How Often Should I Feed My Cat?
Short answer: adult cats should eat at least 2 meals a day, and several small meals are even better. Kittens need 3 to 4 meals a day. A 10 lb neutered indoor cat needs about 261 kcal a day: about 131 kcal per meal on two meals.
Meals per day by age
| Age | Meals per day |
|---|---|
| Kitten, 8 weeks to 6 months | 3-4 |
| 6 to 12 months | 2-3 |
| Adult | at least 2; several small meals is ideal |
| Senior | 2 or more, smaller meals if appetite is low |
In the wild, cats eat many small meals a day. The 2018 AAFP and ISFM consensus on feeding cats recommends frequent small meals and using puzzle feeders or food balls so cats "hunt" for part of their food.
How much per meal
Per meal = daily calories ÷ number of meals
| Cat's weight | Calories a day | 2 meals | 3 meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 lb | 178 kcal | 89 kcal | 59 kcal |
| 8 lb | 221 kcal | 110 kcal | 74 kcal |
| 10 lb | 261 kcal | 131 kcal | 87 kcal |
| 12 lb | 299 kcal | 150 kcal | 100 kcal |
| 15 lb | 354 kcal | 177 kcal | 118 kcal |
A 3 oz can of wet food usually has 70 to 100 kcal, and a cup of dry food 350 to 500 kcal. The calculator below splits your cat's day into cans and cups.
Free feeding or scheduled meals?
Leaving dry food out all day is convenient but makes it easy for indoor cats to overeat, and you cannot see if appetite drops. Measured meals, or an automatic feeder that releases measured portions, are better for most cats. A cat that stops eating for more than a day needs a vet, because fasting can cause fatty liver disease.
Tips
- Measure with a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Feed in a quiet spot, away from the litter box.
- Multi-cat homes: feed cats apart so one does not eat the other's share.
- Count treats in the total and keep them under 10%.
Sources: AAFP/ISFM Consensus Statement "Feeding Cats for Optimal Mental and Behavioral Well-Being" (2018); RER formula and feline factors as used in WSAVA guidance.
Try the cat food calculator
Enter your own numbers below, or open the full cat food calculator with the formula and more examples.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your pet may differ: ask your vet. Terms
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should I feed my cat?
At least twice a day for adult cats; several small meals or a puzzle feeder is even better.
How much should I feed my cat per meal?
Divide daily calories by the number of meals. A 10 lb neutered cat needs about 261 kcal a day, so about 131 kcal per meal on two meals.
How often should a kitten eat?
Three to four meals a day until about 6 months, then two to three.
Is it OK to feed a cat once a day?
It is not ideal. One large meal can cause vomiting and long hungry periods; two or more meals suit cats better.