How Much Should I Feed My Cat? Expert Feeding Guidelines for UK Cat Owners

treats Your cat sits by their bowl and stares at you with those enormous eyes. They meow insistently. You fed them two hours ago, but they act like they are starving. Should you give them more food? Are you feeding them enough? Too much?

These questions constantly worry UK cat owners. Feeding the right amount matters more than you might think. Too little food and your cat will lose weight and lack energy. Too much and they face obesity, diabetes, and joint problems that shorten their life. Choosing the right cat food is the foundation of feline health.

This blog will walk you through exactly how much to feed your cat based on their weight, age, activity level, and health status. You will learn how to read UK cat food labels, calculate portions in grams, and adjust feeding amounts as your cat's needs change.

 

Why Getting the Amount Right Actually Matters

Cats cannot tell you when they are eating too much or too little. They will beg for food even when full. They will eat rapidly if worried about food availability. Your job is to provide the right amount regardless of their behaviour.

The consequences of getting it wrong are serious. A 2023 study by the PDSA found that 43% of UK cats are overweight or obese. These cats face dramatically higher risks of:

• Diabetes: Overweight cats are four times more likely to develop diabetes than healthy-weight cats. Diabetes requires daily insulin injections and costs £800 to £1,500 per year to manage in the UK.
• Joint disease: Extra weight puts enormous strain on joints. Cats develop arthritis younger age and experience constant pain. Treatment costs £30 to £60 per month for pain medication.
• Heart disease: Obesity forces the heart to work harder. Cats develop high blood pressure and heart failure. Emergency cardiac care in the UK costs £1,000 to £3,000.
• Shortened lifespan: Obese cats die an average of 2.8 years earlier than healthy-weight cats.

Getting the amount right keeps your cat at a healthy weight, maintains their energy, and helps them live longer.

 

Understanding Your Cat's Basic Calorie Needs

Cats need a certain number of calories each day based primarily on their weight. Unlike dogs, most healthy adult cats of similar weight need similar calorie amounts. However, several factors adjust that baseline number up or down.

The Basic Formula

A healthy adult cat needs approximately 50 to 70 kilocalories (kcal) per kilogram of body weight per day. This is for a neutered indoor cat with average activity levels.

Here is what that looks like in practice:

Cat Weight	Daily Calorie Needs (Neutered, Indoor)
3 kg	150 to 210 kcal
4 kg	200 to 280 kcal
5 kg	250 to 350 kcal
6 kg	300 to 420 kcal
7 kg	350 to 490 kcal

Most UK cats weigh between 3.5 and 5.5 kilograms. If your cat weighs significantly more or less, they may need a vet check to ensure they are healthy.

 

Factors That Change Calorie Needs

• Neutering status: Unneutered cats have higher metabolisms due to sex hormones. They need about 20% more calories than neutered cats of the same weight. Since most UK cats are neutered (around 90% according to Cats Protection), most feeding guides assume neutered status.
• Activity level: An indoor cat who sleeps 18 hours per day needs fewer calories than an outdoor cat who hunts and roams. Outdoor cats may need 25% to 40% more calories, especially in cold weather.
• Age: Kittens need enormous amounts of food relative to their size because they are growing rapidly. Senior cats (11 years and older) often need slightly fewer calories as their metabolism slows.
• Health status: Pregnant cats need double their normal intake. Nursing mothers need triple. Cats with hyperthyroidism may need more food despite losing weight. Diabetic cats need carefully controlled amounts.
• Body condition: If your cat is overweight, they should eat for their target weight, not their current weight. If they weigh 6 kg but should weigh 4.5 kg, feed them as though they weigh 4.5 kg.

 

How to Calculate Exactly How Much to Feed

Now that you understand calorie needs, you need to translate those into actual food amounts. This requires reading the label on your cat food packaging.

Step 1: Find the Calorie Content

Look on the back or side of your cat food packaging. You will find a section called "Analytical Constituents" or "Nutritional Information." Near this, you should see the metabolizable energy content listed as:

• kcal per 100g (for wet food)
• kcal per kilogram (for dry food)
• kcal per pouch or tin

If you cannot find this information on the packaging, check the manufacturer's website or contact their customer service. All reputable UK cat food brands provide this information.

