Cat Nutrition tools: what they help with
These calculators work out what and how much to feed a cat: daily calories, portion sizes, feeding schedules, water needs and which foods to keep away from it. Diet is the single biggest thing most owners control. Getting portions right prevents obesity and the many problems that come with it in a cat.
What to know about nutrition and feeding for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, which shapes what you feed and how much.
How much to feed a cat: calories and cups by weight
| Cat weight | Less active | Moderate | Very active | Cups a day (moderate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 180 kcal | 220 kcal | 270 kcal | 0.6 |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 220 kcal | 280 kcal | 330 kcal | 0.7 |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 260 kcal | 330 kcal | 390 kcal | 0.8 |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 300 kcal | 370 kcal | 450 kcal | 0.9 |
| 15 lb (6.8 kg) | 350 kcal | 440 kcal | 530 kcal | 1.1 |
A practical tip
Weigh food rather than using a cup or scoop. Measuring by volume is one of the most common reasons pets are overfed.
Other cat topics
Cat care rarely sits in one box. You may also find these useful: cat age tools, cat behavior tools, cat breeding tools and cat cost tools. Or see every cat tool in one place.
Nutrition tools for other pets
The same kind of tool exists for other species, each using that animal's own reference data: dog nutrition, rabbit nutrition, hamster nutrition and guinea pig nutrition.