Cat Diet Calculator
Plan the perfect diet for your cat’s weight and health goals
Current Weight (lbs)
Target Weight (lbs)
Diet Goal
Life Stage
How to Plan a Cat Diet
A successful cat diet plan starts with an accurate calorie target that reflects both current and goal weight. Cats should never be put on crash diets — rapid weight loss causes hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Safe weight loss is 0.5-1% of body weight per week.
Cat Diet by Goal
| Goal | Calorie Approach | Food Type |
|---|---|---|
| Weight loss | RER x 0.8 | High protein, low carb wet food |
| Maintenance | RER x 1.0 | Balanced wet or dry |
| Weight gain | RER x 1.2-1.4 | High calorie, calorie-dense food |
For detailed weight loss planning, use our cat weight loss calculator. For daily calorie targets, see our cat calorie calculator.
FAQs
What is the best diet for an overweight cat?
A high-protein, low-carbohydrate wet food diet combined with portion control is the gold standard for feline weight loss. Wet food’s high moisture content increases satiety per calorie. Reduce daily calories by 20% from maintenance and recheck weight every 2 weeks.
Should I put my cat on a diet without a vet?
For mild overweight (BCS 6-7), home portion control is safe. For obese cats (BCS 8-9) or cats losing weight unexpectedly, always consult your vet first. A blood test can rule out thyroid or diabetic conditions.
Conclusion
Our cat diet calculator builds a personalised calorie target around your cat’s current weight, goal, and life stage. Combine it with monthly weigh-ins via our weight calculator and our feeding schedule for a complete diet management system.