How Many Calories Should My Adult Cat Have Daily?

Cat food should have vitamins and nutrients for your cat.

Calorie Counting in Cat Food

Government regulates the use of "Complete and Balanced Diet" on pet foods.

According to Talk to the Vet, a healthy 8lb. adult cat should get 30 calories per pound per day. It can be from dry foods, canned foods, or a mixed blend of these foods.

Complete and Balanced Diet for Cats

According to Virginia-Maryland, Regional College of Veterinary Medicine adult cats have strict specific nutritional requirements. They need regular amounts of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Feeding your cat a commercially manufactured food that states "complete and balanced nutrition" is regulated by the Federal Government to be just that complete nutrition also according to the Virginia-Maryland, Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.

Bottom Line

When choosing cat food for your cat you can either look at all the calories and count each one to be sure your cat is getting the proper amount or look for a commercial food that states "complete and balanced nutrition" and know it has been regulated by the Federal Government to be a balance diet for your cat.

References

• Talk to the Vet;Adult Cat Feeding Guide
• Virginia-Maryland, Regional College of Veterinary Medicine;Nutrition for the Adult Cat

Resources

• Pet Education; Copper Requirements in Cats
• Cat Watch;How Often Should You Feed Your Cat?;March 29, 2006;Karen Commings