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How Much to Feed a Pregnant or Nursing Cat

How much does your cat need while she’s pregnant or nursing kittens? Enter her weight, the week and the number of kittens. The result is a starting point – the scale has the final say.

Question 1 of 3

Is your cat pregnant or nursing?

A starting point – the scale has the final say. Weigh her every week.

Have your vet supervise the pregnancy and birth.

The short answer

A pregnant cat needs about 140 × (weight in kg)^0.67 kcal a day throughout pregnancy (FEDIAF guidelines 2025) – unlike dogs, she needs more almost right away (Merck). Nursing, it’s 100 × kg^0.67 plus an amount based on the number of kittens and the week. Example, an 8.8 lb (4 kg) cat: pregnant, about 354 kcal, or ⅞ cup a day of dry food with 400 kcal per cup; nursing 4 kittens in week 3, about 541 kcal, or 1⅜ cups.

How we calculate: formulas and sources

How it’s calculated

Formula: From the FEDIAF guidelines 2025 (table VII-10), weight in kg. Pregnant, the whole time: 140 × kg^0.67 kcal a day. Nursing: 100 × kg^0.67 + k × kg × L. Here k is 18 for 1 to 2 kittens, 60 for 3 to 4 and 70 for 5 or more, with no upper limit; L is 0.9 in weeks 1 and 2, 1.2 in weeks 3 and 4, 1.1 in week 5, 1.0 in week 6 and 0.8 in week 7. For the amount, we divide by the calories in your food.

In context: Unlike dogs, pregnant cats need more almost right away, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, because they gain weight steadily throughout pregnancy. In the last third, they eat 25% more on average, with estimates of up to 40% above maintenance. Nursing cats need 2 to 3 times their usual amount, depending on the number of kittens. Merck names a complete kitten food, available at all times or split into several meals; supplements aren’t needed.

Limits: The FEDIAF guidelines have no formula for nursing from week 8 – then we don’t calculate, and your vet can help. The calculator covers cats from 2.3 to 22 lb (1 to 10 kg). There’s no weight loss plan during pregnancy or nursing.

Have your vet supervise the pregnancy and birth.

Questions

How much should I feed my pregnant cat?

More than usual, almost from the start: cats gain weight steadily throughout pregnancy (Merck). The FEDIAF guidelines give 140 × kg^0.67 kcal a day, about 354 kcal for an 8.8 lb (4 kg) cat. In the last third, she eats 25% more than for maintenance on average, according to Merck, with estimates of up to 40%.

How much should I feed a nursing cat?

2 to 3 times her usual amount, depending on the number of kittens (Merck), the most in weeks 3 and 4 (FEDIAF). Example: 8.8 lb (4 kg), 4 kittens, week 3 – about 541 kcal a day.

What should I feed a pregnant or nursing cat?

Merck names a complete kitten food. Pregnant and nursing cats can have it available at all times or split into several meals a day, according to Merck. Supplements on top of a complete food aren’t needed, Merck says.

My pregnant cat is eating less – is that normal?

Some cats eat less early in pregnancy and right before giving birth. According to Merck, that’s only a concern if it lasts. If it does, talk to your vet.

What about more than 4 kittens, or nursing from week 8?

For 5 or more kittens, the FEDIAF guidelines give one value with no upper limit; the calculator uses it – just pick “5 or more”. The guidelines have no formula for nursing from week 8, so we don’t calculate it then. Talk to your vet.

Sources (2)