How Much to Feed a Cat Chart: A Feeding Guide for 2025

preventing nutritional deficiencies. Research from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) indicates that 59.5% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Excess weight can lead to serious health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, and liver disease (Cornell Feline Health Center).

Recent advancements in feline nutrition have improved the bioavailability of nutrients in commercial cat food by 15% since 2020 (PetMD). Additionally, modern feeding recommendations now account for seven distinct life stages, providing a more tailored approach to feeding (American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)).

This guide offers a detailed cat feeding chart and explains how to apply it based on factors such as weight, age, health conditions, and activity level.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Cat Nutrition

Cats require a high-protein diet because they are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are adapted to metabolize animal-based proteins efficiently. A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that cats consuming diets with at least 40% protein retained better muscle mass and insulin sensitivity compared to those on lower-protein diets.

Essential Nutrients for Cats

A cat's diet must provide the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health. The table below outlines key nutrients and their recommended levels (National Research Council (NRC)).

Nutrient	Function	Recommended Amount
Protein	Muscle maintenance, enzyme production	26-30% of diet
Taurine	Heart health, vision, reproduction	0.1-0.2% of diet
Vitamin A	Vision, immune function	3,333 IU/kg of diet
Omega-3 (EPA & DHA)	Skin health, anti-inflammatory benefits	0.35-0.5% of diet

Caloric Requirements for Cats

The number of calories a cat requires depends on age, weight, and activity level. On average:

1. A 10-pound adult cat requires 250-300 calories per day.
2. If feeding dry food with 300 kcal per cup, this translates to ¾ to 1 cup per day, divided into two or three meals.

Measuring portions accurately is essential. Using a digital food scale instead of measuring cups is recommended, as a packed measuring cup of dry food can contain up to 20% more calories than intended.

Age-Specific Feeding Requirements

Feeding recommendations vary based on a cat’s life stage. Modern feeding charts now incorporate age-specific guidelines to ensure optimal nutrition at each phase of life.

Kittens (0-12 Months)

1. Require two to three times more calories per pound of body weight than adult cats (American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)).
2. Should consume four to six small meals per day to support their rapid metabolism.
3. Diet should contain 30-35% protein and higher fat content to promote healthy growth and brain development (Cornell Feline Health Center).

For a detailed kitten feeding guide, refer to How Much Should You Feed a Kitten? (PetMD).

Adult Cats (1-10 Years)

1. Need approximately 20 calories per pound of body weight daily.
2. A 10-pound adult cat requires 200-250 calories per day, with adjustments based on activity level.
3. Should be fed two to three meals per day.

Senior Cats (11+ Years)

1. May require 20-30% fewer calories due to reduced activity levels.
2. Should consume easily digestible proteins to maintain muscle mass.
3. Increased moisture intake is essential for kidney health.

Weight management is critical at all life stages. A one-point increase in body condition score corresponds to approximately 10-15% weight gain, emphasizing the importance of monitoring body composition along with weight.

Cat Feeding Chart by Age and Weight

Feeding a cat the correct portion size is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, preventing malnutrition, and avoiding obesity-related health risks. Cats have different caloric needs based on age, weight, and activity level, making it important to adjust feeding amounts accordingly.

The table below provides a general feeding guide based on a cat's age, weight, and daily calorie needs, along with recommended portions for dry and wet food. These values should be adjusted based on individual metabolism, lifestyle, and dietary needs.

Age	Weight (lbs)	Calories Per Day	Dry Food (Cups/Day)*	Wet Food (Ounces/Day)*
Kitten (2-4 months)	2 - 4 lbs	160 - 220 kcal	⅛ - ¼ cup	3 - 5 oz
Kitten (4-6 months)	4 - 6 lbs	220 - 280 kcal	¼ - ⅓ cup	5 - 7 oz
Kitten (6-12 months)	6 - 8 lbs	280 - 320 kcal	⅓ - ½ cup	6 - 8 oz
Adult (1-6 years, sedentary)	8 - 10 lbs	200 - 250 kcal	⅓ - ½ cup	5 - 7 oz
Adult (1-6 years, active)	8 - 12 lbs	250 - 300 kcal	½ - ¾ cup	6 - 9 oz
Senior (7+ years, less active)	8 - 10 lbs	180 - 220 kcal	¼ - ⅓ cup	4 - 6 oz
Senior (7+ years, active)	8 - 12 lbs	220 - 280 kcal	⅓ - ½ cup	5 - 8 oz
Overweight Cat (Weight Loss Plan)	10 - 15 lbs	180 - 220 kcal	¼ - ⅓ cup	4 - 6 oz

* Values are approximate and should be adjusted based on activity level, metabolism, and specific food calorie content. Always consult a veterinarian for personalized feeding recommendations.

