How Much to Feed a Shorthair Cat by Age and Weight
Just how much food does your shorthaired cat really need? It’s not just a matter of choosing the right brand — it’s recognizing the proper portion for an animal’s size, age and daily routine. Whether you have an energetic kitten, a passive-adult kitty, or a tender senior, feeding mistakes can find their way into your cat’s diet and affect their well-being over time – particularly for the loafer who is less active and more likely to pack on the pounds, or an indoor cat who may be more susceptible to weight gain.
That’s where we come in. Here’s a helpful guide from the Meow Care Hub on just how much to feed a cat according to weight and age, including portion charts, smart feeding tips and vet-approved advice to help your shorthaired cat stay lean, fit and in high spirits—no matter what stage in life.
Why the Right Portion Size Matters
If you have a shorthaired cat, you might think feeding them according to the label on the cat food bag will do the trick. This isn’t the case, as a lot of cat parents, whether it is due to overestimating their cat’s calorie needs or feeding too little, make the mistake of overfeeding their cats. Portioning food correctly is equally important as surgical operations because over or under feeding damages the cat’s wellbeing. Finding the right balance will allow you to maintain a shorthaired cat in perfect shape.
- Keeps weight in check – Prevents both undernourishment and obesity
- Reduces risk of chronic illness – Such as diabetes, joint problems, liver diseases
- Supports natural energy – Helps your cat be in his playful and active mood
- Protects vital organs – Regular nutrition can reduce the burden on kidneys, liver, and heart.
Proper portion sizes are one of the most fundamental and impactful things you can do for your cat’s health.
How Much to Feed a Shorthair Cat – Chart by Age & Weight
This table provides an estimate based on average indoor shorthair cats. Always adjust based on activity level, breed size, and veterinary recommendations.
| Life Stage | Weight Range | Calories/Day | Dry Food Portion (cups/day) | Wet Food Portion (oz/day) |
| Kitten (6 weeks–5 months) | 0.7–5.5 lbs | 200–400 kcal | ¼ – 1 cup | 3 – 6 oz |
| Kitten (6–12 months) | 5.5–8.5 lbs | 250–450 kcal | ½ – 1 cup | 5 – 8 oz |
| Adult (1–7 years) | 8–12 lbs | 200–300 kcal | ½ – ¾ cup | 4 – 6 oz |
| Senior (7+ years) | 8–12 lbs | 180–220 kcal | ⅓ – ⅔ cup | 3.5 – 5 oz |
Note: Spayed or neutered cats and indoor cats may need slightly fewer calories than intact or highly active cats.
What Affects How Much to Feed Your Cat?
One size does not fit all when it comes to feeding your short haired cat. The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions – to maximize the shelf life of dry cat food, please see our dry cat food section for storage instructions. The ideal amount will depend on the size of your cat and its age and activity level.
- Age – Kittens have smaller stomachs and require meals more frequently, while seniors fare well on less and high-quality proteins.
- Weight – Fatter cats need more calories, but it’s a careful balance because too much food can easily make them obese.
- Neuter Status – Neutered cats have lower energy requirements and are more likely to gain weight easily.
- Activity Level – Couch potato? Adventure seeker? A cat’s lifestyle plays a big role in their daily calorie needs.
- Food Type – Wet food is water dense and less calorie dense than dried kibble, which means that your portions may need to adjust depending on what you are serving.
These factors help better understand how you can find the right feeding regime for your cat by adapting their plan to help them maintain a happy life and healthy weight.
Feeding Guidelines by Life Stage
| Life Stage | Nutritional Needs | Feeding Frequency | Key Considerations |
| Kittens (0–12 mo) | High-calorie, nutrient-rich; DHA for brain and eye development | 3–4 small meals per day | Choose kitten-specific formulas; support rapid growth |
| Adults (1–7 yrs) | Balanced maintenance diet; moderate calories | 2 meals per day | Monitor body condition; adjust portions as needed |
| Seniors (7+ yrs) | Slightly reduced calories; high-quality protein; joint and kidney support | Smaller, more frequent meals | Look for senior-specific formulas; support digestion and heart health |
Smart Feeding Tips for Shorthaired Cats
- Measure meals precisely: To prevent accidental overfeeding, weigh it out or measure out in a kitchen scale or a cup.
- Stick to a schedule: Do not leave food out throughout the day but have regular sitting times of meals as this will help in digesting and maintaining weight.
- Track their weight: You should check the weight of your cat once a month to detect slight changes at an early stage.
- Hydration is essential: It is always necessary to give fresh water (even when a lot of dry food is consumed).
- Watch their shape, not just weight: Adopt the habit of regularly measuring your cat Body Condition Score (BCS) and make sure it is lean and healthy.
What If My Cat Is Always Hungry?
Persistent begging may not be a sign that your cat needs more food; it may simply be habit or boredom.
- Behavioral vs. Real Hunger
Cats often equate mealtime with attention. Even if they’re not losing weight, it could be a set-schedule request. - What You Can Do
- Stick to regular feeding times
- Use puzzle or slow feeders
- Limit treats and table scraps
- Keep them mentally stimulated
- When to See a Vet
If your cat is eating more and losing weight, drinking too much, or acting strangely, get him to your vet — its symptoms could be suggestive of problems like hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
Recommended Food Brands for Balanced Feeding
| Brand | Best For | Why It’s Recommended | Buying Link |
| Royal Canin Indoor Adult | Adult shorthairs | Calorie-controlled, hairball-reducing | Link |
| Hill’s Science Diet Kitten | Growing kittens | High in DHA and protein | Link |
| Wellness Complete Health Senior | Older cats | Joint and heart support | Link |
| Blue Buffalo Weight Control | Overweight adults | L-carnitine for weight management | Link |
| FirstMate Chicken with Blueberries | All life stages | Single-protein, grain-free, easy on digestion | Link |
Final Thoughts: Feed with Purpose, Fuel with Love
Proper feeding your shorthair cat is a chore is more like a mark of devotion at every stage of life. Be it a lively kitten, engaged adult, or comfortable elderly cat, the right portions, high-grade food, and consistency go a long way.
Balanced nutrition leads to happier and a more cat and less dog like attitude.
Get a tailored diet plan or for more diet-specific details, check out the resource bank at Meow Care Hub. It is the one stop shop for cat wellness, supporting your furry friend from bowl to tail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How much dry food should I feed my shorthaired cat per day?
A: Adult shorthaired cats typically need ½ to ¾ cup of dry food per day, depending on weight and calorie density.
Q2. How many calories should my cat eat daily?
A: Most adult cats need 20–30 calories per pound of body weight daily. For a 10 lb cat, that’s around 200–300 kcal/day.
Q3. Should I feed my cat more if they are active?
A: Yes, active or outdoor cats may need extra calories. Consult your vet to make safe adjustments.
Q4. Can I mix wet and dry food?
A: Absolutely! Just ensure the total calories from both add up to your cat’s daily needs.
Q5. How do I know if I’m feeding too much?
A: Monitor your cat’s body shape—if you can’t feel the ribs easily or see a waistline, they may be overweight. Use a feeding chart and adjust gradually.
