How Much to Feed a Cat: Feeding Chart by Age and Weight
Overfeeding is one of the most common problems we see — especially in indoor and neutered cats — while growing kittens are often given too little. This guide gives simple starting amounts by age and weight, and shows you how to adjust them for your own cat.
Always start with the feeding guide printed on your food pack, because calories differ between brands. The tables below are typical ranges to help you check you are in the right area.
Adult cat feeding chart (dry food)
For a healthy adult cat (1–7 years) eating a typical dry food. Neutered, indoor and less active cats are at the lower end; active or outdoor cats at the higher end.
| Cat’s weight | Dry food per day | Roughly per month |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | 40–50 g | 1.2–1.5 kg |
| 4 kg | 50–65 g | 1.5–2 kg |
| 5 kg | 60–75 g | 1.8–2.3 kg |
| 6 kg | 70–85 g | 2.1–2.6 kg |
A standard kitchen measuring cup holds about 100–120 g of kibble, so a 4 kg cat usually needs about half a cup a day, split into two meals. A small kitchen scale is the easiest way to be accurate.
Kitten feeding chart
Kittens grow fast and need more food for their size, in more meals. Use a kitten food until about 12 months.
| Age | Meals per day | Typical dry kitten food per day |
|---|---|---|
| 2–4 months | 4 | 30–55 g |
| 4–6 months | 3–4 | 45–70 g |
| 6–12 months | 2–3 | 55–80 g |
Kittens younger than about 4 weeks need kitten milk replacer, never cow’s milk — for example Fluff n Buff Kitten Milk Replacer. From 4–8 weeks, soften kitten kibble with warm water or kitten wet food while they learn to eat solids. More in our kitten starter guide.
How many meals a day?
- Kittens: 3–4 small meals.
- Adults: 2 meals (morning and evening) suit most cats. Leaving a whole day’s food out works for some cats, but makes overeating easy — measure the daily amount if you do.
- Seniors (8+ years): 2–3 smaller meals, and a senior formula if your vet recommends it.
Mixing wet and dry food
Wet food is great for hydration, but it counts towards the daily calories. A rough rule: one 85 g pouch replaces about 15–20 g of dry food. So a 4 kg cat that gets one pouch a day needs roughly 35–50 g of dry food instead of 50–65 g. See our wet cat food range.
Treats
Keep treats to about 10% of daily food. Creamy treats are popular — one stick a day is plenty for most cats. If you give more treats, reduce the main meal a little. Browse cat treats.
Neutered and indoor cats
After neutering or spaying, a cat’s energy needs drop by about 20–30% while appetite often goes up — the main reason cats gain weight. Switch to a sterilised food and stay at the lower end of the chart. Options are listed in our best cat food in Pakistan guide.
Is my cat the right weight?
The scale only tells part of the story — feel your cat:
- Ideal: you can feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, and see a waist behind the ribs from above.
- Overweight: ribs are hard to feel, no waist, a hanging belly. Reduce food by about 10% and re-check in 2–3 weeks.
- Underweight: ribs, spine and hip bones are easy to see. Increase food by about 10% and see a vet if the cat keeps losing weight.
Weigh your cat once a month — many pet clinics will do it for free. Change amounts slowly, by about 10% at a time.
Water
Always keep fresh water out, in more than one place, and change it daily. Cats on dry food drink more; in Karachi’s summer, water and some wet food matter even more.
When to see a vet
A cat that stops eating for more than a day, suddenly eats or drinks much more than usual, or loses weight without reason should see a vet — these can be signs of illness.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 4 kg cat eat per day?
Usually about 50–65 g of dry food a day, split into two meals — less if your cat is neutered and indoor, or if you also give wet food.
How much should a 3-month-old kitten eat?
Around 30–55 g of dry kitten food a day, in four small meals. Follow the pack and let growing kittens eat a little more if they are lean and active.
Can I free-feed my cat?
Some cats manage it, but many overeat. It is safer to measure the daily amount and serve it in two meals.
Order cat food and kitten food online from Happy Tails — same-day delivery in Karachi and cash on delivery across Pakistan.