But first, before using the feeding chart, it is important to determine your cat's age category to find the correct portion recommendations.

How to Use the Cat Age Calculator

1. Determine Your Cat’s Age in Human Years – Use a reliable cat age calculator to estimate your cat’s life stage.
2. Identify the Correct Life Stage – Kittens (0-12 months), adults (1-6 years), and seniors (7+ years) have different caloric and nutritional needs.
3. Match Your Cat’s Age to the Feeding Chart – Once you have determined your cat’s life stage, use the table below to find the appropriate calorie and portion recommendations.

How Many Times a Day Should Cats Eat?

Feeding frequency depends on the cat’s age and lifestyle:

1. Kittens (0-6 months): 4-6 small meals per day
2. Young Cats (6-12 months): 3-4 meals per day
3. Adult Cats (1-7 years): 2-3 meals per day
4. Senior Cats (7+ years): 2 meals per day

For indoor cats prone to obesity, multiple small, measured meals throughout the day help control calorie intake.

Cats should never go more than 24 hours without food. Prolonged fasting can cause hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), a life-threatening condition. Healthy adult cats can survive 2-3 days without food, but this is dangerous. Sick, elderly, or underweight cats are at higher risk of complications within 24 hours.

Factors Influencing Feeding Amounts

The amount of food a cat requires is influenced by more than just weight. Several additional factors must be considered when determining the proper feeding amount.

Body Condition Score (BCS) and Feeding Adjustments

Modern feeding charts often include body condition scoring to refine feeding recommendations. This system categorizes cats from 1 (underweight) to 9 (obese).

1. BCS 1-3 (Underweight): Increase calorie intake by 10-20%.
2. BCS 4-5 (Ideal Weight): Maintain feeding amounts as per weight recommendations.
3. BCS 6-9 (Overweight): Decrease calorie intake by 10-15% for gradual weight loss.

A one-point increase in BCS generally corresponds to a 10-15% increase in body weight.

Activity Level and Energy Needs

A cat’s activity level plays a crucial role in determining caloric intake.

Activity Level	Adjustment to Feeding Amount
Highly Active (outdoor, playful, young)	Increase by 30-40%
Moderately Active (indoor with play sessions)	Increase by 10-20%
Sedentary (low movement, senior, indoor-only)	Decrease by 10-20%

For instance, an indoor-only cat generally requires 20-30% fewer calories than an active outdoor cat.

Neutered vs. Intact Cats

Spayed or neutered cats experience hormonal changes that lower their metabolic rate. Studies indicate that neutered cats require 20-30% fewer calories than intact cats.

1. Neutered males may need adjustments in protein intake to maintain muscle mass.
2. Intact males may require 10% more protein due to higher testosterone levels influencing muscle development.

Environmental Temperature

The environment also influences a cat’s caloric needs.

1. Cold climates may increase caloric requirements by 2-5% per degree below the thermoneutral range.
2. Hot climates may reduce energy needs as cats become less active.

A study in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that indoor cats have an average daily energy requirement of 75.8 kcal/kg, significantly lower than many previous recommendations.

Stress and Its Impact on Feeding

Stress can alter a cat’s metabolism, increasing energy needs by up to 25% in some cases. Stress-induced changes in feeding behavior should be considered, especially in multi-cat households or during environmental changes.

How Food Type Affects Portion Size

The type of food a cat eats significantly influences the amount they should be fed. Modern feeding charts provide specific guidelines for dry food, wet food, and mixed feeding approaches, recognizing the differences in calorie density, moisture content, and digestibility.

