Last Updated on May 5, 2025 by Cat Mad
Feeding guidelines vary by your cat’s weight, age and activity. As a general rule an adult cat typically needs roughly 40–70 kcal per kg of body weight per day, most of which can come from wet food. For example, a 4 kg adult often needs about 240–320 g of wet food daily – roughly 3–4 wet pouches (each ~85 g) per day.
Kittens (2–6 months) are growing fast and need extra calories per kg (often twice an adult’s requirement), so they eat more grams per kg in many small meals.
Seniors tend to be less active or have health issues, so monitor their weight and adjust slightly downward if they become pudgy.
The best starting point is to follow the feeding chart on the food packet and weigh your food. Then adjust up or down based on your cat’s body condition. (If they’re putting on weight, dial back a bit; if they’re too lean, add a bit – always check with your vet.)
Using a kitchen scale or cat food measuring scoops is worth it, since overfeeding (even by a little) can lead to obesity-linked problems like diabetes or arthritis. Keep fresh water available at all times, especially since wet diets increase hydration.
| Cat Weight (kg) | Approx. Wet Food per day (grams) | ≈ Number of 85g pouches |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 120–160 g | 1½–2 pouches |
| 3.0 | 160–210 g | 2–2½ pouches |
| 4.0 | 210–260 g | 2½–3 pouches |
| 5.0 | 240–320 g | 3–4 pouches |
| 6.0 | 250–360 g | 3–4+ pouches |
| 7.0 | ~280–400 g (estimate) | ~3½–4½ pouches |
(Kitten and senior needs differ – see below.)
For kittens, feed more frequently in smaller amounts. A rule of thumb is to start with about twice the kcal/kg that an adult cat needs, split into 3–4 meals per day. (For instance, a 5-week old kitten might eat about 2–3 small pouches of kitten-specific wet food daily.)
By about one year old, most cats switch to adult portions. Senior cats (7+ years) often become less active; they usually eat roughly the same portion as healthy adults of the same weight, but many vets recommend high-protein senior formulas and monitoring – lean muscle loss can occur with age. Adjust portions if they start gaining or losing too much weight.
Tip: Always check your cat’s body condition. You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat and see a waist when looking from above. If the cat’s shape changes, adjust portions right away. PDSA vets advise regular weighing:
How many pouches or sachets should my cat eat?
Most wet food comes in pouches (often 70–100 g each) or sachets/trays. A typical adult cat’s daily wet allowance (say 200–300 g) converts to roughly 2–4 pouches (assuming ~85 g each). For example, pet food guidelines might list a 4 kg cat eating around 3 pouches per day. If you feed a mix of wet and dry, reduce dry accordingly – e.g. one rule is subtract 20 g of dry kibble for every 85 g wet pouch fed.
Sachets and pouches are essentially the same thing (sometimes “sachet” means a foil pouch, “tray” is a small plastic container). Always check the weight on the pack. Most UK brands use 70–100 g portions. For instance, Whiskas pouches are ~85 g; Sheba Perfect Portions come as 28 g or 85 g meals; Lily’s Kitchen and Felix also use 85 g (or 100 g) servings. To hit your target grams, you may break a pouch into multiple meals.
Here’s a quick example breakdown (assuming 85 g pouches):
- A 3 kg adult might get about 2 pouches per day (170 g).
- A 5 kg adult might get 3–4 pouches (255–340 g).
- A 7 kg adult might need 4–5 pouches (340–425 g), adjusting for activity.
- Kittens (e.g. 2 kg) might eat 2–3 smaller pouches or partial pouches per day.
- Seniors generally follow the adult guide but monitor: if they gain weight easily, use fewer pouches or more portion control.
Always refer to the feeding instructions on the pack (they often give a range in grams or pouches per weight), then tweak as needed. And remember that every cat is an individual: some need more because they’re very active or nursing, others less.
