"How much should I feed my cat?" Your cat’s weight, age, activity level, and physical condition influence how many calories they should take in from their wet and dry food, as well as from cat treats (because every kitty deserves treats!). Refer to this cat feeding guide and our feeding tips, but as your cat changes, it’s always a good idea to check in with your veterinarian on how to best feed your cat.
Introduction
Canned food is important to a cat’s diet. It provides essential moisture plus tastes and textures that appeal to picky eaters or cats who are aging or whose appetite is “off.” A general guide is to feed your adult cat 7-11 ounces of wet food each day. That’s about 200-300 calories a day.
However, there’s no “one size fits all” standard to feed your cat. Kittens need more food, while sedentary or overweight cats need fewer calories. This is why you and your veterinarian should be on the same page regarding your cat's daily calories and food intake.
Vet-Approved Cat Feeding Guidelines
The average daily calorie need for a fully grown cat is 20-33 calories per pound. Cats who are not as active can do with the lower end of that range from their adult cat food, while more active or outdoor cats can go towards the higher end. This also goes for a female cat who is nursing kittens.
To find the calorie count, look on the label for either “calorie count” or “kcal” numbers. “Kcal” equals the calories in a kilogram of food; “Kcal per familiar unit” is the calories in the canned food.
Suggested daily wet food portions:
- Adult cats: For a cat of ten pounds, 2-4 three-ounce cans or 7-11 ounces.
- Kittens: Because they’re growing so rapidly, young kittens need more calories. Wet food should be broken into smaller meals throughout the day.
-Under 6 months: 1-2 cans daily, broken into 3-4 small meals.
-4-6 months: 2-3 cans daily, served as 2-3 small meals.
-6-12 months: 2-3 cans daily.
- Senior cats: One to two cans per day, depending on weight and activity level.
Wet Food Feeding Chart for Cats
As cat lovers ourselves, Love, Nala knows that you only want to make the best, healthiest life for your pet. That includes an appropriate feeding routine. We’ve created the above chart to help you know how much wet food to feed your cat each day.
Start by finding their weight, then body type/health status (e.g., kitten, nursing cat, etc.). If you still have questions, check with your vet on how much to feed your cat.
Factors That Affect How Much Wet Food a Cat Should Eat
Our cat feeding guide is a helpful reference, but every individual cat is different. Factor in things like the cat's body condition, age, energy level, overall health, and present (or desired) body weight.
If your cat is overweight or has health issues, talk to your veterinarian to create a healthy plan to feed your cat.
Age
A growing kitten has higher calorie needs than an older cat. They need smaller meals served anywhere between two and four times a day, depending on the development stage.
Weight
The average healthy cat weighs between 8 and 12 pounds. Obesity is defined as 20% over the ideal weight. Ensuring the right amount of food/calories each day will maintain a healthy weight, or help them get to a better one.
Energy Level
Just like their humans, some cats may be more active than others. Indoor cats tend to expend less energy than more active cats who head outdoors or are more naturally playful.
Overall Health
Cats with health conditions (diabetes, kidney problems) or that are obese have different caloric needs to stay healthy. Discuss with your veterinarian to come up with a feeding plan.
Type of Diet
Many cat parents feed their pet a mixed diet, meaning wet food and dry kibble. This gives Kitty different tastes and textures to keep them satisfied. If you’re including dry food in their diet, be aware of those calories, too. Don’t forget the calories in cat treats!
How Often to Feed Cats Wet Food
Cats have evolved to eat small meals throughout the day. Feeding your adult cat at least two meals a day (no more than 12 hours apart) will keep their stomach happy by preventing an acid buildup.
Ideally, three to four meals mimic their natural pattern.
- Because of their energy and nutritional needs, kittens need frequent meals throughout the day (about 3-4).
- Cats between one and seven years old can do with 2 meals a day, spaced 12 hours apart. If you can split that into 3 or 4, that’s ideal.
- Senior cats need a gentler routine. Two to three small meals are easier on their digestion.
According to Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, practicing portion control is preferred. “Free feeding” leads to weight gain.
Why Cats Need Wet Food
Cats need moisture, especially as they can be susceptible to kidney disease as they age. However, they have a low thirst drive, so it’s important to work water into their day.
Feeding wet food helps them feel full with fewer calories. This is important for maintaining a healthy weight.
The stronger taste and aroma of wet cat food appeal to finicky eaters or cats whose appetite is “off” due to an illness or medical condition. And the soft texture is easier on a cat's mouth if they have sensitive gums or teeth.
With its meaty textures, wet food also mimics the prey they’d eat in the wild.