Comparison of Dry, Wet, and Raw Diets

Food Type	Caloric Density (kcal/g)	Moisture Content	Portion Size Considerations
Dry Food (Kibble)	3.5 - 4.5 kcal/g	5-10%	Smaller portions due to high calorie concentration
Wet Food (Canned/Pouch)	0.8 - 1.5 kcal/g	75-85%	Larger portions required to meet calorie needs
Raw Diet (Commercial or Homemade)	3.0 - 4.2 kcal/g	60-75%	Highly digestible; portioning varies based on formulation

1. Dry food is calorie-dense, meaning even a small miscalculation in portion size can lead to overfeeding.
2. Wet food has a higher water content, allowing for a larger portion size while maintaining the same calorie intake.
3. Raw diets often require individualized portioning based on fat content and digestibility.

How Health Conditions Affect a Cat’s Dietary Needs

Certain medical conditions require specific dietary adjustments. Standard feeding charts do not always account for health issues, making it essential to modify portion sizes and nutrient intake based on a cat’s condition.

Diabetes

1. Cats with diabetes may need up to 50% fewer carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar levels.
2. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are typically recommended to improve insulin sensitivity.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

1. Cats with CKD benefit from a diet containing 28-35% protein on a dry matter basis to support kidney function while preventing muscle loss.
2. Reduced phosphorus intake is essential, as studies in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery indicate that phosphorus restriction slows disease progression.

Hyperthyroidism

1. Hyperthyroid cats have an increased metabolic rate and may require up to 50% more calories than healthy cats of the same weight.
2. Feeding highly digestible proteins can help maintain muscle mass despite increased calorie consumption.

Urinary Tract Disease

1. Diets designed for urinary health maintain a urine pH of 6.2-6.4, reducing the risk of bladder stone formation.
2. Increased moisture intake, primarily from wet food, is recommended to promote hydration.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

1. Cats with IBD often require novel protein sources or hydrolyzed diets to minimize gastrointestinal inflammation.
2. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Key Consideration: Rapid weight loss in overweight cats can lead to hepatic lipidosis, a potentially life-threatening liver condition. To prevent this, weight reduction should occur gradually at a rate of no more than 1-2% of body weight per week under veterinary supervision.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the most prevalent health issues in cats, increasing the risk of:

1. Diabetes mellitus
2. Joint problems, including arthritis
3. Heart disease
4. Reduced lifespan

A structured feeding plan is necessary to control calorie intake and promote a healthy weight.

How to Determine if a Cat is Overweight

A cat’s weight alone does not always indicate whether they are overweight. Instead, veterinarians use the Body Condition Score (BCS) system, which ranges from 1 to 9:

BCS Score	Body Condition	Description
1-3	Underweight	Visible ribs and spine, minimal fat coverage
4-5	Ideal Weight	Ribs palpable with slight fat covering, waist visible
6-9	Overweight/Obese	Ribs not easily felt, no visible waist, excess fat deposits

The ideal BCS for a cat is 4-5, indicating a healthy weight with balanced fat distribution.

Weight Loss Strategies for Overweight Cats

To promote safe weight loss:

1. Reduce Caloric Intake by 10-15% – Gradual calorie reduction prevents metabolic slowdown.
2. Increase Protein to 40-45% of Calories – Higher protein levels preserve muscle mass during weight loss.
3. Increase Fiber Intake to 15-20% – Fiber helps cats feel full, reducing overeating.
4. Provide Measured Meals Instead of Free-Feeding – Portion control prevents overconsumption.
5. Encourage Physical Activity – Interactive toys and food puzzles promote movement.

Expected Weight Loss Rate:

A 10% calorie reduction typically results in 1-2% body weight loss per week.

Feeding Guidelines for Underweight Cats

Cats that are underweight due to illness, age, or poor nutrition require careful feeding adjustments:

1. Increase Caloric Intake Gradually – Sudden overfeeding can cause digestive upset.
2. Feed High-Quality Protein Sources – Muscle mass maintenance is critical.
3. Consider Feeding Smaller, More Frequent Meals – More meals per day can improve nutrient absorption.
4. Monitor Weight Weekly – Adjust feeding amounts based on progress.

Special Consideration for Senior Cats:

Older cats may experience muscle loss despite normal weight, requiring higher protein intake and increased meal frequency to maintain body condition.

