Feeding guidelines - why they matter.
Feeding guidelines are required on pet food labels and are mandated by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), just like the ingredient list or caloric density (1).
AAFCO is an independent organization that helps guide state, federal, and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards, and laboratory guidelines. Local, state, or federal officials follow national and state laws to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies. Every complete and balanced pet food must have feeding guidelines on the label, while treats, supplements, or mixers do not require them.
As mentioned, these are guidelines based on weight and activity level, using the caloric density of the food as the foundation for calculations.
In the US, calculations are based on recommendations from the National Research Council (NRC) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).
Caloric density is determined by dividing the amount of metabolizable energy (kcal) in a specific amount of food by its weight or volume. The metabolizable energy (ME) content of food depends on the levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates present. The most accurate method is conducting a feeding study to measure ME. Still, this approach is costly and time-consuming, so most manufacturers rely on predictive values for commercial pet food.
It is essential to compare caloric density and feeding guidelines when switching between different foods or when combining multiple foods when feeding a cat.
Like feeding guidelines, manufacturers must display the food's caloric density on the label. Carefully examine the caloric density of foods, compare products, and determine how much you need to feed your cat to meet daily calorie requirements.
For example, a wet cat food product A with a caloric density of 60 kcal per 3 oz can is very different from a wet cat food product B with a caloric density of 100 kcal per 3 oz can. Most dry foods in the US contain less than 4000 kcal/kg, but values still vary, and it is essential to compare different products.
The caloric needs of your cat change with its life stage, depend on your cat's activity level, and often vary slightly with seasonal weather changes. Feeding guidelines are based on the average cat population, not YOUR specific cat. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor YOUR cat's weight and check its body condition score.
Caloric needs do not depend on a cat’s sex. Meaning, a 10lbs healthy male (BCS of 5) cat requires fewer calories compared to a 14lbs healthy female cat (BCS of 5).
Kittens:
Cats are considered kittens until they reach 12 months of age. During the first 12 months of life, they should be fed kitten food, which contains higher levels of protein compared to adult cat food, as well as higher levels of other essential nutrients for growth. Kittens generally regulate their own food intake effectively after weaning from the queen (Martin, 1986). However, it is important to note that owners often closely monitor their kittens’ food intake and feeding routines to prevent obesity. If not done correctly, this practice can lead to behavioral issues if the amount of food given is insufficient to meet their daily caloric needs for growth or if feeding times do not align with their natural feeding habits (Ligout et al., 2020)
There is little to no research available about large breeds like Maine Coons, Siberian Forest, or Norwegian Forest cats. Birth weight and growth rate differ significantly (Moik & Kienzle, 2011), which is to be expected at a much higher average weight of adult large breed cats.
Large breed kittens are considered kittens until they are 24 months old. Their adult weight can easily reach 25 lbs. or more, and they have a lot of growing to do. Compare them to large-breed dogs, such as Great Danes. Large breed cat and dog food formulas are designed to accommodate that growth spurt and balance the nutrients accordingly.
If you own a large-breed kitten, ensure you understand its specific needs and food requirements. They are quite different from a domestic kitten.
According to NRC and FEDIAF recommendations, the caloric needs for kittens up to 4 months are 2.0-2.5 times their maintenance energy requirements (MER), between 4-9 months, 1.75-2.0 times the MER. Between 9 and 12 months, it drops to 1.5 times the MER.
This means a healthy, active 9-month-old kitten may need up to 500 kcal per day.
Adult cats:
The average 10-pound adult cat needs between 200 and 300 kcal per day (WSAVA). This range is vast and depends on your cat's activity level and whether it is indoor or indoor/outdoor.
Ensure your cat is fed multiple times a day to maintain good health. The American Association of Feline Veterinarians has issued a statement on “How to Feed a Cat” (5). They strongly recommend adjusting the feeding routine to be species-specific, and that feeding a cat only twice per day does not meet their needs.