Step 2: Calculate Your Cat's Daily Requirement

Use the formula from earlier. Let us work through an example:

Your cat weighs 4.5 kg and is neutered and indoor. They need approximately 60 kcal per kilogram.

4.5 kg × 60 kcal = 270 kcal per day

Step 3: Convert Calories to Grams of Food

Let us say you feed Whiskas 1+ wet food pouches. Each 100g pouch contains approximately 85 kcal.

Your cat needs 270 kcal per day. 270 kcal ÷ 85 kcal per pouch = 3.2 pouches per day

You would feed three pouches spread across the day, with perhaps a small amount of dry food to make up the remaining calories.

Let us try another example with dry food. You feed Royal Canin Indoor 27. This contains approximately 385 kcal per 100g.

Your 4.5 kg cat needs 270 kcal per day. 270 kcal ÷ 385 kcal per 100 g = 0.7 × 100 g = 70 grams per day

You would measure out 70 grams of dry food using kitchen scales.

Step 4: Adjust Based on Your Cat's Response

These calculations provide starting points, not absolute rules. Watch your cat's body condition over 2 to 4 weeks. If they are losing weight, increase portions by 10%. If they are gaining weight, decrease portions by 10%.

Your vet can help you assess whether your cat is at a healthy weight during regular check-ups.

 

Reading UK Cat Food Labels Properly

UK cat food labels follow EU regulations, which differ from US labels. Understanding these labels helps you make better feeding decisions.

Complete vs Complementary Foods

This is critical and often misunderstood.

Complete foods contain everything your cat needs nutritionally. You can feed these as your cat's entire diet. Most dry foods and many wet foods are complete. The packaging will clearly state "Complete food for adult cats" or similar wording.

Complementary foods are designed to be fed alongside other foods. They do not contain balanced nutrition on their own. Many treats   broths, and some wet foods fall into this category. The packaging states "Complementary food" clearly.

Never feed only complementary foods. Your cat will develop nutritional deficiencies. If you love variety, feed a complete food as the main diet and use complementary foods as occasional additions (no more than 10% of daily calories).

 

Understanding the Feeding Guide on the Package

Most cat food packaging includes a feeding guide table. These tables typically show cat weight in the left column and recommended daily amount in the right column.

Important: These guides are starting points only. They often recommend amounts that are too high because:

1. Manufacturers want you to use more product
2. They assume your cat is more active than the average indoor UK cat
3. They do not account for treats and extras
4. They provide wide ranges to cover all situations

Always use the lower end of the recommended range as your starting point, then adjust based on your individual cat's needs.

 

Mixed Feeding: Combining Wet and Dry Food

Why Mix Wet and Dry

Benefits of wet food:

• High moisture content (helps cats who do not drink enough water)
• Usually more palatable
• Easier to eat for cats with dental problems
• Lower calorie density (helps weight management)

Benefits of dry food:

• More convenient to leave out
• Cheaper per calorie
• Better for dental health (though the benefit is minor)
• Easier to measure precisely
• Longer shelf life once opened

Combined benefits:

• Variety keeps meals interesting
• Balances cost and convenience
• Ensures adequate hydration while providing crunch
• Reduces risk of food boredom

Here is a list of quality dry and wet cat food products we offer for your furry companion. Whether your cat prefers wet food or dry kibble, we have something they'll love.

Many UK cat owners feed both wet and dry food. This approach offers several benefits but requires careful portion calculation.

 

Feeding Guidelines by Age

Your cat's age dramatically affects how much and how often they should eat.

Kittens (Birth to 12 Months)

Kittens are eating machines. They need approximately 200-250 kcal per kilogram of body weight per day during rapid growth phases. This is three to four times that of adult cats per kilogram of body weight.

Here is a feeding guide by age:

Kitten Age	Typical Weight	Daily Calories Needed	Meals Per Day
4-8 weeks	0.5-0.8 kg	100-200 kcal	4-5 small meals
8-12 weeks	1-1.2 kg	200-300 kcal	4 meals
3-6 months	1.5-2.5 kg	300-500 kcal	3-4 meals
6-12 months	2.5-4 kg	400-600 kcal	3 meals

 

Birth to 4 weeks: Kittens drink only their mother's milk or kitten milk replacer if orphaned. Never give cow's milk as it causes diarrhoea.

