Pet

Cat Food Cups Per Day Calculator

Estimate daily dry-food cups for a cat from weight and activity level.

The result is the estimated daily food amount for the cat, so the cups figure is how much to feed per day in total, split across meals, and it should be adjusted to the body condition of the cat.

Formula

Resting energy is 70 times weight to the power 0.75, multiplied by an activity factor, then divided by kcal per cup.

How it works

The same energy method as for dogs is used, with cat activity factors. Cats are prone to overeating from free-feeding, so measured portions matter more than a full bowl.

Worked example

For example, a 4.5 kg cat with moderate activity (factor 1.2) and food at 300 kcal per cup gives a resting energy of about 216 kcal, a daily need of about 260 kcal, and about 0.87 cups per day.

FAQs

Should I free-feed my cat?
Measured meals make weight control much easier than a constantly full bowl.

Do indoor cats need less?
Usually yes, which is why indoor cats use the lower factor.

What if my cat is overweight?
Do not cut food sharply; adjust gradually and seek veterinary guidance.

General information only, not veterinary advice.

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