Cat Calorie Calculator

Calculate your cat's daily calorie needs based on weight, activity level, body condition, and life stage. Get personalized feeding recommendations for optimal feline health.

Your cat's current weight in kg

RER = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75. DER = RER × Activity Multiplier. Kittens: 2.5x, Neutered adults: 1.0-1.4x, Intact adults: 1.2-1.8x. Adjust for body condition: underweight +20%, overweight -20%, obese -30%.
4.5kg neutered adult cat, normal activity: RER = 70 × 4.5^0.75 = 204 kcal. DER = 204 × 1.2 = 245 kcal/day. Feed ~70g dry food or ~300g wet food daily.

How many calories does a cat need per day?

Average adult cat (4-5 kg): 200-250 calories/day. Formula: RER = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75, then multiply by activity factor (1.0-1.8). Kittens need 2-3x more. Neutered cats need ~20% less. Indoor cats need less than outdoor. Adjust based on body condition and activity level.

How do I know if my cat is overweight?

Ideal body condition: Ribs easily felt but not visible, visible waist from above, slight abdominal tuck. Overweight: Ribs hard to feel, no waist, rounded abdomen. Obese: Ribs not palpable, no waist, large fat deposits. Use Body Condition Score (BCS) 1-9 scale; ideal is 4-5.

How much should I feed my cat to lose weight?

Reduce calories by 20-30% from maintenance level. Target: 1-2% body weight loss per week (safe rate). Example: 6kg cat needs ~180 kcal/day for weight loss (vs 250 for maintenance). Feed measured portions, increase activity, use puzzle feeders. Never crash diet - can cause hepatic lipidosis.

Do indoor cats need fewer calories than outdoor cats?

Yes, significantly. Indoor cats are less active and neutered cats have ~30% lower metabolism. Indoor: multiply RER by 1.0-1.2. Outdoor active: multiply by 1.6-1.8. Indoor cats are prone to obesity - monitor weight carefully and adjust portions accordingly.

How many calories are in cat food?

Dry food: 300-400 kcal per 100g (average ~350 kcal/100g). Wet food: 70-100 kcal per 100g (average ~80 kcal/100g). Treats: Variable, but limit to <10% of daily calories. Check specific food labels for exact calorie content - varies significantly by brand and formula.

Should I free-feed or portion-feed my cat?

Portion-feeding is better for weight control. Measure daily calories, divide into 2-4 meals. Free-feeding often leads to overeating and obesity. Exception: Very young kittens need constant access. For multi-cat households, feed separately to monitor intake. Use puzzle feeders to slow eating and add enrichment.