Wondering how many calories a cat needs per day to stay healthy, maintain ideal weight, or lose a few pounds? Our free cat calorie needs calculator uses proven veterinary formulas (Resting Energy Requirement – RER and Maintenance Energy Requirement – MER) to give you a personalized estimate in seconds.
Calculate Cat’s Daily Calories Needs →
Enter your cat’s details below and get instant results:
Cat Calorie Needs Calculator (RER & MER)
Quick Reference Guide
- 8 lb indoor neutered cat → ~180–220 kcal/day
- 10 lb average adult cat → ~200–280 kcal/day
- 12–15 lb active cat → ~250–350 kcal/day
Disclaimer: This is an estimate only. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet, especially for weight loss, kittens, seniors, or cats with health conditions.
Why use our cat daily calorie calculator? Overfeeding leads to obesity (affecting ~60% of cats), while underfeeding can cause energy loss or nutrient deficiencies. Get it right with science-backed math.You can also try our Cat Age calculator.
How Many Calories Does a Cat Need? Understanding the Science
Resting Energy Requirement (RER) – the baseline calories needed for basic functions (breathing, heart rate, digestion) at rest. The most accurate formula used by vets and nutritionists is:
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75