Pet Owner Resource
Cat calorie calculator
How many calories should my cat eat per day?
Estimate how many calories your cat needs each day from weight, spay/neuter status, and activity level. The result is a daily energy requirement (DER) range to review with your veterinary team.
This calculator is for cats at an ideal body condition, BCS 5/9. If your cat is at BCS 6/9 or higher, calorie needs are different and weight loss should be veterinarian-supervised. Start with the cat weight loss guide. If your cat is below BCS 5/9, ask your veterinary team to assess before changing calories.
Inputs
Enter your cat's current weight (decimals allowed).
Why this matters: Spayed/neutered cats often need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight.
Most pet cats are "typical indoor". Higher factors apply only to genuinely active cats.
If selected, we'll split daily food calories into even meals.
Estimated Daily Calories
—kcal/day
Important for cats: If your cat refuses food for 24 hours or eats much less than usual, contact your veterinarian the same day — cats that stop eating can develop a life-threatening liver condition called hepatic lipidosis. Never rapidly restrict calories in cats without veterinary supervision.
Daily food (meals only): — kcal/day
How to use this
• The range is your daily target for an ideal body condition.
• "Daily food (meals only)" is the amount to put in the bowl.
• If you include treats, subtract treat calories from the daily food amount.
• If your cat needs to lose weight, use a target weight and work with your veterinarian.
Senior note: Some cats over about 12 years may have increased energy and protein needs to maintain a healthy body condition.
Safety note: Avoid rapid or severe calorie restriction in cats. Sudden food reduction or inappetence can increase the risk of a life-threatening liver condition known as hepatic lipidosis. Work closely with your veterinarian to set safe calorie and feeding goals.
Safety note: Avoid rapid or severe calorie restriction in cats. Sudden food reduction or inappetence can increase the risk of a life-threatening liver condition known as hepatic lipidosis. Work closely with your veterinarian to set safe calorie and feeding goals.
Important: This tool is provided by APOP for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary care.
Energy needs vary with health status, body condition, age, and activity. Always review diet or weight plans with your veterinary team.
References: RER formula (70 × BW kg0.75) and maintenance energy factors based on the 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, and the APOP/WPOA Veterinary Clinical Obesity framework.
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