet vs Dry Food
Wet food advantages: Higher moisture content (cats are chronically dehydrated), lower carbohydrates, cats generally prefer it, better for urinary health. Dry food advantages: Convenience, longer shelf life, dental benefits (slight), lower cost. The ideal diet for most cats is a mix — wet food for hydration and protein, dry food for convenience and dental health.
Cats are obligate carnivores — they require animal protein and cannot thrive on plant-based diets. Look for foods where the first 2-3 ingredients are named animal proteins (chicken, turkey, salmon), not grains or by-products. Protein should be 30%+ of the food by weight.
