Most healthy adult cats eat around 200–250 calories per day, which usually works out to about 1/3–1/2 cup of dry food or roughly a 3–5 oz can of wet food for an average 8–10 lb indoor cat, but the exact amount depends on age, weight, and activity level. Kittens, very active cats, or cats with medical issues often need significantly different amounts, so the safest approach is to start from the feeding chart on your food’s label and fine‑tune with your vet based on body condition and weight trends.

Core feeding guidelines

  • For most adult indoor cats, plan on about 20–25 calories per pound of ideal body weight per day (so a 10 lb cat needs roughly 200–250 calories).
  • In food terms, that often equals about:
    • 1/3–1/2 cup of typical dry food per day, or
    • 1 standard 5–5.5 oz can of many wet foods per day (always check the label, because calories per can vary a lot).
  • Adjust up or down every couple of weeks depending on whether your cat is gaining or losing weight, using your vet’s idea of your cat’s “ideal” weight as the target.

By life stage

  • Kittens: Need roughly 2–3 times an adult cat’s calories per pound, often in the 300–500 calories/day range, split into 3–4 (or more) meals.
  • Adult (1–7 years): Typically around 20–25 calories per pound per day, usually fed in 2 meals.
  • Senior cats: Calorie needs can go slightly down or up depending on health; many do well with similar calories but split into 2–3 smaller meals to help digestion and maintain muscle.

Other factors that change “how much”

  • Activity level: Outdoor or very playful cats can need closer to 30 calories per pound, while couch‑potato cats might need a bit less than 20 calories per pound.
  • Spayed/neutered status: Fixed cats often need fewer calories than intact cats at the same weight to avoid weight gain.
  • Health conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and obesity all require tailored calorie and diet plans, always set with a vet.

Quick “am I feeding the right amount?” checks

  • You should be able to feel, but not sharply see, your cat’s ribs; from above there should be a visible waist without bony hips or a round barrel body.
  • If your cat gains weight on the current portion, cut back total daily calories by around 5–10% and recheck weight after a couple of weeks; if losing too quickly, increase by about 20–25% and check with your vet.
  • Sudden changes in appetite (eating much more or much less than usual) are a reason to call the vet, especially if paired with vomiting, diarrhea, or weight changes.

Practical feeding tips

  • Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale so portions are consistent; “scoops” are often larger than you think.
  • Treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories so they do not crowd out balanced food.
  • If you mix wet and dry food, total all the calories from both to hit your daily target, rather than measuring by volume alone.

If you share your cat’s age, weight, and whether you mostly use wet or dry food, a more specific daily amount (in cups or ounces) can be estimated for your situation.