Kitten food calculator
How much does your kitten need per day? Enter age, weight and your food. The result is a starting point – the scale has the final say.
How old is your kitten?
In months, from 2 to 12. 8 weeks is 2 months, 12 weeks almost 3.
A starting point – the scale has the final say. Weigh your kitten regularly. If it doesn’t gain steadily or is ill, talk to your vet.
The short answer
According to the FEDIAF guidelines, a kitten needs a multiple of its maintenance energy: 2 to 2.5 times in the first 4 months, then 1.75 to 2 times up to 9 months and 1.5 times up to 12 months. For maintenance we use 100 × (weight in kg)^0.67 kcal, the FEDIAF value for normally active adult cats, and the lower factor. A 3-month-old 4 lb kitten needs about 298 kcal per day, or about 10.6 oz of wet food with 28 kcal/oz. The amount is a starting point: weigh your kitten regularly.
Kitten calories by weight and age
kcal per day, using the lower value of the FEDIAF range.
| Weight | Under 4 months | 4 to under 9 months | 9–12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 lb | 187 | 164 | 141 |
| 3 lb | 246 | 215 | 184 |
| 4 lb | 298 | 261 | 224 |
| 5 lb | 346 | 303 | 260 |
| 6 lb | 391 | 342 | 293 |
| 8 lb | 474 | 415 | 356 |
| 10 lb | 551 | 482 | 413 |
For the amount, divide the kcal by the calories in your food (per cup, can or ounce). The calculator above does it for you.
Questions
How much should I feed my kitten per day?
A 3-month-old 4 lb kitten needs about 298 kcal per day. With wet food at 28 kcal per ounce, that’s about 10.6 oz; with dry food at 400 kcal per cup, about ¾ cup.
How many times a day should I feed my kitten?
At least four times a day at 8 to 12 weeks, at least three times from 3 to 6 months, and at least twice after that (International Cat Care). According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, kittens can also be free-fed. Then the scale shows whether the amount is right.
Do kittens need more food than adult cats?
Yes. According to the FEDIAF guidelines, 2 to 2.5 times their maintenance energy in the first 4 months, then 1.75 to 2 times up to 9 months and 1.5 times up to 12 months. For maintenance we use the FEDIAF value for normally active adult cats of the same weight.
When should I use the regular calculator?
From 12 months. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, kittens usually move to adult food between 8 and 12 months. If your kitten is spayed or neutered, keep a close eye on the scale: neutered cats need less energy.
Related
- Kitten feeding: how much and how often?Kittens grow fast and need a lot more energy than adult cats, spread over several small meals.
- When to switch to adult foodPuppy and kitten food is made for growth. You can switch once your pet is fully grown. When that is depends mostly on size.
- Feeding after spaying or neuteringAfter spaying or neutering, dogs and cats need less energy. If you don’t adjust the amount, it often shows on the scale a few months later.
Sources (5)
- FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines 2025: energy for growth (Tables VII-8a, VII-8b, VII-10)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Daily Maintenance Energy Requirements for Dogs and Cats
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Feeding Practices in Small Animals
- International Cat Care: Kitten booklet
- Cornell Feline Health Center: How often should you feed your cat?