Okay so I’ve got a question that’s been bugging me… how much should I really be feeding my cat every day? I’ve heard different things from different people and it’s confusing. Like, does it change based on age or weight or something? I don’t wanna overfeed him but also don’t want him starving lol. Anyone got tips or know a good way to figure this out?
Yeah, it actually depends on stuff like your cat’s age, weight, and how active they are. Kittens need more food than older cats. My vet told me to use calories per pound as a starting point.
Isle said:
Yeah, it actually depends on stuff like your cat’s age, weight, and how active they are. Kittens need more food than older cats. My vet told me to use calories per pound as a starting point.
Oh wait… how many calories are we talking per pound tho?
@Cass
It’s usually between 24–35 calories per pound of body weight. Indoor cats are more around the 24 end, outdoor ones a bit more.
Honestly I just read the label on the food bag lol. Most of them have a rough guideline based on your cat’s weight. But even then you kinda have to tweak it.
Oli said:
Honestly I just read the label on the food bag lol. Most of them have a rough guideline based on your cat’s weight. But even then you kinda have to tweak it.
Facts. Those labels give estimates but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Like, my two cats need different amounts even tho they’re close in age.
Oli said:
Honestly I just read the label on the food bag lol. Most of them have a rough guideline based on your cat’s weight. But even then you kinda have to tweak it.
Yep, same here. One’s a lazy indoor fluffball and the other’s zoomin around the yard 24/7 
totally diff needs.
You can use a feeding chart to get a general idea. I use one I found online and then weigh the food on a digital scale. Measuring cups were too inconsistent for me.
Macon said:
You can use a feeding chart to get a general idea. I use one I found online and then weigh the food on a digital scale. Measuring cups were too inconsistent for me.
Wait… so a scale gives more accurate amounts than cups?
@Ben
Yep! Cups can vary depending on how packed the food is. A digital scale gives you the exact weight so it’s easier to be consistent.
Don’t forget to count in treats too. They’re supposed to be only 10% of the daily calories. I was going over without realizing it 
Lennon said:
Don’t forget to count in treats too. They’re supposed to be only 10% of the daily calories. I was going over without realizing it
Oh shoot… I didn’t even think about that. So if I give treats, I should lower the food a bit too?
@Valen
Exactly. It adds up fast if you don’t adjust. A few here and there’s fine but regular treat giving needs balance.
I got one of those automatic feeders and it’s been a life saver. You can schedule exact amounts at certain times. Makes feeding super easy and consistent.
Ali said:
I got one of those automatic feeders and it’s been a life saver. You can schedule exact amounts at certain times. Makes feeding super easy and consistent.
Yo I’ve been thinking about getting one. Do they work if you’ve got multiple cats?
@Ash
Yeah! There’s ones that only open for specific cats using a microchip reader. Helps a ton if your cats eat diff amounts.