Kittens up to 3 months are fed 4–5 times a day, from 3 to 6 months 3–4 times, and from 6 to 12 months 3 times. Adult cats are fed 2–3 times a day and senior cats 2–3 times in small portions. An average 4 kg adult cat usually needs 50–60 g of dry food a day, or about three 85 g pouches of wet food — check the exact amount on your food's packaging and adjust to your cat's body condition.
Feeding schedule by age
| Age | Meals a day | What matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 months | 4–5 | Kitten food, wet or soaked dry |
| 3–6 months | 3–4 | Rapid growth, portion from the kitten table |
| 6–12 months | 3 | After neutering, watch the weight |
| 1–7 years | 2–3 | Daily amount split into meals |
| From 7–10 years | 2–3 | Small portions, senior food, more moisture |
Kittens eat kitten food until 12 months — read more in what to feed a kitten.
How much dry food to give a cat
The amount depends on weight, activity, neutering and the calorie content of the specific food — this varies by 20–30% between brands. So the feeding table on the bag is your guide. For example, Happy Cat Minkas Perfect Mix lists the amount by cat weight. Rough figures for a food of average calorie content:
- 3 kg cat — 40–50 g a day;
- 4 kg cat — 50–60 g;
- 5 kg cat — 60–70 g;
- 6 kg cat — 70–80 g.
Neutered and less active cats usually need 20–30% less — there is special food for neutered cats. Measure the portion with kitchen scales or a measuring cup: by eye, almost everyone pours too much.
How much wet food is needed
Wet food is 75–80% water, so the portion in grams is larger. An average 4 kg cat needs about 250–300 g of wet food a day — roughly three 85 g pouches. If you combine dry and wet food, reduce the dry: one 85 g pouch replaces about 15–20 g of dry food. How to combine the two properly is covered in dry or wet food for cats. See the dry cat food and canned cat food sections.
Can you leave food in the bowl all day
Free-feeding dry food doesn't suit every cat: many cats, especially neutered indoor cats, overeat. If you leave food out, put only the daily amount in the bowl and don't top it up. Don't leave wet food out for more than 30–60 minutes; remove leftovers. A good compromise is 2–3 timed meals plus a puzzle feeder so your cat works for part of the portion. Bowls and feeders are in the cat bowls section.
How to tell the portion is right
- Ribs are easy to feel under a thin layer of fat but don't stick out.
- A waist is visible from above and the belly doesn't sag.
- The cat is active, the coat shines and stools are well formed.
Weigh your cat once a month. If the weight goes up, reduce the portion by 10% and check again in 2–3 weeks. More on excess weight in overweight cats and dogs.
Water
A cat needs about 40–50 ml of fluid per kg of body weight a day, including water from wet food. On dry food a cat should drink a lot — place several water bowls away from the food. Why it matters and how to get your cat to drink more is in how much water a cat should drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed my cat once a day?
It's not recommended: one big portion is digested less well, the cat stays hungry longer and then overeats. At least two meals are better.
My cat is always begging for food — what should I do?
Check the portion is measured correctly, split it into 3–4 meals and use a puzzle feeder. If appetite has suddenly increased and the cat is losing weight, see your vet.
How many times a day should a neutered cat be fed?
2–3 times a day, with food for neutered cats, strictly by the recommended amount: energy needs drop after neutering.
How many grams of dry food should a kitten get?
It depends on age and weight — check the table on the kitten food packaging. Kittens under a year can get a little more than adults, split into 3–5 meals.
