How much to feed depends on your cat’s age, ideal weight, activity level, metabolism, and whether food is primarily wet, dry, or mixed. Product labels provide a starting range based on weight, but those charts are averages; many indoor cats need less than the upper end to stay lean.

Kittens need multiple small meals and calorie-dense kitten food until your veterinarian transitions them to adult maintenance. Pregnant or nursing queens need veterinary-guided increases. Senior cats may need adjusted calories and protein depending on kidney health, arthritis, and dental status.

Weigh your cat monthly and adjust portions to aim for a healthy body condition: ribs palpable with light pressure, visible waist from above, and a slight abdominal tuck from the side. If weight creeps up, reduce food gradually rather than crash dieting, which is risky for cats.

Wet food adds moisture, which many veterinarians favor for urinary tract health, but calorie density differs by brand, so measure by grams on the can or scale rather than eyeballing. Dry food is calorie-dense in small volumes; use a measuring cup, not a scoop of unknown size.

Treats should stay a small fraction of daily calories. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian for a target calorie number and a feeding plan tailored to your cat’s next wellness exam and blood work if indicated.