Feeding your cat the right amount of food is essential for their health, energy, and longevity. Many cat parents struggle with overfeeding or underfeeding because they don’t have clear guidance.
A cat feeding chart by weight is a simple, practical way to determine the right portion for your feline friend based on their age, size, and activity level. Unlike generic feeding recommendations, weight-based feeding ensures that your cat maintains a healthy weight, strong muscles, and proper metabolism.
Whether you have a playful kitten, an adult indoor cat, or a senior cat, using a feeding chart can help prevent common issues like obesity, diabetes, and digestive problems.
Cat Feeding Chart by Weight: Quick Reference Table
Here’s a quick reference table for daily feeding amounts based on weight:
| Cat Weight (lbs) | Dry Food (grams/day) | Wet Food (ounces/day) | Raw Food (grams/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 lbs | 30–50 g | 3–5 oz | 70–90 g |
| 6–8 lbs | 50–70 g | 5–7 oz | 90–120 g |
| 9–11 lbs | 70–90 g | 7–9 oz | 120–150 g |
| 12–14 lbs | 90–110 g | 9–11 oz | 150–180 g |
| 15–18 lbs | 110–130 g | 11–13 oz | 180–210 g |
💡 Tip: Always adjust based on activity level, metabolism, and age. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurement.
How to Use a Cat Feeding Chart Correctly
- Weigh Your Cat Regularly – At least once a month to track healthy growth or weight loss.
- Adjust for Activity Level – Indoor cats may need fewer calories than active outdoor cats.
- Split Meals – Feed multiple small meals instead of one large meal to aid digestion.
- Monitor Body Condition – Look for ribs, waistline, and fat deposits as signs of under or overfeeding.
- Gradually Adjust Portions – Sudden changes can upset your cat’s digestive system.
Kitten Feeding Chart by Age and Weight
Kittens grow rapidly, so they need frequent meals and high-calorie food:
| Age | Weight (lbs) | Meals/Day | Portion Size (grams/day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 months | 1–2 lbs | 4–6 | 20–30 g | Milk or formula, gradually introducing solids |
| 2–3 months | 2–4 lbs | 4–5 | 30–50 g | Wet or softened dry food |
| 3–6 months | 4–6 lbs | 3–4 | 50–70 g | High-protein meals for growth |
| 6–12 months | 6–10 lbs | 3 | 70–90 g | Gradually switch to adult food |
Tip: Kittens should always have fresh water available and gradually transition from wet to dry food if desired.
Adult Cat Feeding Chart by Weight
Adult cats need a balanced diet with controlled portions to maintain ideal body condition:
| Cat Weight (lbs) | Dry Food (grams/day) | Wet Food (ounces/day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 lbs | 50–70 g | 5–7 oz | Indoor cats may require less |
| 9–11 lbs | 70–90 g | 7–9 oz | Outdoor cats may need extra calories |
| 12–14 lbs | 90–110 g | 9–11 oz | Monitor activity level |
| 15–18 lbs | 110–130 g | 11–13 oz | Adjust if overweight or underweight |
💡 Pro Tip: Use slow feeders or portioned bowls to prevent overeating.
Senior Cat Feeding Guide
As cats age, their metabolism slows, and they may need easily digestible food with high-quality protein:
| Age | Cat Weight (lbs) | Portion Size | Feeding Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ years | 6–8 lbs | 40–60 g dry or 4–6 oz wet | Senior formulas with joint support |
| 10+ years | 9–12 lbs | 60–85 g dry or 6–9 oz wet | Monitor hydration and weight |
| 10+ years | 13–15 lbs | 85–100 g dry or 9–11 oz wet | Consider fiber for digestion |
Tip: Older cats may benefit from multiple small meals and wet food to prevent dehydration.
Wet vs Dry Food Portions
Wet Food:
- Higher moisture content, helps prevent urinary issues
- Calorie-dense, so portion sizes are smaller
- Excellent for picky eaters
Dry Food:
- Convenient, good for dental health
- Usually calorie-dense; measure carefully
- Can be left out for free-feeding (with caution)
Mixing Wet & Dry: A common approach is 2/3 dry + 1/3 wet based on calories. Always adjust to maintain ideal weight.
Feeding Raw Diets (BARF) by Weight
Raw feeding is becoming popular for cat parents seeking natural diets:
| Cat Weight (lbs) | Raw Food Portion (grams/day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 lbs | 70–90 g | Mix muscle meat, organs, and bones |
| 6–8 lbs | 90–120 g | Include supplements like taurine |
| 9–11 lbs | 120–150 g | Ensure clean, fresh ingredients |
| 12–14 lbs | 150–180 g | Monitor calcium to phosphorus ratio |
| 15–18 lbs | 180–210 g | Use vet-approved BARF recipes |
💡 Tip: Always supervise preparation and consult a vet for raw diets.
Adjusting Portions for Overweight or Underweight Cats
- Overweight cats: Reduce portion size by 10–20%, avoid high-calorie treats, increase playtime.
- Underweight cats: Increase protein-rich portions, use calorie-dense wet food, monitor health closely.
Remember: Never starve or overfeed; weight should change gradually.
Special Considerations
- Pregnant or nursing cats: Increase calories 20–50% depending on litter size
- Highly active cats: Increase calories slightly above chart recommendations
- Indoor cats: May require 10–15% fewer calories than outdoor cats
FAQs on Cat Feeding Charts
Q1. How many times a day should I feed my cat?
- Kittens: 4–6 meals
- Adults: 2 meals
- Seniors: 2–3 smaller meals
Q2. Can I free-feed my cat?
- Only if your cat maintains ideal weight; otherwise, portion-controlled feeding is safer.
Q3. Do different cat breeds require different feeding amounts?
- Yes, larger breeds like Maine Coons require more calories than smaller breeds.
Q4. Should I weigh my cat daily?
- Monthly weigh-ins are sufficient unless managing weight issues.
Q5. How do I transition my cat to a new feeding chart?
- Gradually adjust portions over 5–7 days to avoid digestive upset.
Conclusion
A cat feeding chart by weight is the most reliable way to keep your cat healthy, active, and at an ideal weight. By considering your cat’s age, activity level, and dietary preferences, you can use this chart as a guideline for daily portions.
Remember: each cat is unique, so monitor weight and behavior, and consult your vet for personalized advice. With proper feeding habits, your cat can enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life
Also Read: