Average Calorie Needs for Cats
The average calorie needs for cats depends on several factors including their weight, age, and activity level. According to the Animal Medical Center of Chicago, the average daily calorie requirements for cats are:
- 12 lbs – 300-350 calories
- 13 lbs – 318-371 calories
- 14 lbs – 335-392 calories
- 15 lbs – 352-413 calories
- 16 lbs – 370-434 calories
In general, most adult cats need about 25-35 calories per pound per day. Kittens and growing cats need more, around 30-40 calories per pound. Senior and less active cats require 20-25 calories per pound.
It’s important to feed your cat the appropriate amount based on their unique circumstances to maintain a healthy weight and meet their energy needs.
Guidelines Based on Cat’s Weight
The number of calories a cat needs per day depends largely on their weight. Lighter cats generally need fewer calories, while heavier cats need more. Here are some general guidelines for daily calorie needs based on a cat’s weight:
For a cat weighing between 2-4 lbs: 100-130 calories/day
For a cat weighing between 5-7 lbs: 130-150 calories/day (WSAVA)
For a cat weighing between 8-10 lbs: 150-180 calories/day
For a cat weighing between 11-14 lbs: 180-220 calories/day
For a cat weighing 15 lbs or more: 220-250 calories/day
These are general estimates and can vary based on your individual cat’s energy level, age, and health status. It’s best to start with these guidelines and then adjust up or down based on your cat’s body condition and if they are losing or gaining weight.
Kitten Food Needs
https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-kitten-foods-7629416
Kittens have very different nutritional needs compared to adult cats. They require a calorie-dense diet to support their rapid growth and development in the first year of life. Kittens generally need almost double the calories per pound of body weight than adult cats.
Look for kitten food that is specifically formulated for kittens, as it will have higher fat and protein levels to fuel growth and play. The ingredients should include high-quality animal proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon, or duck as the first ingredient. Many kitten foods also contain extra calories from nutrient-rich fats and oils.
At around 12 months of age, kittens can gradually transition to adult cat food. But the amount of food offered should be adjusted based on the cat’s individual energy needs and to maintain an ideal body weight.
Senior Cat Food Needs
As cats age, their metabolism slows down and their calorie needs decrease. Most experts recommend feeding senior cats a food that is lower in calories and higher in protein compared to adult cat food. This helps prevent obesity while maintaining lean muscle mass.
According to the ACVIM, senior cats generally require 25-30 calories per pound per day. This is around 20% lower than the calorie needs for an adult cat in ideal body condition.
Look for a food formulated especially for senior cats, which will have appropriate calorie, protein and fat levels. Feed your senior cat based on the calorie recommendation on the food packaging or from your veterinarian. It’s important not to drastically cut back calories if your senior cat is a healthy weight already.
Some sources recommend feeding a senior cat multiple small meals throughout the day to aid digestion and nutrient absorption. However, free-choice feeding works well for many senior cats too. Monitor your cat’s body condition and adjust amounts if needed.
Make any diet transitions for senior cats gradually over the course of a week or more. This will help avoid digestive upset.
Sources:
https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/life-stage-feline-2021/nutrition-and-weight-management/mature-adult-and-senior-cats/
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-mature-senior-and-geriatric-cats
Food for Active/Working Cats
Cats with active lifestyles or cats that work, like barn cats, need more calories in their diet to account for their increased activity and energy expenditure. Most experts recommend feeding active or working cats about 20-30% more food than typical housecats require.
Look for cat foods designed for athletic cats or kittens, which tend to be higher in protein, fat, and calories. Foods labeled as “all life stages” may also be a good option. For dry food, look for around 400-500 calories per cup. For wet food, around 650-800 calories per can is ideal.
Make sure the food is still nutritionally balanced and complete. Avoid inexpensive foods that increase calories with low-quality filler ingredients. High protein ingredients like meat, fish, and eggs should feature prominently.
Also provide frequent access to fresh, clean water. Active cats need to stay well hydrated. You may need to experiment to find the right amount of food to maintain an ideal weight and body condition.
Monitoring body weight is important, as some active cats have trouble staying slim. Adjust amounts as needed, and consult your vet if your cat seems under or overweight.
Sources:
https://www.thesprucepets.com/feeding-outdoor-working-cats-5551528
https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-food-calorie-requirements-555068
Tips for Feeding
Feeding cats on a consistent schedule is generally recommended. Most experts suggest feeding adult cats two or three times per day. Kittens and cats who are more active may need to be fed more frequently. Feed at the same times each day and avoid leaving food out all day for cats to graze on.
