Kitten Feeding Calculator
Estimate daily calories and feeding amounts for a healthy, weaned, growing kitten using body weight and the calorie density of your kitten food.
Build your kitten's feeding estimate
Use your kitten's current weight and the metabolizable energy (kcal) printed on the food packaging. This calculator is for weaned kittens aged approximately 8 weeks to under 12 months, not bottle-feeding newborns.
Your feeding estimate
● ReadyAmounts assume all daily calories come from the food(s) entered. Count treats and other calorie sources within the daily total. Weigh food in grams for more consistent portions.
How this kitten feeding calculator works
The calculator first converts pounds to kilograms when needed. It then calculates resting energy requirement (RER) and multiplies it by a growth factor of 2.5, unless you enter a veterinarian-provided calorie target. The 2.5 factor is the healthy-kitten starting estimate published by Merck Veterinary Manual; it is not a different fixed multiplier for each age band. See the Merck reference.
Estimated daily kcal = RER × 2.5
Food grams/day = allocated daily kcal ÷ (food kcal per 100 g ÷ 100)
Food grams/meal = food grams/day ÷ meals per day
For mixed feeding, the chosen percentage splits calories between wet and dry food before converting each share into grams. Mixing the two foods' gram weights or using one shared calorie density would give misleading results.
Feeding a kitten at different ages
Under 8 weeks
This calculator is not for neonatal or bottle-feeding plans. Nursing, weaning, kitten milk replacer and feeding frequency need age-specific care. Ask a veterinarian or rescue professional for an appropriate plan.
2–3 months
Growing kittens have high energy needs. Offer a complete kitten growth diet in several small meals and monitor weight gain.
4–8 months
Continue a food formulated for growth. Reweigh regularly; portions may change quickly as the kitten grows.
9–11 months
Energy needs per kilogram often decline as growth slows. Discuss when to transition to adult food, commonly around 9–12 months, with your veterinarian.
How to find calories on kitten food packaging
Look for metabolizable energy (ME). If a label says 950 kcal/kg, enter 95 kcal per 100 g. If a 85 g pouch contains 81 kcal, enter approximately 95.3 kcal per 100 g. Do not enter calories per cup, can or pouch directly into a field asking for kcal per 100 g.
Sources & references
Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals
RER formula, 2.5 × RER kitten estimate, and limitations of formula-based energy targets.
Read reference →AAHA/AAFP — Nutrition and Weight: Kittens
Weaning, growth-stage energy variation and the importance of individual nutritional assessment.
Read reference →Merck Veterinary Manual — Kitten Care
Growth diets, multiple daily feedings and transition toward adulthood.
Read reference →WSAVA — Global Nutrition Guidelines
Individualized nutrition assessment and monitoring.
Read reference →Related MyyCat tools
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Browse MyyCat's educational calculators.
Explore tools →Learn more about caring for your growing cat
Explore MyyCat's practical cat-care resources. The calculator is educational and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my kitten per day?
It depends on current weight, growth rate and food energy density. This calculator provides a starting calorie estimate and converts it to grams using the food's actual kcal per 100 g.
Does this work for newborn kittens?
No. Newborns and kittens still reliant on milk require age-specific nursing or milk-replacer plans. Consult a veterinarian for bottle-feeding instructions.
Can I mix wet and dry kitten food?
Yes, if both foods are appropriate for growth. Select mixed feeding and enter separate kcal per 100 g values. The percentage selector allocates calories, not food weight.
Why does the calculator use 2.5 × RER?
Merck Veterinary Manual lists 2.5 × RER as a starting energy estimate for healthy kittens. Individual requirements vary, so track growth and adjust with veterinary guidance.
Should I use adult cat food?
Growing kittens generally need a complete diet labeled for growth or an appropriate all-life-stages diet until maturity. Ask your veterinarian about transition timing.