How much to feed a British Shorthair
A British Shorthair usually weighs 7.1–17 lb. Here’s how much food that is per day, plus a calculator for your own food.
Typical weight
- males
- 9.0–17 lb
- females
- 7.1–12 lb
According to the GCCF the British has a slow metabolism, so any tendency to gain weight should be managed.
Feeding chart by weight
Example: dry food with 400 kcal/cup, wet food with 28 kcal/oz.
| Weight | kcal/day | Dry | Wet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 lb | 200 | 0.50 cups | 7.1 oz |
| 10 lb | 261 | 0.65 cups | 9.3 oz |
| 14 lb | 336 | 0.84 cups | 12.0 oz |
| 17 lb | 389 | 0.97 cups | 13.9 oz |
For spayed or neutered cats with normal activity. Intact cats need about 17% more. The amounts only apply to food with exactly these calories; use the calculator below for yours.
Calculate with your food
per day
333 g per day
2 meals of 166 g · 299 kcal per day
Treats up to 30 kcal
Look for “Calorie Content”, e.g. “3,750 kcal/kg, 375 kcal/cup”.
A starting point – the scale has the final say. If your cat is ill, talk to your vet.
Questions
How much should a British Shorthair eat per day?
A British Shorthair weighing 12 lb, spayed or neutered with normal activity, needs about 299 kcal a day. That’s about 0.75 cups of dry food or 10.7 oz of wet food with the calories from the chart. Use the calculator above for your food.
How much does a British Shorthair weigh?
According to GCCF, adult males weigh 9.0–17 lb and females 7.1–12 lb.
My cat weighs more than this. Is that too much?
Not necessarily. The range is for typical cats; large or muscular cats can weigh more. Your cat’s shape tells you more than the number: you should feel the ribs and see a waist from above. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Sources
Last checked: October 2026