🧮 Feeding Calculator
📊 Feeding by Life Stage
| Life Stage | Meals/Day | Calories/kg | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitten (0-4 months) | 4 meals | 200-250 kcal/kg | Free-feed wet food. Growing rapidly — don't restrict portions. |
| Kitten (4-12 months) | 3 meals | 100-130 kcal/kg | Transition to scheduled meals. Use kitten-specific food. |
| Junior (1-2 years) | 2-3 meals | 60-80 kcal/kg | Transitioning to adult food. Monitor weight closely. |
| Adult (3-10 years) | 2 meals | 45-65 kcal/kg | Consistent schedule. Adjust for activity level. |
| Senior (11-14 years) | 2-3 meals | 50-70 kcal/kg | May need more protein. Smaller, more frequent meals often better. |
| Super Senior (15+) | 3-4 meals | 55-75 kcal/kg | Highly digestible food. Monitor appetite closely. |
🥩 Food Types Compared
🥫 Wet Food (Canned/Pouch)
Higher moisture content (~78%) helps with hydration and urinary health. Closer to a cat's natural diet. Higher in protein. More palatable for picky eaters.
Excellent Choice🍗 High-Quality Dry Kibble
Convenient, cost-effective, and good for dental health. Look for named meat as first ingredient, minimal fillers, and at least 30% protein.
Good Choice🥘 Mixed Feeding
Best of both worlds! Combine wet food for hydration with kibble for convenience. Most vets recommend this approach for overall health.
Vet Recommended🥩 Raw Diet
Controversial among vets. Can be nutritionally complete if properly balanced. Risk of bacterial contamination. Consult your vet before starting.
Consult Vet First🏠 Homemade Diet
Requires careful formulation by a veterinary nutritionist. Easy to create deficiencies. Not recommended without professional guidance.
Professional Guidance Needed🐕 Dog Food
Cats are obligate carnivores with different nutritional needs. Dog food lacks sufficient taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A. Never feed long-term.
Not Safe for Cats⚠️ Foods Toxic to Cats
💡 Feeding Tips from Calgary Vets
Hydration Matters
Cats have a low thirst drive. A water fountain encourages drinking. Place water away from food. Wet food provides excellent hydration — especially important in Calgary's dry climate.
Transition Food Gradually
Switch foods over 7-10 days. Mix increasing amounts of new food with old food. Sudden changes cause digestive upset — vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat.
Scheduled Feeding > Free Feeding
Scheduled meals let you monitor intake, maintain healthy weight, and spot appetite changes early. Set consistent meal times — cats love routine.
Watch the Weight
Over 50% of Canadian cats are overweight. Feel your cat's ribs — you should easily feel them with light pressure. Can't feel them? Time to cut back.
Calgary Winter Tip
Indoor cats may be less active in winter and need slightly less food. Outdoor cats burn more calories in cold weather and may need 10-15% more. Adjust accordingly.
Reading Labels
Look for: named meat first ingredient, AAFCO "complete and balanced" statement, minimum 30% protein (dry matter), and no artificial colours. Ignore marketing buzzwords.
🏥 Need Personalized Nutrition Advice?
Every cat is unique. A Calgary vet can create a custom feeding plan for your cat's specific health needs.