How much to feed your cat each day depends on several factors, including their age, breed, and activity level.

You may think it’s fine to to just pour out some kibble from the bag each morning and call it good for the day, but there are benefits to precisely measuring your cat’s food and, in some cases, to feeding multiple times per day in smaller portions.

It’s best for your cat if their diet is carefully tailored to their age, spay/neuter status, nutritional needs, and activity levels. If your cat has any medical conditions, those will also need to be taken into consideration.

Your vet can help you determine the correct amount of food to feed, but learning the basics below is a good place to start.

Despite the many brands and types of cat food on the market, and all the claims that they’re the best, there is no best diet. Each cat is unique. But it is very important to ensure that the food you choose has the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional adequacy statement.

Your vet can help you determine which cat food brands are best and how much to feed to your cat (the instructions on the bag are only general recommendations and might not be best to follow long-term).

You may also want to consider how you feed your cat. Indoor cats still have predatory instincts. Using foraging toys or food puzzles to “work for their food” is a great way to enrich their environment, slow down their eating, and help prevent boredom — though it won’t necessarily increase their overall activity levels.

For optimal well-being, cats should be fed several small meals per day instead of having access to food at all times.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), healthy adult cats typically require about 20 to 25 calories per pound of body weight each day (45 to 55 calories per kilogram).

So, in general, how much should you feed your healthy, adult cat? According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), many 11-pound (5-kg) cats need roughly 250 to 290 calories per day, depending on body condition and activity. That’s about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of dry food, depending on the type.

Similarly, according to the Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator, an 11-pound cat, who is fed a high protein dry food with 561 calories per cup, should be eating 0.5 cups per day total (or 280 calories). This 1/2 cup can be split into 2 or 3 smaller meals per day.

Growing kittens and senior cats have different requirements that should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Treats should not exceed 10% of your cat’s daily calories and should never replace a meal. It can be so tempting to give them just one more, and then just another. But this can lead to weight gain and obesity, which puts your cat at higher risk for many health issues that may shorten their life.

If you feel moved by that cute little face when they beg for treats, you’re not alone, but a 2020 study shows that cats who beg are more at risk for being overweight or obese. There are other ways to bond with your cat besides giving treats.

When you do feed your cat treats, make sure you’re feeding actual cat treats, not table scraps. They might beg for things like cheese, but many adult cats are actually lactose intolerant.

Dry food is per cup than wet food, while wet food contains much more water and fewer calories per serving. In general, a balance of both is ideal.

According to Vincent J. Tavella, DVM, MPH, many veterinarians recommend including some wet food to support hydration and urinary tract health, but cats can do well on either wet or dry food as long as the diet is complete and balanced.

According to a 2025 study, cats ages 7 years and older should be fed several small meals per day using a combination of wet and dry to balance calorie intake, satisfy their grazing behavior, and support urinary tract health.

“Healthy adult cats under 7 years of age should be fed a complete and balanced diet that provides high quality animal protein, adequate fat, and essential nutrients unique to cats, including taurine and arginine,” said Tavella.

The exact calories a cat needs to maintain a healthy weight will vary with each cat, so both you and your vet should monitor the body condition of your cat frequently and adjust the amount of food as needed.

In addition to daily calories, you can also improve your cat’s well-being by adjusting the amount of wet or dry food, the feeding frequency, and the feeding method, such as using food puzzles.