4 to 8 weeks: Begin introducing wet kitten food. Mix it into a soft paste with warm water. Offer four to five small meals per day. They still drink mother's milk alongside solid food.

8 to 12 weeks: Kittens should eat mainly solid food now. Offer four meals per day. A typical 1 kg kitten at 10 weeks needs approximately 200 kcal per day, which equals:

• Four pouches of Felix Kitten food (50 kcal per pouch), or
• 50 grams of Royal Canin Kitten dry food (400 kcal per 100g)

Most UK kittens are neutered between 4 and 6 months old. After neutering, reduce portions by approximately 20% as their metabolism slows.

3 to 6 months: Continue four meals per day. Calorie needs remain very high. A 2 kg kitten needs approximately 400 kcal per day.

6 to 12 months: Reduce to three meals per day. Growth slows but is still rapid. A 3 kg kitten at 8 months needs approximately 300 kcal per day.

12 months: Switch to adult food and adult feeding schedules. Some large breeds (Maine Coons, Ragdolls) continue growing until 18 months and should stay on kitten food longer. Ask your vet.

Adult Cats (1 to 7 Years)

Adult cats have reached their full size and their nutritional needs stabilise. This is the easiest life stage to feed because requirements remain fairly consistent year to year.

 

Indoor vs Outdoor Cats: Adjusting Portions

The difference between indoor and outdoor cats significantly affects how much they should eat. UK outdoor cats face unique challenges that indoor cats do not.

Indoor Cats

Indoor cats typically need the baseline calorie amounts discussed earlier. They sleep 16 to 18 hours per day, with brief bursts of activity. Their environment remains temperature-controlled year-round.

Common indoor cat issues:

• Boredom eating: Cats eat because they have nothing else to do
• Reduced exercise: Limited space means less running and climbing
• Constant food access: Free feeding leads to overconsumption
• Begging behaviour: Cats train owners to give extra food

Solutions:

• Feed measured meals twice daily rather than free feeding
• Use puzzle feeders to make eating take longer
• Play with your cat for 15 minutes twice daily
• Ignore begging between mealtimes

 

Outdoor Cats

Outdoor cats burn significantly more calories. They patrol territories, hunt, climb trees, and regulate body temperature in varying weather. They need 25% to 40% more food than indoor cats of the same weight.

Seasonal adjustments:

Winter (November to February): Outdoor cats need maximum food. Cold weather forces them to burn extra calories staying warm. A 5 kg outdoor cat might need 400 to 450 kcal per day during harsh winter weather.

Summer (June to August): Needs decrease slightly. A 5 kg outdoor cat might need 350 to 375 kcal per day when weather is warm.

Spring and Autumn: Moderate needs around 375 to 400 kcal per day.

Additional considerations:

• Outdoor cats may hunt and eat prey, reducing their need for provided food
• Multiple outdoor cats in one household may steal each other's food
• Outdoor cats face competition from neighbourhood cats
• Rain and wind increase calorie needs beyond temperature alone

Indoor-Outdoor Cats

Many UK cats go outdoors but spend significant time indoors as well. These cats need portions somewhere between pure indoor and pure outdoor cats.

Start with indoor cat portions and increase by 10% to 15%. Monitor body condition and adjust accordingly.

 

Where to Buy Quality Cat Food in the UK

Choosing where to purchase cat food affects both quality and cost.

Specialist Pet Retailers

Buggaz.co.ukoffers an extensive range of premium cat foods from trusted brands including Royal Canin Hills, Felix , Whiskas , and many others. Benefits include:

• Expert product information
• Competitive pricing
• Convenient home delivery throughout the UK
• Often free delivery on orders over £40
• Subscription options for regular orders
• Access to prescription diets

Supermarkets

Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons stock mainstream brands like Felix, Whiskas, and Sheba. Convenient for quick purchases but limited premium options.