Feeding a cat only once or twice a day can cause distress. In the wild, cats hunt for 10-12 small meals daily, like what your indoor cat does. They graze at the food bowl and return multiple times a day. Cats have small stomachs, about the size of a walnut, and a very complex metabolism. Offering small, frequent meals meets their natural needs and can prevent behavioral problems.
Senior cats:
Cats are considered seniors between 10 and 12 years old. Like humans, a cat's metabolism slows down as it ages, resulting in reduced activity and a decreased need for calories compared to when it was younger. Older cats often experience a reduced sense of smell and may become more selective in their food choices. It's important to monitor their weight, body condition score, and muscle condition score. Senior cats are at risk of both obesity and weight loss.
Unlike growth or maintenance, there is no official nutrition profile for senior cats. Currently, we lack enough research data to support a different nutritional profile. A common myth is that older cats require less protein, but there is no research to support this claim. However, we know that as a cat ages, their ability to digest food decreases (Teshima et al., 2010). Therefore, it makes sense to feed a food that is highly digestible and bioavailable.
As your cat ages, watch their eating habits more closely. Changes in feeding may be caused by dental pain or hormonal disorders. If your cat is eating more than usual yet continues to lose weight, consult your veterinarian about this issue. Like humans, many older cats suffer from diabetes, pain, or hyperthyroidism.
Aging can disrupt their regular feeding routine in many ways. Ensure you're feeding enough; if you're unsure, consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Measurement of food:
Typically, in the US, food is measured in cups. However, this confuses two different units: volume and weight.
If you believe your cat is at a healthy weight, isn't overeating, and doesn't need food restrictions, using a cup measurement is fine. If your cat is overweight or even obese, I highly recommend learning to weigh out their food. This method is much more accurate and can make a big difference between a cat at an ideal weight and one that's slightly overweight.
A word about underfeeding cats and kittens:
During my consultations, I often encounter cats that exhibit behaviors such as counter surfing, biting, or aggression around food. The first step is to double-check how much you're feeding and whether the food is suitable for their life stage. If you are restricting your 8-month-old kitten to only 200 kcal per day, this might explain aggressive behavior around food or counter surfing.
To sum it up:
1. Feeding guidelines, weight, and body condition score are crucial factors to consider when determining the amount of food your cat needs. When in doubt, consult a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist.
2. If a healthy adult cat weighs 11 lbs. and needs about 300 kcal daily, you should feed three cans of Food A (which has 100 kcal per 3 oz can), but five cans of Food B (which has 60 kcal per 3 oz can).
Calculating daily food intake based on caloric density is the correct approach. Many people only compare the cost of Product A in a 3-oz can versus Product B in a 3-oz can.
3. Be careful not to underfeed kittens. Kittens require more calories than adult cats and need a proper diet suited to their developmental stage.
References:
(1) https://www.aafco.org/resources/startups/labeling-labeling-requirements/
(2) https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10668/chapter/1
(3) https://europeanpetfood.org/_/news/fediaf-publishes-2025-nutritional-guidelines-for-cats-and-dogs/
(5) https://catfriendly.com/be-a-cat-friendly-caregiver/how-to-feed-a-cat/
Citations:
Ligout, S., Si, X., Vlaeminck, H., & Lyn, S. (2020). Cats reorganise their feeding behaviours when moving from ad libitum to restricted feeding. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 22(10), 953–958. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19900387
Martin, P. (1986). An Experimental Study of Weaning in the Domestic Cat. Behaviour, 99(3–4), 221–249. https://doi.org/10.1163/156853986X00568
Moik, K., & Kienzle, E. (2011). Birth weight and postnatal growth of pure-bred kittens. British Journal of Nutrition, 106(S1), S32–S34. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114511003333
Teshima, E., Brunetto, M. A., Vasconcellos, R. S., Gonçalves, K. N. V., De-Oliveira, L. D., Valério, A. G., & Carciofi, A. C. (2010). Nutrient digestibility, but not mineral absorption, is age-dependent in cats: Mineral absorption and digestibility in young and old cats. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 94(6), e251–e258. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2009.00964.x