Wet food per day by cat weight
For neutered indoor adults, using 3 oz cans at 85 kcal each:
| Cat weight | kcal/day | 3 oz cans |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lb | 155 | 1.8 |
| 7 lb | 200 | 2.4 |
| 9 lb | 241 | 2.8 |
| 10 lb | 261 | 3.1 |
| 12 lb | 299 | 3.5 |
| 14 lb | 336 | 4.0 |
Why wet food helps
Cats evolved to get most of their water from prey, and many don't drink enough from a bowl. Wet food is about 75 to 80% water, which helps prevent bladder crystals and supports the kidneys. It's also less calorie-dense, so cats feel full on fewer calories. Uneaten wet food shouldn't sit out longer than about 4 hours. Cover leftovers and refrigerate them.
Frequently asked questions
How many cans of wet food should a cat eat a day?
A 10 lb indoor cat needs about 260 kcal a day. With 3 oz cans of 85 kcal, that is about 3 cans. With 5.5 oz cans (typically 150 to 190 kcal), it is about 1½ cans.
Can I mix wet and dry cat food?
Yes, and many vets recommend it. Split the daily calories. For example, give 130 kcal as wet food and 130 kcal as dry, and work out each amount separately.