Cat Feeding & Weight Management Guide
Welcome to our guide for feeding and weight management. Food is one of the greatest expressions of love for our cats. The trouble is, they know it — and they're very good at convincing us they need more of it. Getting feeding right is one of the most important things you can do for your cat's long-term health, and it's simpler than you might think once you know what you're looking at.
Wet food, dry food, or both?
Both wet and dry food can form part of a healthy diet — and many owners use a combination of the two. The key differences are worth understanding.
Wet food has a much higher water content, which is beneficial for hydration. Cats don't have a strong natural thirst drive, so the moisture in wet food contributes meaningfully to their fluid intake. It's also often more appealing to fussy eaters and can be easier to eat for older cats or those with dental issues.
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Dry food is more calorie-dense, which means smaller portions are needed. A typical portion of dry food for an adult cat is 40–80 grams per day, depending on the calorie content of your chosen brand — always follow the guidelines on the packet. If your cat eats primarily dry food, make sure fresh water is always available — cats on dry-only diets are at higher risk of dehydration.
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Mixing both is a popular approach and works well for many cats. If you do combine them, adjust quantities accordingly so you're not accidentally doubling up on calories.
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Whatever you feed, weighing food with a digital kitchen scale rather than estimating by eye is strongly recommended — one study found owners can accidentally feed up to 80% extra food when eyeballing portions.
How often should cats be fed?
Twice a day, roughly 12 hours apart, is usually advised for adult cats. Smaller portions spread throughout the day also work well if your cat prefers grazing. Kittens need more frequent meals — four times a day when very young, reducing to three at four months and twice daily by six months.
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Avoid leaving wet food out for long periods as it spoils quickly. Dry food can be left out safely, but free-feeding dry food all day makes portion control very difficult and is one of the most common causes of weight gain in cats.
Is my cat a healthy weight?
Vets estimate that over a third of cats in the UK are overweight. The good news is that checking your cat's weight at home is straightforward once you know what to look for.
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The rib test — run your fingers gently along your cat's side. You should be able to feel the ribs fairly easily without pressing hard. If you can't feel them at all, your cat may be carrying too much weight.
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The waistline check — look at your cat from above. There should be a visible narrowing between the ribcage and the hips. A cat with no visible waist, or one who looks rounded from above, is likely overweight.
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The tuck check — viewed from the side, the belly should tuck up slightly between the chest and hips. A belly that hangs or sags suggests excess weight.
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If you're unsure, your vet can assess your cat's Body Condition Score at any routine appointment — this ranks body fat on a scale from 1 (underweight) to 9 (obese), with an ideal score of 5. A score of 6 or higher suggests weight management is needed.
Why weight matters
Being overweight isn't just about appearance. Overweight cats are at significantly higher risk of developing joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and bladder stones. Studies also show that obesity reduces life expectancy in cats.
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Middle-aged cats, neutered cats and primarily indoor cats are most at risk of becoming overweight — so if your cat fits any of those descriptions, it's worth keeping a closer eye on their weight and adjusting portions as needed.
Helping your cat lose weight
If your cat needs to lose weight, the most important thing is to do it very gradually. Never drastically reduce your cat's food all at once — this can cause your cat to become very unwell. In cats specifically, rapid weight loss can trigger hepatic lipidosis — a serious and potentially fatal liver condition. Weight loss should always be slow, steady and ideally guided by your vet.
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Your vet may recommend a specialist weight management diet, and encouraging more exercise through play and puzzle feeders can also make a real difference. Scatter feeding — hiding portions of food around the house — is another great way to get your cat moving while also satisfying their natural hunting instincts.
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If you have multiple cats and one is overweight, feed them separately to make sure the cat who needs less food isn't also finishing everyone else's bowl.
A note on treats
Treats absolutely have their place — they're wonderful for bonding, training and enrichment. But they add up quickly. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. Factor them in rather than adding them on top of meals, especially if your cat is watching their weight.