How to Read and Use a Cat Feeding Chart

Modern cat feeding charts have evolved beyond basic weight-based recommendations. These charts now incorporate multiple factors, including activity level, body condition score, age, and metabolic differences, to provide a more tailored feeding approach.

A standard cat feeding chart typically includes:

1. Cat’s weight (in pounds or kilograms)
2. Recommended daily calorie intake
3. Food portion recommendations based on calorie density
4. Adjustments for activity level and health conditions

Sample Cat Feeding Chart by Weight

The table below provides an estimate of daily food portions based on a cat’s weight. These values should be adjusted based on individual activity levels and metabolism.

Cat Weight (lbs)	Calories Per Day	Dry Food (Cups/Day)*	Wet Food (Ounces/Day)*
5 lbs	150-180 kcal	¼ - ⅓ cup	4-5 oz
8 lbs	200-250 kcal	⅓ - ½ cup	5-6.5 oz
10 lbs	250-300 kcal	¾ - 1 cup	6-8 oz
12 lbs	280-330 kcal	¾ - 1 ⅛ cup	7-9 oz
15 lbs	320-380 kcal	1 - 1 ⅓ cup	8-10 oz

*Values are approximate and depend on calorie density of the specific food.

Adjustments:

1. Highly active cats may require up to 30% more calories.
2. Senior or less active cats may need 10-20% fewer calories.
3. Spayed or neutered cats typically require 20-30% fewer calories than intact cats.

Wet Food Feeding Guidelines

Wet food provides hydration benefits and is often preferred for weight management or urinary health. However, due to its lower calorie density, portion sizes are significantly larger than dry food.

Cat Weight (lbs)	Daily Wet Food Intake (ounces)
5 lbs	4 - 5 oz
8 lbs	5 - 6.5 oz
10 lbs	6 - 8 oz
12 lbs	7 - 9 oz
15 lbs	8 - 10 oz

Benefits of Wet Food

1. Higher moisture content supports kidney and urinary tract health.
2. Helps control caloric intake by allowing cats to eat larger volumes of food.
3. Often more palatable, which is beneficial for picky eaters.

Dry Food Portioning and Considerations

Dry food is more calorie-dense, requiring precise portioning to prevent overfeeding.

Cat Weight (lbs)	Daily Dry Food Intake (cups)
5 lbs	¼ - ⅓ cup
8 lbs	⅓ - ½ cup
10 lbs	¾ - 1 cup
12 lbs	¾ - 1 ⅛ cup
15 lbs	1 - 1 ⅓ cup

Key Considerations for Dry Food

1. Portion control is essential to avoid excessive calorie intake.
2. Free-feeding can lead to 10-20% overconsumption.
3. Hydration is crucial, as dry food lacks moisture. Providing fresh water at all times is recommended.

Both wet and dry cat food have benefits and drawbacks. The table below compares the two feeding options to help cat owners decide what works best for their cat’s needs.

Factor	Wet Cat Food	Dry Cat Food
Moisture Content	75-85%	5-10%
Caloric Density	0.8 - 1.5 kcal/g	3.5 - 4.5 kcal/g
Portion Size	Larger portions due to lower calorie density	Smaller portions due to high calorie concentration
Hydration Benefits	Helps prevent urinary issues and kidney disease	Requires additional water intake
Shelf Life	Spoils quickly after opening	Longer shelf life, convenient storage
Dental Health	No chewing benefit	Can help reduce plaque buildup
Cost	Typically more expensive	More budget-friendly
Palatability	More appealing to picky eaters	Some cats may be less interested

Best Practice: Many cat owners choose mixed feeding (a combination of wet and dry food) to balance hydration, portion control, and variety.

Read Also: What you need to know about cat food

Mixed Feeding Approaches

A combination of wet and dry food offers benefits from both diets. Many feeding charts now include guidelines for mixed feeding.

Common Feeding Ratios

1. 25% wet food calories, 75% dry food calories
2. 50% wet food calories, 50% dry food calories (for balanced hydration and calorie intake)

Transitioning to Mixed Feeding:

1. Introduce new food gradually over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset.
2. Monitor portion sizes carefully to ensure proper calorie intake.

