The Ultimate Cat Feeding Schedule: How Much & How Often by Age and Weight
Feeding your cat properly is essential for their long-term health and happiness. This ultimate cat feeding schedule breaks down exactly how much and how often you should feed your cat based on their age and weight, helping you create a routine that supports optimal growth and wellbeing.
🐾 The Importance of a Cat Feeding Schedule
Creating a consistent feeding schedule for your cat is more than just a daily routine—it’s a key part of your cat’s health and behavior. Cats are creatures of habit, and a structured feeding plan can help prevent obesity, digestive issues, and behavioral problems.
Why a feeding schedule matters:
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Prevents overeating or underfeeding
- Supports stable energy levels
- Builds trust and routine
- Allows early detection of health issues (loss of appetite, etc.)
Whether you have a playful kitten, an active adult cat, or a relaxed senior, their dietary needs vary significantly. Let’s explore the ideal feeding schedule based on age and weight.
🍼 Feeding Schedule for Kittens (0–12 Months)
Kittens grow rapidly, and their nutritional needs are vastly different from adult cats. They require more frequent meals packed with high-calorie, protein-rich food to support development.
🗓️ How Often to Feed:
| Age | Frequency | Portion Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 weeks | Every 2–4 hours | Kitten formula only |
| 4–8 weeks | 4–5 times/day | Wet food + formula |
| 2–3 months | 4 times/day | Wet & dry kitten food |
| 3–6 months | 3 times/day | Gradually increase dry food |
| 6–12 months | 2–3 times/day | Transition to adult food |
🐱 How Much to Feed by Weight:
- 1–2 lbs: 100–150 calories/day
- 3–4 lbs: 200–250 calories/day
- 5–6 lbs: 250–300 calories/day
Tips for feeding kittens:
- Always use food labeled for kittens—it’s higher in essential nutrients.
- Combine wet and dry food for hydration and dental health.
- Monitor weight weekly to adjust portions accordingly.
- Avoid free-feeding to prevent overeating.
Remember: Kittens have small stomachs but big energy needs—frequent, small meals are key.
🐈 Feeding Schedule for Adult Cats (1–7 Years)
Once your cat reaches adulthood, their metabolism slows down, and their feeding schedule should be adjusted to maintain a healthy weight.
🗓️ How Often to Feed:
- Twice a day is ideal (morning and evening)
- Some cats may thrive on once-daily meals, but this depends on their activity level and health
🐾 How Much to Feed by Weight:
| Cat Weight | Daily Calories | Dry Food (cups) | Wet Food (cans) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 lbs | ~200 cal | ½ cup | 1 can (5.5 oz) |
| 10 lbs | ~230 cal | ⅔ cup | 1¼ cans |
| 12 lbs | ~260 cal | ¾ cup | 1½ cans |
| 15 lbs | ~300 cal | 1 cup | 2 cans |
Feeding tips for adult cats:
- Measure food portions to avoid overfeeding
- Use a kitchen scale or measuring cup for accuracy
- Keep a consistent feeding time to reduce stress
- Monitor body condition score (BCS) monthly
If your cat is highly active or an outdoor cat, they may require more calories. Conversely, indoor or less active cats may need fewer.
🐾 Feeding Schedule for Senior Cats (7+ Years)
As cats age, their metabolism and activity level decrease. Some may develop dental issues or chronic health conditions that affect their appetite and digestion.
🗓️ How Often to Feed:
- 2–3 times a day with smaller, easy-to-digest meals
- Consider switching to senior-specific food with added joint and digestive support
🐱 How Much to Feed by Weight:
| Cat Weight | Daily Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8 lbs | ~180 cal | May need softer food |
| 10 lbs | ~200 cal | Watch for weight loss |
| 12 lbs | ~220 cal | Monitor hydration closely |
Feeding tips for seniors:
- Warm up wet food to enhance aroma and encourage eating
- Provide fresh water at all times—older cats are prone to dehydration
- Schedule regular vet visits to monitor health and adjust diet
- Consider supplements for joints, kidneys, or digestion as recommended by a vet
Senior cats may require more frequent vet consultations to tailor their diet based on health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or arthritis.
📋 Quick Reference: Ideal Feeding Schedule by Age & Weight
| Life Stage | Feeding Frequency | Daily Calories (per 10 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten (0–12 mo) | 3–5 times/day | 250–300 cal |
| Adult (1–6 yrs) | 2 times/day | 200–250 cal |
| Senior (7+ yrs) | 2–3 times/day | 180–220 cal |
🐾 Conclusion: Build the Best Feeding Routine for Your Cat
Creating the ultimate cat feeding schedule means understanding your cat’s unique needs based on their age, weight, and health condition. By feeding the right amount at the right time, you’ll help your feline friend stay healthy, active, and happy for years to come.
Not sure how much and how often to feed your cat? Use the age-and-weight charts in this guide to set a consistent routine, then pair it with foods that make portion control easy and support healthy weight, digestion, and coat. For an indoor adult, try a fiber-rich dry formula that helps with hairballs and metabolism, and for picky eaters or seniors, serve perfectly portioned wet meals that boost hydration—no leftovers, no guesswork.
*Dry (weight & hairball control):
IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care — proprietary fiber blend for hairball reduction, L-carnitine for fat metabolism, and balanced nutrients for overall health.
*Wet (easy portioning & hydration):
Sheba Perfect Portions Pate — snap-and-serve twin packs mean fresh meals every time, grain-free recipes, and a soft texture that’s great for kittens to seniors.
👉 Action Step:
Start by weighing your cat and checking their age. Then, use the charts above to adjust their meals. Don’t forget to consult your vet for personalized advice—especially for kittens and senior cats.
📌 Pro Tip: Use a feeding tracker app or journal to log meals, weight changes, and vet recommendations. A consistent feeding schedule is one of the best gifts you can give your cat.