Feeding chart by age and weight
Below is a feeding chart to guide portions by life stage and weight. Use this as a starting point and adjust for your cat’s appetite and condition.
| Weight (kg) | Kitten (up to 12 mo) | Adult (1–7 yrs) | Senior (7+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kg | ~120–160 g (kitten food)* | ~120–160 g wet (≈1½–2 pouch) | Slightly less (monitor BMI) |
| 3 kg | ~180–240 g * | 160–210 g wet (≈2–2½ pouches) | Adjust if gaining weight |
| 4 kg | ~220–300 g * | 210–260 g wet (≈2½–3 pouches) | Use adult portion, but vet-check for health issues |
| 5 kg | ~250–350 g * | 240–320 g wet (≈3–4 pouches) | May need less if very sedentary |
| 6 kg | ~280–380 g * | 250–360 g wet (≈3–4+ pouches) | Same as adult or slightly less |
| 7 kg | (rare; fully grown kitten) | ~280–400 g wet (≈3½–4½ pouches) | 250–350 g (weight watcher) |
*Kitten estimates assume active growth (up to 6–8 months).
Always split kitten meals (4 meals/day for 2–3 month olds, 2–3 meals/day by 6–12 months).
Senior cats with weight loss or medical issues may need special diets – discuss with your vet.
Pro tip: Keep a feeding diary for a week: note how much (in grams) your cat actually eats, along with treats. If weight creeps up, cut back a bit. If weight drops, add a bit more. Cats can quickly get pudgy on just a few extra grams each meal, or skinny if meals are missed.
Top UK wet cat food brands and picks
Here are some popular wet food brands in the UK that many owners trust (no single brand is perfect for every cat – try a few!):
- Felix (Purina): Very widely available and affordable. Comes in many flavours (meat, fish) in jellies or mousses. Good for fussy eaters; tends to be lower-cost. Many UK cats love it. (Felix pouches are ~85 g.)
- Whiskas (Mars): A household name. Offers pouches, trays and cans in gravy or jelly (e.g. “Tasty Selection in Jelly”). Palatable and value-friendly, though ingredient quality is average. Whiskas pouch feeds are ~85 g.
- Sheba: A bit more premium. Known for its “Perfect Portions” range (small tray servings) and gravies. High animal protein content, so less quantity needed. According to Sheba, an average 8lb (3.6kg) cat needs about 200 calories/day. (Sheba Perfect Portions 85g trays make it easy to control ounces per meal.)
- Lily’s Kitchen: A higher-end, grain-free brand (UK-made). Uses natural ingredients (e.g. free-range chicken, organic vegetables). Often recommended by owners for quality. Lily’s pouches are also ~85 g. Premium price, but users note their cats do well on it. (In Which? surveys Lily’s scores very high among owners.)
- Applaws: Grain-free, minimal additives, very high meat content (often 70%+). Comes in cans or pouches (70g–156g). Good for cats with sensitivities; pricier than basics.
- Morrisons/Sainsbury’s own brands: Many supermarkets now offer “gourmet” or grain-free wet lines (e.g. Morrisons The Best, Sainsbury’s Delicious), often comparable to big brands. Worth checking ingredients; some are surprisingly good value for quality.
No single brand is “best” for all cats. Rotate flavours and textures to keep meals interesting – cats are naturally curious. Watch for any digestive upsets when switching foods, and transition gradually. All above brands meet AAFCO/FEDIAF standards for “complete” nutrition (especially if from a reputable source).
Brand tip: When trying a new food, slowly mix it into the old food over 7–10 days. And always offer a variety of textures (pate, chunks in gravy, etc.) – some cats get bored of the same style.
Portion control & common feeding tips
- Measure every meal. Scooping or eye-balling is risky. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups. (UK Pet Food recommends weighing food – cups have “too great” an error.)
- Feed multiple small meals. Cats in the wild eat small “mouse-sized” meals many times a day. Fresh food left out all day can spoil or get contaminated. So serve, say, 2–4 meals/day depending on your schedule.
- No free-feeding with wet food. If you free-feed dry, that’s fine. But wet food should be portioned. Leaving pouches open or too much in a bowl risks bacterial growth.
- Avoid table scraps. Even if it smells good, human food can imbalance nutrients. Onions, garlic, alcohol, chocolate, grapes/raisins etc. are toxic. Keep cat food exclusive.
- Water is essential. Some cats don’t drink much, so wet food helps hydrate them. But still always provide fresh water (UKPF suggests 1 water bowl per pet plus one extra).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Over-reliance on packaging alone. The feeding label is a guideline based on average activity. Always adjust for your cat’s lifestyle.
