Petfoodia

Kitten food calculator

Kittens grow quickly and need more energy per kilogram than adult cats. Enter your kitten's current weight and re-check regularly as they grow.

How to use the calculator

  1. Weigh your kitten and enter the weight in lb or kg.
  2. Pick the age group and activity level that fit best.
  3. Enter the "kcal per cup" value from your food's label.
  4. Read the daily calories and cups, then check body condition with your vet.

Questions? See the feeding FAQ, or read common feeding mistakes.

Check your food's label for "kcal/cup". The default is only a placeholder.

Estimated daily needs

274

kcal per day

≈ 0.65 cups

per day, split across meals

Weight
1.8 kg
Resting energy (RER)
109 kcal
Multiplier
×2.5

These are estimates only — not veterinary advice.

Estimate only. Individual needs vary by up to 20–30% or more. These results are for educational purposes and are not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Monitor body condition and adjust with your vet. Read the disclaimer.

Just want a ballpark? See the cat feeding-by-weight guide for estimated calorie ranges at common adult weights.

Last updated: November 3, 2026 · How this is calculated

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How often to feed a kitten

Kittens have small stomachs and high energy needs, so split the daily amount into 3–4 small meals for young kittens, moving to 2–3 meals as they approach 12 months. Keep fresh water available at all times, and weigh your kitten regularly — portions need to grow as they do.

How the formula works

First we estimate the Resting Energy Requirement (RER): the calories your kitten burns at rest. RER = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75. Then we multiply by a life-stage factor to get the Daily Energy Requirement (DER), which accounts for activity and neuter status. Finally, DER ÷ kcal per cup gives cups per day.

Example: a 3 lb young kitten

  • Weight: 3 lb ÷ 2.20462 = 1.4 kg
  • RER: 70 × 1.40.75 ≈ 88 kcal/day
  • DER: 88 × 2.5 ≈ 220 kcal/day
  • Cups: 220 ÷ 420 kcal/cup ≈ 0.52 cups/day

Example: a 6 lb older kitten

  • Weight: 6 lb ÷ 2.20462 = 2.7 kg
  • RER: 70 × 2.70.75 ≈ 148 kcal/day
  • DER: 148 × 2.5 ≈ 370 kcal/day
  • Cups: 370 ÷ 420 kcal/cup ≈ 0.88 cups/day

These examples are estimates only. Real needs can differ by 20–30% or more. See the methodology for details.