Tools · Feeding calculator
How much should you feed your cat?
Enter a weight and life stage for an estimate of daily calories, then convert to cups using any food’s calorie density. We show the formula, because a number with no math behind it is just a guess with confidence.
Estimate, not prescription
How many calories does your cat need per day?
Enter a weight to see an estimate.
These numbers use the standard Resting/Maintenance Energy Requirement formula (RER = 70 × kg0.75, then a life-stage multiplier). Real needs vary with metabolism, body condition, climate, health conditions, and the cat in front of you. Body-condition score beats any formula: you should be able to feel ribs without pressing and see a waist from above. PetScored does not give medical advice - if your cat is over- or underweight, has a health condition, or is a growing kitten, work with your veterinarian on the target.
Common questions.
FAQ
Frequently asked
How is the daily calorie number calculated?
We use the standard veterinary formula. First the Resting Energy Requirement (RER), the calories a cat burns at rest: 70 × (body weight in kilograms) raised to the 0.75 power. Then we multiply by a maintenance factor for life stage and activity to get the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER). Both numbers and the multiplier are shown under “Show the math.” Note the feline multipliers run well below the canine ones - a neutered indoor cat is around 1.2× RER.
Why does the result feel low?
Cats are small and many are sedentary indoor neutered adults, so their daily calorie target is genuinely modest - often 180-280 kcal for a typical 8-12 lb cat. The formula is a starting point, not a target. Adjust based on body-condition score over a few weeks: if your cat is gaining unwanted weight, feed less; if losing, feed more.
How do I find my food's calorie density?
Look for the “calorie content” statement on the bag or can, usually near the guaranteed analysis. Dry food is typically given as kcal/cup; canned food as kcal/can. Enter the kcal/cup figure for dry food, or pick one of the dry foods we've scored to pre-fill it. For wet food, divide the kcal/can by how many cans you feed per day instead.
Should I worry about feeding a kitten differently?
Yes. The kitten options apply the higher growth multipliers (2.0-2.5× RER), and growing kittens should be fed a food whose AAFCO statement covers growth or all life stages. Use the estimate as a sanity check and feed for the kitten's current weight, re-checking often as they grow.
Does the food's PetScored rating change how much to feed?
No. The rating measures the quality and transparency of the food; the calculator measures your cat's energy needs. They're independent. Feed to the calorie target regardless of score.
Once you know the calories, the next question is the food.
The calculator tells you how much. PetScored tells you what’s in the bowl. Browse every cat food we’ve scored at /cat-food/browse, or narrow by need at /cat-best-for.