- Not weighing the cat. It’s easy to miss gradual weight gain. Check body shape weekly; if the waist blurs or ribs feel buried under fat, cut portions back immediately.
- Ignoring treats. Treats and table scraps count! A 15g treat can be ~30 kcal (like a quarter pouch). Factor treats into daily totals.
- Sudden diet changes. Switching foods can upset tummies. If changing food or brand, transition slowly over a week.
- Fussy feeder problems. If your cat turns up its nose, try warming wet food to room temp (enhances aroma) or mixing a bit with a favoured wet. Always check with the vet if refusal persists.
Recommended feeding schedule
- Kittens (2–6 mo): 3–4 meals per day. Use kitten-specific wet/dry food formula, high calorie.
- Adolescents (6–12 mo): 2–3 meals per day. Transition to adult food by 12mo.
- Adults (1–7 yr): 2 meals per day is typical (morning & evening), or 3 smaller if preferred.
- Seniors (7+ yr): 2 meals/day usually works, but watch for dental or health issues. Some prefer more, smaller meals if appetite is low.
Every cat is different: if yours likes grazing, split the ration into more bowls, or use slow-feeders/toy feeders. If feeding a mix of wet and dry, remember to reduce the other as noted. The key is consistency: feed around the same time each day, and measure quantities.
Conclusions & key takeaways
Feeding your cat purrfectly means balancing calories with life stage and lifestyle. As a quick checklist:
- Follow feeding guides on the pack, then adjust by weight and condition.
- Use tables (above) or ask your vet/nutritionist to tailor a plan for 2–7 kg cats. We provided one for easy printing.
- Age matters: Kittens eat more per kg and need frequent meals. Seniors usually eat less – check their lean body mass.
- Portion control: Measure wet food and adjust if your cat gains too much weight.
- Hydration: Always supply water; wet food helps cats stay hydrated.
- Top UK brand examples: Felix, Whiskas, Sheba, Lily’s Kitchen (and supermarket own brands) are popular, quality wet food choices in the UK. Variety is good, but any complete wet food will meet their needs if portioned correctly.
With this guidance and regular vet check-ups, you’ll feel confident your cat’s meals are just right. Remember – every cat is unique. Keep an eye on body shape and activity, and tweak as needed for a long, healthy, happy life with your feline friend!
FAQ
Should I free-feed wet food or leave it out all day?
No – wet food spoils if left out, and cats can’t self-limit well. Serve measured portions fresh, 2–4 times daily. Discard any uneaten wet food after an hour or so to prevent bacterial growth. If needed, refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container and serve next meal.
How do I adjust if I feed both wet and dry?
If feeding a mix, calculate the total daily calories first. Then, for each 85–100 g pouch of wet food you feed, reduce the dry kibble by ~20–30g (check the pack labels to be precise). Always ensure the combined feed does not exceed your cat’s calorie needs.
What if my cat won’t eat the recommended amount?
First, consult a vet to rule out illness. If healthy but picky, try offering food at room temperature (cold food is less aromatic), or try different textures/flavours. Make feeding time a quiet, positive experience. Using puzzle feeders can entice some cats to eat their portion bit by bit.
How do I know if my cat is overweight or underweight?
Give your cat a “rib check” weekly: you should feel ribs with a slight fat cover, but not see them. From above, a waist should be visible behind the ribs. If your cat looks round (like a football) or feels jiggly, it’s overweight; if the spine or hips stick out, it’s too skinny. Regular weight monitoring or body condition scoring (ask your vet) will guide portion tweaks.
Are there any treats or human foods that are ok?
Treats should be <10% of daily calories. Stick to cat treats or very small amounts of plain meat. Never feed chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, alcohol, or bones. Many human foods are toxic to cats. If you want to treat, use cat-safe options (tuna juice, cooked chicken bits) very sparingly.
Can I free-feed dry food and just limit wet?
You can leave a measured amount of dry food out but still measure it. If your cat self-regulates on dry, fine – but indoor cats often overeat dry, so weighing is still best. Wet food should be portioned, as noted.
What if my cat is a “grazer” and nibbles on everything all day?
Consider switching to measured meals or use an automatic feeder that dispenses small amounts. Overweight grazers often do better with meal feeding.