Daily Calories
247 kcal
Monthly Cost
$9
Feeding
2 meals per day
Adult (1–10 years)
| Cat Weight | RER | Indoor Adult | Kitten |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 lbs | 152 kcal | 182 kcal | 379 kcal |
| 8 lbs | 179 kcal | 215 kcal | 448 kcal |
| 10 lbs | 206 kcal | 247 kcal | 515 kcal |
| 12 lbs | 233 kcal | 280 kcal | 583 kcal |
| 15 lbs | 274 kcal | 329 kcal | 686 kcal |
Inputs
Result
A 10-pound indoor adult cat at ideal weight needs 247 calories per day, which is about 0.62 cups of dry food split into two meals.
Inputs
Result
A 5-pound kitten needs about 313 calories daily — much higher per pound than adults. Mixed feeding provides hydration from wet food and convenience of dry.
Inputs
Result
A 15-pound overweight senior gets a 20% calorie reduction (0.8x multiplier) bringing needs to 241 kcal. Wet food helps with hydration, important for senior cats.
An average 10-pound indoor adult cat needs about 200–250 calories per day. Kittens need roughly 2.5 times more calories per pound than adults, while senior cats need slightly less. The formula starts with Resting Energy Requirement (RER) = 30 x weight_kg + 70.
| Weight | Indoor Adult | Active Adult | Kitten |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 lbs | 182 kcal | 218 kcal | 379 kcal |
| 10 lbs | 247 kcal | 297 kcal | 515 kcal |
| 15 lbs | 329 kcal | 395 kcal | 686 kcal |
Most dry cat foods contain about 400 calories per cup. A typical 10-pound indoor cat needs roughly 0.6 cups of dry food per day, split into two meals. Always check your specific brand as calorie density ranges from 350 to 500 calories per cup.
Both have benefits. Wet food provides hydration (75–80% water) and is lower in carbohydrates, which is closer to a cat's natural diet. Dry food is more convenient, cheaper, and helps with dental health. Many veterinarians recommend a mixed diet combining both.
| Factor | Dry Food | Wet Food |
|---|---|---|
| Cost/Month | $30–$50 | $60–$120 |
| Calories | ~400/cup | ~250/can |
| Moisture | ~10% | ~78% |
| Carbs | Higher | Lower |
Adult cats do best with two meals per day, spaced 8–12 hours apart. Kittens under one year need 3–4 smaller meals because of their high energy needs and small stomachs. Senior cats may benefit from 2–3 smaller meals to aid digestion.
For overweight cats, multiply the standard calorie requirement by 0.8 to create a 20% deficit for gradual weight loss. A 15-pound overweight indoor cat would get about 263 calories instead of 329. Always consult a vet before starting a weight-loss plan.
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Last Updated: Mar 11, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.