MeowledgeGet the app

Cat calorie calculator

Estimate how many calories a healthy adult cat needs per day, based on the veterinary resting-energy formula.

RER (resting energy) = 70 × (ideal weight in kg)^0.75. Daily calories = RER × a factor for your cat’s life stage and activity.

A starting-point estimate, not a prescription. A real cat’s needs can vary by as much as ±50% with activity, metabolism, and health. Feed this as a first guess, then adjust over the following weeks based on body condition and weight trend. For kittens, pregnant or nursing cats, weight-loss plans, seniors, or any cat with a medical condition, confirm the target with your veterinarian.

The formula

Resting energy requirement (RER) = 70 × (ideal body weight in kg)0.75. Daily calories = RER × a factor for your cat’s life stage and activity level.

AAHA 2021 factor table

ProfileFactor
Neutered adult1.2–1.4
Intact adult1.4–1.6
Inactive / indoor (hold weight)1
Weight loss0.8
Kitten / growth2.5
Pregnant1.6–2
Nursing2–6

Always feed to your cat’s ideal weight, not necessarily their current weight — if you’re not sure which that is, the body-condition-score guide can help.