How Many Calories Does My Cat Need?
Calculate daily calorie needs for your cat based on weight, age, activity level, and body condition.
Cat Calorie Requirements
Cat calorie needs are based on Resting Energy Requirement (RER) = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75, multiplied by an activity factor. A typical 10-lb indoor adult cat needs approximately 200-250 calories per day. Kittens need more (growth), seniors need less (slower metabolism). Overweight cats should reduce intake by 20% — but never fast a cat, as rapid weight loss causes potentially fatal hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).
The Obesity Problem in Cats
Over 60% of US cats are overweight or obese. Indoor cats are especially prone because they eat out of boredom and lack hunting exercise. Signs of overweight: cannot feel ribs through fat cover, no visible waist when viewed from above, belly sag. Healthy weight loss for cats: 1-2% of body weight per week (a 12-lb cat should lose about 2 oz/week). Use measured portions — free-feeding is the #1 cause of feline obesity.
Cat calorie calculator gets 20K monthly searches from concerned cat owners. The pet nutrition audience is highly engaged — average 3+ minutes on page. Pet food brands (Purina, Royal Canin, Blue Buffalo) pay $3-8 CPC for this audience.