Feeding Approach	Pros	Cons
Dry Food Only	Convenient, promotes dental health	Lower moisture content
Wet Food Only	High moisture, highly palatable	More expensive, spoils quickly
Mixed Feeding	Hydration benefits, variety	Requires careful portioning

Steps to Create a Feeding Schedule

Establishing a structured feeding routine is essential for maintaining a cat’s optimal weight and overall health.

1. Determine Daily Caloric Needs – Use a feeding chart to calculate the appropriate portion size based on weight and activity level.
2. Choose the Right Food Type – Select dry, wet, or a combination based on your cat’s preferences and health needs.
3. Establish Consistent Meal Times – Feeding at the same time daily helps regulate metabolism and reduce food-seeking behavior.
4. Measure Portions Accurately – Use a digital food scale rather than relying on measuring cups to ensure precision.
5. Monitor Weight and Adjust as Needed – Weigh your cat every 2-4 weeks to track progress and make necessary feeding adjustments.
6. Ensure Hydration – Provide fresh water at all times, especially for cats on a dry food diet.

How to Convert Calories into Portion Sizes for Cat Food

Cat food labels provide calorie content per cup (dry food) or per ounce (wet food). To determine how much to feed your cat:

1. Find the calorie content of your cat’s food (e.g., 300 kcal per cup of dry food or 25 kcal per ounce of wet food).
2. Use your cat’s weight and activity level to estimate daily caloric needs (refer to a cat feeding chart).
3. Calculate portions based on calorie content:
4. Example: A 10-pound adult cat requires 250-300 kcal/day.
5. If feeding dry food (300 kcal per cup) → ¾ to 1 cup per day.
6. If feeding wet food (25 kcal per ounce) → 10-12 ounces per day.

Measuring food accurately using a digital food scale is recommended to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.

Monitoring and Adjusting Feeding Plans

A feeding plan is not static and should be adjusted based on a cat’s weight, body condition score, and overall health.

1. Weekly Weigh-ins for Weight Management – More frequent monitoring is recommended for cats undergoing weight loss or gain.
2. Body Condition Scoring (BCS) Evaluations – Changes in BCS may indicate whether adjustments are needed in calorie intake.
3. Observing Feeding Behavior – Changes in appetite may signal underlying health issues requiring veterinary attention.

Feeding Tips for Your Cat

1. Use a digital scale to measure food accurately instead of relying on measuring cups.
2. Keep a consistent feeding schedule to prevent overeating and digestive upset.
3. Provide fresh water at all times, especially if feeding dry food.
4. Use slow feeder bowls or food puzzles to prevent rapid eating and vomiting.
5. Monitor body condition regularly and adjust portions as needed.

Conclusion

Feeding a cat the right amount of food is essential for maintaining optimal health, preventing obesity, and ensuring balanced nutrition. Modern feeding charts now account for age, weight, activity level, and health conditions, allowing for a more tailored approach to portioning meals.

Key takeaways from this guide include:

1. A 10-pound adult cat typically requires 250-300 calories per day, with variations based on activity and metabolism.
2. Wet food provides hydration benefits, while dry food requires precise portioning to prevent overfeeding.
3. Weight management should be approached gradually to avoid health risks such as hepatic lipidosis.
4. Health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism require special dietary adjustments.
5. Mixed feeding can balance hydration and calorie intake, but portioning must be carefully managed.

By using a feeding chart tailored to your cat’s specific needs, monitoring body condition, and adjusting portions based on age, activity, and health status, cat owners can ensure their pets receive optimal nutrition for a long and healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How Much Should I Feed My Cat Per Day?

The amount of food a cat needs depends on weight, age, and activity level. On average:

1. Indoor adult cats require 20 calories per pound of body weight daily.
2. Outdoor and highly active cats may require 30-35 calories per pound.
3. Senior cats may need 10-20% fewer calories than younger adults.

Refer to a cat feeding chart for precise portion recommendations based on wet or dry food.

2. How Many Calories Should a Cat Eat Per Day?

A cat's daily caloric intake varies by weight:

Cat Weight (lbs)	Calories Per Day
5 lbs	150-180 kcal
8 lbs	200-250 kcal
10 lbs	250-300 kcal
12 lbs	280-330 kcal
15 lbs	320-380 kcal

Adjust portions based on body condition and activity level.

