Cat calorie calculator

A starting estimate of daily calories from body weight and life stage. Your vet can tailor it to your cat.

For weight loss, enter the target weight your vet suggests.

Unit

How it works

The calculator uses the resting energy requirement (RER), a standard veterinary formula: 70 × body weight in kg to the power of 0.75. It then multiplies by a life-stage factor that is a common starting point: 1.2 for neutered adults, 1.4 for intact adults, 1.0 for inactive or weight-prone adults, 0.8 of target-weight RER for weight loss, and 2.5 for kittens.

Limitations

  • Individual cats can need 20% more or less than any formula predicts, so the result is a starting point.
  • Kittens' needs change quickly as they grow; recalculate often and follow your vet's advice.
  • Do not put a cat on a diet without a vet. Rapid weight loss is dangerous for cats and can cause a serious liver condition (hepatic lipidosis).
  • Pregnant or nursing cats, and cats with medical conditions, need individual veterinary plans.

Guidance on nutrition assessment: WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines.

A tabby and white cat licking its lips beside a white food bowl
Photo: Abeer Zaki / Unsplash