Cat Calories per Day Calculator
Wondering how many calories your cat needs each day? Use our Cat Calories per Day Calculator to estimate your cat's daily calorie needs based on weight, age, and activity level. Help your cat stay fit and healthy with the right amount of food.
How Many Calories Does My Cat Need Per Day?
Feeding your cat the right amount of food is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing disease. Cats are prone to obesity, especially indoor cats, and knowing their daily calorie requirements can help you feed them appropriately.
Factors That Affect a Cat’s Calorie Needs
- Weight: Heavier cats require more calories to maintain their body weight.
- Age: Kittens and young cats need more calories; senior cats often require fewer.
- Activity level: Active cats burn more calories and need more food.
- Neutered status: Neutered cats typically require fewer calories.
- Health status: Illness or certain conditions may alter calorie needs.
How to Calculate Daily Calories for Cats
The most common method for estimating a cat's calorie needs is to use the Resting Energy Requirement (RER):
RER = 70 × (Body weight in kg)0.75
The RER is then multiplied by a factor that accounts for activity level, life stage, and neuter status.
Common Multipliers for RER
| Cat Type / Life Stage | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Neutered adult indoor cat | 1.2 - 1.4 × RER |
| Active outdoor cat | 1.4 - 1.6 × RER |
| Kitten (up to 6 months) | 2.5 × RER |
| Kitten (6-12 months) | 2 × RER |
| Pregnant cat | 2 × RER |
| Lactating cat | 2-6 × RER (depends on litter size) |
| Senior cat (less active) | 1.0 - 1.2 × RER |
How to Use This Information
Once you know your cat’s estimated daily calorie needs, you can:
- Feed the correct portion sizes.
- Track your cat’s weight and adjust food intake as needed.
- Prevent obesity or unintended weight loss.
- Discuss results with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding based on the food bag’s chart without adjusting for your cat’s individual needs.
- Free-feeding dry food without monitoring intake.
- Not adjusting calories as cats age or become less active.
- Giving too many treats — they should be <10% of daily calories.
FAQs About Cat Daily Calories
How many calories does the average cat need per day?
The average indoor cat (4-5 kg) typically needs about 180-220 kcal per day. Outdoor and more active cats may require more.
Do kittens need more calories?
Yes, kittens have higher energy needs for growth. They require up to 2.5 times their RER.
Do senior cats need fewer calories?
Usually yes, as activity decreases with age. But it depends on the individual cat — consult your veterinarian.
Should I adjust calories if my cat is overweight?
Yes. Overweight cats should be fed fewer calories to promote safe weight loss. Work with your vet for a proper plan.
Is wet food or dry food better for calorie control?
Both can be used, but wet food generally has fewer calories per gram and helps with portion control and hydration.
Using This Calculator
- Enter your cat’s weight and age.
- Select the appropriate activity level.
- Click "Calculate" to see your cat’s daily calorie needs.
- Use the result to guide feeding and portion sizes.