How Much Food Should I Be Feeding My Cat?

Figuring out how much to feed a cat can be difficult. Some cats overeat and get fat, while others seem like they don't eat enough in the first place. Finding the perfect balance and quantity of nutrients when feeding your cat is important for a healthy and long life.

  1. Quality of Food

    • Cats should eat a moderate amount of high-quality protein daily with small amounts of fruits and vegetables mixed in. Cats should not eat food high in grains, such as corn and wheat, as they can't metabolize it correctly.

    Feeding

    • An 8-lb. cat should eat either about a can of cat food, a half can of canned food and a 1/4 cup of dry cat food, or a cup of dry cat food per day.

    Canned or Dry?

    • Canned food has more water in it, and is healthier for cats than dry food. But a combination of wet and dry food is still good for your cat, as long as they are both high-quality foods with lots of protein and little to no grains.

    Activity Level

    • If your cat lives outdoors and gets a lot of exercise, it will need to eat more than a lazy house cat. Keep this in mind when adjusting the amount of food for your cat.

    Age

    • A younger cat or kitten will need to eat more than an older cat, even if it weighs the same amount. Kittens need the food to grow, while older cats do not.