#1. What Should I Feed My Cat? | Cat Food, Calories, and Feeding Methods
Feeding your cat isnโt just about filling a bowl โ itโs about choosing the right food for their health and happiness. In this cat food guide, weโll explore dry vs. wet food, feeding routines, calorie tips, and share how Chu eats every day.
In Chuโs case, I started by following the routine recommended by her previous family.
Chu eats half a can of wet food in the morning and another half in the evening, along with dry food available freely throughout the day.
Occasionally, I give her an extra 1/3 can of wet food as a lunch or late-night snack.
Her total daily calories are carefully managed by adjusting the dry food and any additional wet food portions.
Sheโs not particularly food-driven, so even with free-feeding, she doesnโt tend to overeat.
Treats are given 4โ5 times a week, mostly as part of play or training, and always counted within her daily calorie limit.
Still, I often find myself wondering, โAm I really feeding her the right way?โ
Thatโs why I started researching and trying to understand feline nutrition better.
This post is a collection of what Iโve found so far โ both for my own reference and to share with fellow cat parents who might be wondering the same.
๐ How Many Calories Does a Cat Need Per Day?
A catโs daily calorie needs depend on their weight, age, activity level, and overall health.
Hereโs a commonly used formula:
โ Calorie Calculation Formula
RER (Resting Energy Requirement) = 70 ร (body weight in kg)^0.75
Daily calorie needs = RER ร activity factor
| Catโs Lifestyle | Activity Factor |
|---|---|
| Indoor neutered cat | 1.2 โ 1.4 |
| Active adult cat | 1.5 โ 1.8 |
| Growing kitten or recovering | 2.0 or more |
Example: For a 4kg indoor neutered cat like Chu:
RER โ 70 ร (4.0)^0.75 โ 200 kcal
โ Daily needs โ 240โ280 kcal
Chu maintains a stable weight at around 4 โ 4.2kg, so I aim to keep her daily intake within this range.
๐ Daily Calorie Needs by Weight (Graph)
Below is a reference chart showing how calorie needs increase with body weight (for indoor, neutered cats):
๐พ Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Pros & Cons
| Feature | Dry Food | Wet Food |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture content | Low (~10%) | High (~75โ85%) |
| Calorie density | High (more calories per gram) | Lower (requires more volume) |
| Palatability | Varies | Usually very appealing |
| Dental benefit | Slight chewing effect | None |
| Storage | Convenient, long shelf life | Must be consumed quickly |
| Cost | More economical | Generally more expensive |
Tip:
Dry food is more calorie-dense and convenient, while wet food helps with hydration, appetite, and weight control.
Thatโs why mixed feeding โ a combination of both โ is often the best of both worlds.
๐ฝ Recommended Feeding Methods
- Mixed Feeding (Wet + Dry)
Hydration + Variety + Balanced nutrition
Chu follows this method and it works well for her. - Scheduled Feeding vs. Free Feeding
Scheduled: Good for portion control and routine
Free: Convenient, but needs calorie tracking to prevent overfeeding
For cats like Chu, who donโt overeat, free feeding can work โ as long as you monitor overall intake. - Treats in Moderation
Use treats as part of training or play. Always count them in your daily calorie total.