Veterinary Practices

Vets stock prescription diets and some premium brands. More expensive than online retailers but convenient when collecting prescriptions.

Comparison Shopping

Calculate cost per day rather than cost per bag:

Example comparison for a 4.5 kg cat (needing 270 kcal/day):

 

Premium foods often provide better value than they initially appear because you feed smaller amounts.

Common Feeding Problems

My Cat Constantly Begs for Food

Possible causes:

• Boredom
• Learned behaviour (begging has worked before)
• Feeding poor quality food that does not satisfy
• Medical issues (hyperthyroidism, diabetes, intestinal parasites)

Solutions:

• Increase play time to 20 minutes twice daily
• Ignore begging completely (no eye contact, no response)
• Feed smaller meals more frequently (three times daily)
• Switch to higher protein food that provides better satiety
• Have vet check thyroid function if begging is new behaviour

My Cat Will Not Finish Meals

Possible causes:

• Portions too large
• Food has gone stale or unappealing
• Dental pain making eating difficult
• Medical illness reducing appetite
• Preference for different textures or flavours

Solutions:

• Reduce portion sizes
• Remove uneaten food after 30 minutes, serve fresh food at next meal
• Warm wet food slightly to increase aroma
• Try different flavours or brands
• Schedule vet check if appetite loss persists beyond two days

My Cat Vomits After Eating

Possible causes:

• Eating too quickly
• Food intolerance
• Hairballs
• Medical conditions (inflammatory bowel disease, gastritis)

Solutions:

• Use slow feeder bowls or puzzle feeders
• Feed smaller meals more frequently
• Try limited ingredient diets
• Ensure regular grooming to reduce hairballs
• Consult vet if vomiting occurs more than once weekly

One Cat Steals the Other's Food

Solutions:

• Feed cats in separate rooms with doors closed
• Use microchip feeders that open only for the designated cat
• Supervise mealtimes and intervene when stealing occurs
• Feed the food thief first to reduce urgency

My Cat Only Wants Treats

Cause: Treats taste better than regular food. Cats learn to refuse meals, hoping for tastier options.

Solutions:

• Stop all treats completely for one week
• Feed only measured portions of regular food
• Remove uneaten food after 30 minutes
• Do not offer alternatives when food is refused
• Most cats will eat regular food within 2 to 3 days when treats stop

Never let a cat go more than 48 hours without eating anything. If your cat refuses all food for two days, contact your vet.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much wet food should I feed my cat per day?

A typical 4.5 kg adult cat needs about 270 to 300 grams of wet food per day (roughly 3 pouches). Exact amounts depend on the specific food's calorie content and your cat's activity level. m

Can I feed my cat only dry food?

Yes, but ensure your cat drinks adequate water. Cats on dry-only diets need to drink more to compensate for the lack of moisture in their food. Provide fresh water in multiple locations and consider a cat water fountain to encourage drinking.

How do I know if I am feeding my cat enough?

Monitor body condition rather than relying solely on calculated amounts. You should be able to feel your cat's ribs easily under a thin layer of fat. Their waist should be visible when viewed from above. Weight should remain stable month to month.

Should I feed my cat at the same time every day?

Yes. Consistent meal times help regulate digestion and reduce begging behaviour. Cats thrive on routine. Try to feed within the same 1 to 2 hour window daily.

What if my cat refuses their measured portion?

Do not immediately offer more or different food. Remove uneaten food after 30 minutes. Offer the next meal at the scheduled time. Most cats will adjust within a few days. If refusal continues beyond 48 hours, consult your vet to rule out illness.

Can I give my cat milk?

Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Cow's milk causes diarrhoea and stomach upset. If you want to give milk, use specially formulated cat milk available in UK supermarkets. However, water is all cats truly need to drink.

How many treats can I give my cat daily?

Treats should not exceed 10% of daily calories. For a 4.5 kg cat needing 270 kcal per day, that means no more than 27 kcal from treats (approximately 10 to 15 small treats like Dreamies).

Is it better to feed wet or dry food?

Both have advantages. Wet food provides hydration and is lower in calories. Dry food is more convenient and cheaper. Many UK cat owners feed a combination of both.