How many calories should my cat eat to lose weight? This is the most important question cat owners must answer before adjusting food portions or using an automatic feeder. Without a clear calorie target, even the best automatic feeder won’t deliver results.
In this guide, you’ll learn how many calories a cat should eat to lose weight, how to calculate the right amount based on body weight, and how to turn those numbers into real portions you can measure and schedule.
How Many Calories Should My Cat Eat to Lose Weight?
As a general rule, most overweight adult cats need 20–30% fewer calories than their maintenance needs to lose weight safely.
For many indoor cats, that means:
Weight loss range: ~180–220 calories per day
Maintenance range: ~240–280 calories per day
However, the exact number depends on:
Current body weight
Target (ideal) weight
Activity level
Age and health status
Weight loss should always be gradual. Rapid calorie cuts can lead to muscle loss and serious health issues.
How to Calculate Your Cat’s Daily Calories for Weight Loss
A commonly used guideline for safe weight loss is:
Calories per day ≈ 20 calories per pound of ideal body weight
Example:
Ideal weight: 10 lbs
Daily calories for weight loss: 10 × 20 = 200 calories/day
This method focuses on where your cat should be, not where they are now.
For more guidance, check out this authoritative cat nutrition guide on PetMD.
Cat Feeding Chart by Weight (Weight Loss Guide)
⚠️ These are general estimates. Always adjust based on your cat’s response.
| Ideal Weight | Daily Calories (Weight Loss) |
|---|---|
| 8 lbs (3.6 kg) | 160–170 kcal |
| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 190–210 kcal |
| 12 lbs (5.4 kg) | 220–240 kcal |
| 14 lbs (6.4 kg) | 250–270 kcal |
If your cat is losing more than 1–2% of body weight per week, increase calories slightly.
How Much Dry Food Is That in Real Portions?
Calories only work if you can measure them accurately.
On average, 1/4 cup of dry cat food = 25–30 grams
Calories vary widely by brand (usually 90–130 kcal per 1/4 cup)
👉 Always check the calorie label on your specific food. You can also find more tips on portioning with smart pet feeders.
Why Measuring Cups Often Cause Overfeeding
Using a scoop or eyeballing portions is one of the biggest reasons cats fail to lose weight.
Common issues:
Cups aren’t standardized
Food settles differently each time
“Just a little extra” adds up fast
For weight loss, consistency matters more than perfection.
How Automatic Feeders Help Control Calories
Automatic feeders turn calorie numbers into real, repeatable portions. They help by:
Dispensing the same amount every time
Preventing accidental double-feeding
Allowing multiple small meals per day
Making calorie reduction gradual and controlled
This is especially useful for dry food, where small differences matter. Learn more about automatic feeders for cats here.
Best Cat Feeder for Weight Loss: How Portion Control Helps Cats Slim Down Safely
Turning Calories Into a Feeding Schedule
Once you know your daily calorie target, divide it into micro-meals.
Example: 200 calories/day
4 meals × 50 calories
5 meals × 40 calories
Smaller meals:
Reduce hunger
Improve digestion
Help cats who beg constantly for food
This approach works extremely well with smart feeders.
Feeding Schedule for Overweight Indoor Cats: A Simple Portion Control Plan
Can a Cat Lose Weight Without Switching Food?
Yes. Many cats lose weight without changing food at all, simply by:
Reducing total calories
Spacing meals evenly
Eliminating free feeding
Food quality matters, but portion control is the foundation. For further reading, see cat nutrition tips from ASPCA.
Signs You’re Feeding Too Little (Adjust If Needed)
While calorie reduction is important, too much restriction is risky. Watch for:
Lethargy
Excessive vocalizing
Rapid weight loss
Muscle loss along the spine
If you see these signs, increase calories slightly and slow the pace.
FAQ: Cat Calories & Weight Loss
How many calories should my cat eat to lose weight?
Most cats need 180–220 calories per day, depending on ideal weight and activity level.
How fast should a cat lose weight?
Safe weight loss is 0.5–1% of body weight per week.
Is dry food bad for weight loss?
No — dry food can work if calories are controlled precisely.
Should I feed fewer times or smaller meals?
Smaller, more frequent meals work better for most overweight cats.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how many calories your cat should eat to lose weight is the foundation of any successful weight-loss plan. Once you know the number, tools like automatic feeders make it much easier to stick to it — consistently and safely.
Weight loss isn’t about feeding less once in a while. It’s about feeding the right amount, every day.