Provides Hydration
With a 70-80% water content, wet cat food helps dilute urine, preventing the buildup of crystals in the urinary tract. This is essential for healthy kidneys.
Stimulates Appetite
Wet food has stronger tastes and aromas than dry food to stimulate a cat's appetite/ For cats who are picky eaters, it can tempt them into chowing down.
Aids in Weight Management
With a high water content, wet food helps your cat feel fuller with less calories. This is excellent for managing a cat's weight.
Offers Enrichment
The texture and aroma of wet food mimics what they’d eat in the wild. That keeps them interested at mealtime.
Easier to Chew
For cats with sensitive gums or teeth, the smooth texture of wet food is easier to chew than dry food. It’s also easier on the digestive system for cats with dodgy tummies.
Lower in Carbs
As carnivores, wet cat food is closer to natural prey. With more animal protein and fewer carbohydrates, it’s a healthy addition to their diet.
What to Consider When Choosing Wet Cat Food
Of course, you want food that your kitty will enjoy. But there are things that need to be factored into your choice to keep them at their healthiest. Take into account age and overall health. Make quality ingredients a priority, as well as the texture; some cats have definite preferences.
Life Stage
The right wet food should reflect your cat’s age. A growing kitten needs more calories than a slower-moving senior cat.
Ingredients
Many commercial cat foods include fillers, additives, and preservatives. The closer you can get to the protein that cats naturally crave, the better. Love, Nala’s wet food is meat-first and grain-free for food that’s close to what they’d eat in the wild – but with all the nutrients they need!
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, such as urinary or kidney issues, or a sensitive stomach, require a diet that supports their nutritional needs. There are prescription foods designed to better address these; talk to your vet if a prescription diet is better than a commercial one.
Texture
Cats definitely have preferences for textures. Some like a smooth, rich patê. Others prefer shreds or gravy.
How to Mix Wet and Dry Cat Food
Combining wet and dry food provides cats with the texture and taste mash-up that keeps them happy and satisfied at mealtime. The wet food has moisture and the natural textures they crave. Dry food helps clean teeth and offers variety with its crunchy texture.
An ideal feeding schedule is built around four small meals throughout the day. Alternate wet food for one meal with more calorie-dense dry at the next.
Remember to factor in the calories in both types of food to ensure that you’re not overfeeding your cat. Check the calorie listing on the labels of both the wet and dry food, and combine appropriately to stay within the guidelines established by you and your veterinarian.
How to Serve Wet Cat Food
Cold food isn’t very appetizing. A cat prefers a slightly warm temperature (98-100 degrees F) to mimic prey. You can do this by setting the sealed can in a warm water bath for a few minutes. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat it. Next best is room temperature.
Use a measuring cup (or spoons) to measure the food out accurately; don’t eyeball it
Some kitties need a little “nudge” to eat. This is where a sprinkle of a tasty flavor enhancer or a food topper can get them to dig in.
How to Store Wet Cat Food
Unopened cans should be stored in a cool, dry place. Once it’s opened, cover the unused portion with an airtight lid and pop it in the fridge (remember to warm it a little before serving). Use leftovers within 2-3 days.
If any opened food has been sitting at room temperature for more than an hour, toss it to avoid any potential issues arising from bacterial growth.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Pet parents may be busy or just think they’re “spoiling” their furry friend, but these are common feeding mistakes to avoid.
- Overfeeding based on the size of the food can. You don’t HAVE to give them an entire can in one go; check the calories. Scoop out just what you need for one meal and place an airtight lid on leftovers. Store in the fridge until their next meal.
- To free-feed dry food (meaning, leaving it out at all times) is the fastest way to obesity in a cat. That can trigger health issues like diabetes. Measure out their food.
- Feeding them only treats or toppers; those won't fill a cat's nutritional needs. There are enough yummy options out there to give them balanced nutrition in a form they’ll enjoy.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Wet Food Balance for Your Cat
Wet cat food is an important part of their diet. It provides essential moisture, which cats need because they have a low thirst response. The texture and aroma are close to what they would eat in the wild and balances well with dry kibble.
As with any food, portion control is important. Many health problems in cats stem from obesity. Keeping an eye on the calories they take in each day to help stave off diabetes and more.
Every kitty is different, and their daily calorie needs will vary depending on age, activity level, and life stage. Use our handy chart (see above) for feeding guidelines on how much food to feed your cat. It’s also good to talk to your vet to create a balance of dry and wet food that works for your cat's age, health, and body weight.
When it comes to what to feed your cat, Love, Nala is the online cat food store dedicated to meat-first, grain-free, healthy food for your feline friend. Shop our tasty selections now!
