Last updated: August 16, 2026
How much should you feed a kitten? Kittens need roughly twice the calories per pound of an adult cat. Enter your kitten's age, weight, and food type to get a daily amount in cups and cans, plus how many meals a day.
Younger kittens need more calories per pound and more frequent meals. As a quick reference:
| Kitten Weight | Daily Calories | Dry Food (approx.) | Meals/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 lbs | 120 to 180 kcal | About 1/4 cup | 4 |
| 2 to 3 lbs | 180 to 250 kcal | About 1/3 cup | 3 to 4 |
| 3 to 5 lbs | 250 to 350 kcal | About 1/3 to 1/2 cup | 3 |
| 5 to 7 lbs | 300 to 400 kcal | About 1/2 cup | 2 to 3 |
For the full feeding schedule, wet vs dry guidance, and weaning, see our kitten feeding guide. To track your kitten's calories only, use the kitten calorie calculator.
FAQs
Kittens need about twice the calories per pound of an adult cat. A rough daily guide is 120 to 180 kcal at 1 to 2 lbs, 180 to 250 kcal at 2 to 3 lbs, and 250 to 350 kcal at 3 to 5 lbs, split across several small meals. Enter your kitten's age and weight above for a personalized amount in cups and cans.
Feed 4 meals a day up to about 3 months, 3 meals a day from 3 to 6 months, and 2 to 3 meals a day from 6 to 12 months. A kitten's stomach is small, so frequent meals suit them better than one or two large portions.
It estimates your kitten's resting energy needs from their weight, then applies a growth factor based on age (higher for younger kittens). It converts that daily calorie target into an approximate amount of dry food (cups) and wet food (cans), and suggests a meal frequency. Always check your food's label, since calorie density varies by brand.
Both work as long as the food is labelled for kittens or all life stages. Wet food adds moisture and suits young kittens; dry food is calorie-dense and convenient. Many owners feed a mix. This calculator lets you choose wet, dry, or mixed and adjusts the portions accordingly.
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