For a healthy adult indoor cat, a common starting point is about 25–35 calories per pound of body weight per day, which is roughly 200–300 calories for a 10‑pound cat.

Quick Scoop: How Much to Feed

  • A typical 10 lb adult cat often needs around 250 kcal per day, but the ideal range is about 200–300 kcal depending on activity and body condition.
  • Many high‑quality dry foods provide roughly 167–250 kcal in 1/3–1/2 cup, so that’s a common daily amount for an average indoor adult.
  • For wet food, a 5.5 oz can is often around 150–200 kcal, so most average‑size adults need about 1–1.5 cans per day (check your specific label).

Think of your cat’s portion as a budget of calories per day. The food label tells you how “expensive” each cup or can is, and your cat’s weight and lifestyle tell you the daily spending limit.

Very rough daily guidelines

  • Kittens (up to 6 months) : Need about 2–3× the calories of adults per pound and usually eat 3–4 meals per day.
  • Adult cats (1–7 years) : About 25–35 kcal per lb per day; many do well on 2 meals.
  • Senior cats (7+ years) : Often 180–220 kcal per day with 2–3 smaller meals, since they can have different metabolism and health needs.

If you want, tell me your cat’s age, weight, if they’re neutered/spayed, and what food you use (plus calories per cup/can from the label), and I can estimate a more precise daily amount.