Set up the cat’s feeding station in a quiet, low-traffic area of the home. Cats prefer to eat undisturbed and may become stressed if their feeding area is too noisy or busy. Provide fresh, clean water at all times in a separate bowl near the food bowls.
Both wet and dry food can be fed. Dry food is more affordable and convenient, but wet food has a high moisture content that can benefit cats. A combination may be ideal. When feeding only dry food, be sure your cat is drinking adequate water.
Pay attention to your cat’s preferences, activity level, and health conditions. An ideal diet depends on the individual cat. Follow label feeding guidelines as a starting point and adjust as needed.
Reading the Food Label
It’s important to read the food label closely to understand the nutrient breakdown of cat food. Here are some key things to look for:
Serving Size – This indicates the recommended amount to feed your cat based on their weight. For example, a 5 lb cat may need 1/4 cup per serving.
Calorie Content – The calorie content reflects the calories per serving or per gram or ounce. Typically, adult cats need 25-35 calories per pound per day. So a 10 lb cat would need 250-350 calories daily. The calorie content helps determine how much to feed.
Guaranteed Analysis – This breaks down the minimum percentages of crude protein, fat, fiber and moisture. Look for at least 30% protein and 15% fat for adult cats. Higher protein is better.
Ingredients – Meat should be the first ingredient. Avoid by-products, artificial flavors and colors. Cats are obligate carnivores so they require a high amount of quality animal-based protein.
Nutritional Adequacy Statement – This confirms the food meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition for the specific life stage.
Expiration Date – Dry food lasts 6-12 months unopened. Don’t purchase food that’s close to expiring.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/deciphering-cat-food-labels
https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-to-read-cat-food-labels
Ideal Weight Range
The ideal weight range for most adult cats is between 8 to 12 pounds, according to PetMD. However, there are many factors that go into determining a healthy weight for your specific cat including breed, bone structure, and frame size. For example, smaller cat breeds like Siamese may have an ideal weight closer to 5 pounds while larger breeds like Maine Coons may be healthy at weights up to 25 pounds.
It’s important to keep your cat at a healthy weight range and avoid obesity, as extra weight can lead to many health issues. Common problems caused by obesity in cats include arthritis, diabetes, heart and respiratory disease, kidney disease, cancer, and a decreased life expectancy. Checking your cat’s body condition score routinely will help assess if your cat is overweight or underweight.
Some signs your cat may be overweight include if you can’t easily feel their ribs when petting them, they have no waist when viewed from above, they have thick tail base, and they have fat deposits on their back and upper legs. Consulting with your veterinarian is the best way to determine your cat’s optimal weight range and address any weight issues.
Adjusting Amounts
The amount of food a cat needs can fluctuate over time as their appetite and activity levels change. It’s important to monitor your cat’s weight and appetite to determine if you need to adjust their food portions. An ideal weight cat should have a visible waistline and abdominal tuck. You should be able to easily feel but not see their ribs.
If your cat is gaining or losing weight, you may need to adjust their calorie intake up or down. Generally, reducing food by 10% is a good starting point if your cat is overweight. For underweight cats, increasing food by 10% can help them gain a healthy amount of weight. Make adjustments gradually over several days or weeks, monitoring changes in your cat’s body condition.
Appetite can also change with age, health issues, or medication. Pay attention to any decreased interest in food or unfinished meals, as your cat may need a different food type or texture. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about managing your cat’s weight or nutrition. With patience and monitoring, you can fine-tune your cat’s diet to match their needs as they change.
When to Consult a Vet
If you have any concerns about your cat’s weight, diet or overall health, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. Some signs that it may be time for a vet visit include:
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Refusing to eat or loss of appetite
- Excessive drinking or urination
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Change in activity level
A vet can help determine if your cat’s issues are related to their diet and can provide tailored recommendations on the amount and type of food that is best. They can also check for any underlying medical conditions that may be causing changes in eating habits or weight. Getting an expert opinion can help ensure your cat remains at a healthy weight and is getting all the nutrients they need.
Some key questions to ask your vet include:
- Is my cat at an optimal weight?
- How many calories per day should my cat be eating?
- What feeding schedule do you recommend?
- Should I switch my cat’s diet or food brand?
- Could there be a medical issue causing the changes?
By partnering with your vet, you can determine if adjustments need to be made and find the best diet and feeding plan for your cat’s needs.