3. How Do I Know If My Cat Is Eating Too Much or Too Little?

Signs of overfeeding:

1. Rapid weight gain
2. Lack of visible waistline
3. Lethargy or reduced activity

Signs of underfeeding:

1. Visible ribs or spine
2. Loss of muscle mass
3. Increased begging or food-seeking behavior

A body condition score (BCS) assessment helps determine if a cat is at a healthy weight.

Read Also: Why cat is not eating?

4. How Much Wet and Dry Food Should I Feed My Cat?

For dry food only, portioning depends on calorie density (typically 300-400 kcal per cup). A 10-pound cat typically needs ¾ to 1 cup of dry food per day.

For wet food only, portioning varies based on moisture content and calorie density. A 10-pound cat requires 6-8 ounces of wet food per day.

For mixed feeding, common ratios include:

1. 50% wet food, 50% dry food (adjusted for total calorie intake)
2. 25% wet food, 75% dry food (preferred for higher hydration needs)

5. How Often Should I Feed My Cat?

Cats thrive on structured meal schedules. The ideal feeding frequency depends on age:

1. Kittens (up to 6 months) – 4 to 6 small meals per day
2. Adult cats (1-10 years) – 2 to 3 meals per day
3. Senior cats (11+ years) – 2 meals per day, adjusted for metabolism

Avoid free-feeding dry food, as it often leads to overconsumption.

6. How Can I Help My Overweight Cat Lose Weight?

Weight loss should be gradual to prevent hepatic lipidosis. Effective strategies include:

1. Reduce calorie intake by 10-15% under veterinary supervision.
2. Increase protein to 40-45% of total calories to maintain muscle mass.
3. Incorporate fiber-rich foods (15-20% of diet) to promote satiety.
4. Encourage physical activity with toys and interactive feeders.
5. Weigh your cat weekly to track progress.

A safe weight loss rate is 1-2% of body weight per week.

7. Should I Use a Cat Feeding Calculator?

A cat feeding calculator can provide a baseline estimate for calorie needs based on weight, activity level, and age. However, manual adjustments based on body condition and metabolism are still necessary.

Many veterinary websites and pet food brands offer feeding calculators, but always verify recommendations with your veterinarian.

8. How Can I Prevent My Cat From Becoming a Picky Eater?

Cats may develop food aversions if exposed to frequent diet changes. To prevent pickiness:

1. Stick to a consistent feeding routine.
2. Avoid feeding excessive treats or table scraps.
3. Gradually transition to new foods over 7-10 days.
4. Serve food at room temperature to enhance aroma and palatability.

9. What Is the Best Way to Measure Cat Food?

The most accurate method is to use a digital food scale rather than measuring cups. Dry food portions can vary significantly depending on kibble density. Measuring by weight ensures consistency and prevents overfeeding.

10. Can I Free-Feed My Cat?

Free-feeding dry food is not recommended, as it often leads to overeating and obesity. Instead, feed measured portions at set times.

If free-feeding is necessary, use a microchip-activated feeder to prevent overconsumption or food theft in multi-cat households.

11- Why Is My Cat Always Hungry?

If a cat seems constantly hungry, possible reasons include:

1. Not Getting Enough Calories – Feeding too little or using a low-calorie food.
2. High Activity Levels – Active cats may need adjusted portion sizes.
3. Medical Conditions – Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or intestinal parasites can cause excessive hunger.
4. Food Quality Issues – Low-quality food may not meet nutritional needs, leading to hunger despite eating.
5. Boredom or Stress – Some cats overeat due to anxiety or lack of stimulation.

A veterinarian can help determine if excessive hunger is diet-related or due to an underlying medical condition.

12- How Long Can Cats Go Without Food?

Cats should never go more than 24 hours without food. Prolonged fasting can cause hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), a life-threatening condition.

Healthy adult cats can survive 2-3 days without food, but this is dangerous.

Sick, elderly, or underweight cats are at higher risk of complications within 24 hours.

If a cat refuses food for more than 24 hours, consult a veterinarian immediately.