Senior Cat Daily Calorie Requirements Chart
A senior cat daily calorie chart by body weight (6 to 18 lb) for maintenance and weight loss, using RER = 70 x kg^0.75, with example wet cans and dry cups.
Quick answer: Most indoor, neutered senior cats need roughly 180 to 280 calories (kcal) a day for maintenance, depending on weight. The calculation starts with resting energy requirement, RER = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75, then multiplies by about 1.0 to 1.2 for a neutered indoor cat. A 10-pound cat needs about 260 kcal a day. For weight loss, vets often start near 0.8 x RER and adjust by monthly weigh-ins.
Senior Cat Daily Calorie Requirements Chart
The chart below uses RER = 70 x (kg)^0.75, a typical maintenance factor of about 1.2 x RER for an indoor neutered cat, and a weight-loss starting point of about 0.8 x RER. The "example portions" columns assume an average 5.5-ounce wet can at about 165 kcal and dry food at about 375 kcal per cup. These vary by product, so always check your own label.
| Body Weight | Resting (RER) | Maintenance (~1.2x RER) | Weight Loss (~0.8x RER) | Example 5.5-oz cans/day* | Example dry cups/day* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | ~150 kcal | ~180 kcal | ~120 kcal | ~1 | ~1/2 |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | ~185 kcal | ~220 kcal | ~150 kcal | ~1 1/3 | ~3/5 |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | ~220 kcal | ~260 kcal | ~175 kcal | ~1 1/2 | ~2/3 |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | ~250 kcal | ~300 kcal | ~200 kcal | ~1 3/4 | ~4/5 |
| 14 lb (6.4 kg) | ~280 kcal | ~335 kcal | ~225 kcal | ~2 | ~9/10 |
| 16 lb (7.3 kg) | ~310 kcal | ~370 kcal | ~250 kcal | ~2 1/4 | ~1 |
| 18 lb (8.2 kg) | ~340 kcal | ~405 kcal | ~270 kcal | ~2 1/2 | ~1 1/10 |
*Example portions are based on the maintenance column and assume ~165 kcal per 5.5-oz can and ~375 kcal per cup of dry food. Real foods range widely (wet roughly 70 to 200 kcal/can, dry roughly 300 to 500 kcal/cup), so use the kcal value on your label to set the true portion.
How to Use This Chart
- Find your cat's weight and read across to the maintenance column for a starting daily calorie target.
- Check your food's label for kcal per can or per cup, then divide your cat's target by that number to get the portion.
- Weigh monthly and adjust: if your cat is gaining, trim calories; if losing unexpectedly, see your vet.
- For weight loss, feed toward the goal weight, start near the weight-loss column, and aim for slow loss of about 0.5 to 2 percent of body weight per week.
Important Context for Senior Cats
These figures are estimates for an average indoor, neutered adult cat. Individual needs vary by activity, body condition, and health. Cats in their middle years often need fewer calories and gain weight easily, while many cats over 11 to 12 need more calories because their digestion of protein and fat becomes less efficient, putting them at risk of weight and muscle loss. The RER formula (70 x kg^0.75) and maintenance factors used here are the standard approach taught in veterinary nutrition and promoted by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Any cat with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or a prescribed diet should have calories set by a veterinarian.
Related Reading
- Cat Food Calculator - Plug in your cat's weight and goal for a personalized estimate.
- Feline Body Condition Score Chart - Check whether your cat is at an ideal weight.
- Senior Cat Nutrition Guides - Diet, hydration, and feeding tips for older cats.
- Old Cat Losing Weight - When dropping weight signals a health problem.
This chart is educational and complements, but does not replace, your veterinarian, who can set precise calorie targets for your cat's health and weight goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories does a senior cat need per day?
A typical indoor, neutered senior cat needs roughly 180 to 280 calories (kcal) a day, depending on weight. The starting point is resting energy requirement, calculated as 70 times body weight in kilograms to the power of 0.75, then multiplied by an activity factor of about 1.0 to 1.2 for a neutered indoor cat. A 10-pound cat lands near 260 kcal a day for maintenance. Your vet sets the exact target for your cat.
How is a cat's resting energy requirement (RER) calculated?
Resting energy requirement (RER) is the calories a cat needs at rest, calculated as 70 times the body weight in kilograms raised to the 0.75 power. For example, a 4.5-kg (10-pound) cat has an RER of about 70 times 4.5 to the 0.75 power, which is roughly 218 kcal. Daily maintenance calories are then RER multiplied by a factor for the cat's lifestyle, typically around 1.0 to 1.2 for an indoor senior cat.
Do senior cats need more or fewer calories than younger cats?
It depends on the individual. Cats from about 7 to 11 often need slightly fewer calories as they slow down, which is why obesity peaks in middle age. But many cats over 11 to 12 actually need more calories because their ability to digest fat and protein declines, and they can start losing weight and muscle. This is why senior feeding is tailored: monitor weight and body condition and adjust, rather than relying on one fixed number.
How many cans of food a day should my senior cat eat?
It depends on the calories in the specific food, which vary widely. As a rough guide, a standard 5.5-ounce pate can holds about 150 to 200 kcal, and a 3-ounce can about 70 to 100 kcal. A 10-pound cat needing around 260 kcal a day might eat roughly one and a half 5.5-ounce cans. Always check the calorie content (kcal/can) printed on your food's label and feed to that number, then fine-tune by weight.
How do I help my senior cat lose weight safely?
Start by feeding for the target weight, not the current weight, often around 0.8 times the resting energy requirement as a starting point, then adjust based on monthly weigh-ins. Aim for slow loss of about 0.5 to 2 percent of body weight per week. Rapid weight loss in cats can trigger hepatic lipidosis, a dangerous liver condition, so never crash-diet a cat. A vet-guided plan, usually with a measured therapeutic diet, is safest.
Why does my food label show different calories than this chart?
Calorie content varies a lot between foods. Dry foods commonly run 300 to 500 kcal per cup, and wet foods range from about 70 to 200 kcal per can depending on size and recipe. This chart uses example values to show portions, but the only accurate number is the kcal printed on your specific product. Use the chart for the daily calorie target, then divide by your food's actual calories to get the portion.
Should I free-feed my senior cat?
For most senior cats, measured meals are better than leaving food out all day. Portioning to a calculated calorie target helps prevent weight gain, makes it easy to spot appetite changes early, and supports any prescribed diet. Free-feeding makes it hard to notice when a cat eats less, which can be the first sign of illness. If you have multiple cats, separate feeding also ensures each gets the right amount.
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