Should I feed my cat wet food every day?

Many cats can eat wet food daily, but it's not the only option. Some wet foods are labeled as 'complete and balanced' for your cat's life stage, and wet food can also add moisture to your cat's diet. If you have questions about what's best for your cat, ask your veterinarian. However, be aware of cost and convenience because wet food doesn’t last as long as dry food after it’s opened. Many cat owners feed a combination of wet and dry foods to get the health benefits of the wet and the more budget-friendly and schedule-friendly benefits of the dry.

Does my cat need to have meat and/or fish products in their diet?

Yes. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat or fish to thrive. They aren’t able to synthesize nutrients that come from plants. So, they rely on animal products to provide them with all of the nutrients they need.

Why does my cat only lick the gravy and leave the meat?

Your cat may have a texture sensitivity and shy away from pieces of meat. Try a few different kinds of cat food to see if a different texture appeals to them. A good bet is offering a smoother, pate version of wet cat food.

How Much Wet Food to Feed a Cat? | Feeding Chart by Weight

Reviewed by Dena Bley, RVT

How much wet food your cat needs depends on several different things, starting with their size.

Let’s say your cat is small, maybe 7 pounds. They would typically need an estimated 169 to195 calories of wet food per day. But if your cat is 9 pounds and medium-sized, they’d need an estimated 208 to 239 calories. And a larger 11-pound cat? An estimated 244 to 280 calories each day.

This is only the beginning! Other factors come into play as well, like age, activity level, and the health of your cat.

In this guide. We’ll explain how much wet food to feed your cat based on their individual needs. We want to help you understand if you’re on the right track so you can keep your cat in tip-top shape!

Key Takeaways

Small cats (about 7 pounds) typically need an estimated amount of 169 and 195 calories of wet food per day. Medium-sized cats (about 9 pounds) need an estimated amount of 208 and 239. Large cats (10 or more pounds) need about 244 to 280 calories each day.
Kittens eat double the calories per pound as adult cats, while senior cats may not eat as much as average adult cats.
More active cats will likely need to eat more.
Your cat’s metabolism drops after they’re spayed or neutered, so you’ll need to adjust portions.

Wet Food Feeding Chart

Size of cat	Weight	Avg calories (kcals)
Small cat	7lbs	169 - 195
Medium cat	9lbs	208 - 239
Large cat	11lbs	244 - 280

Factors That Affect How Much Wet Food Your Cat Needs

Age and Life Stage

The foundation of your cat’s calorie needs is based on their age and life stage. Let’s take a look at each stage in more detail.

Kittens

Because they’re still growing and developing, kittens need about twice the number of calories per pound as adult cats, divided over three to four smaller meals throughout the day.

Adults

Most adult cats typically do well with two meals a day, the total daily calories ranging from 169 to 280, depending on their size and how active they are.

Senior Cats

Senior cats’ dietary needs vary depending on how they’re aging. If their activity level decreases, their daily caloric intake should decrease. But if their bodies begin to lose the ability to absorb nutrients, you should give them more.

Older cats are less predictable in their caloric needs, so it’s important to keep an eye on their weight. You may need to adjust from more to less, or vice versa, depending on their health and lifestyle changes. It’s also important to talk to your veterinarian about feeding your older cat.

Activity Level

Your cat’s activity level matters when you’re determining how much to feed them. A cat who prioritizes sleep above all else (think: eyes closed 18 hours a day!) needs less food than one who’s on the prowl all the time.

That said, it’s not always easy to determine what your cat needs based on their energy output. A good rule of thumb? Extra-active cats need 20-30% more calories than an average cat, while sedentary cats need 10-15% less.

Spay and Neuter Status

After a spay or neuter procedure, some cats may gain weight more easily. Follow your veterinarian’s post-procedure instructions and monitor your cat’s body condition over time. If you notice weight changes, ask your veterinarian whether feeding adjustments are appropriate.

Health Conditions

If your cat has been diagnosed with a health condition, their diet and feeding plan may need to be tailored by a veterinarian. Examples can include:

Diabetes
Kidney disease
Hyperthyroidism
Digestive challenges

For cats with medical conditions or prescription diets, speak with your veterinarian about the best portion sizes and feeding plan for your cat.

Why Wet Food Works Well for Cats

Gray cat eating wet food out of turquoise dish

A fascinating fact about the ancestors of domestic cats: these wild felines met almost all of their hydration needs from the moisture in their prey. So, cats never really developed a strong thirst drive.

This is why many cats don’t drink enough water. It’s also why wet food is such a great choice! It's about 75% water, so it addresses cats’ hydration needs.

Hydration Benefits

Hydration plays an important role in overall wellness, and many cats consume additional moisture when they eat wet food. If you have questions about your cat's hydration or urinary health, your veterinarian is the best resource.

Other Benefits

Wet food is beneficial in other ways, too. It tends to be higher than dry food in protein and lower in carbohydrates. More protein is important for cats because they’re obligate carnivores, meaning they’re built to thrive off meat. (Remember their wild ancestors?)

Mixing Wet and Dry Food

If you feed your cat a combination of wet and dry food, you’re in good company! Many cat owners choose to feed both, either wet at one feeding and dry at another, or a mix of both at every meal.

Whatever method you use to mix wet and dry food, remember to adjust the amount of each to meet your cat’s caloric needs. And don’t be fooled! Dry food is calorie-dense, so it may not look like enough. But it is!

Tips for Storing Wet Cat Food

At Room Temperature

Wet cat food can be kept at room temperature for one to two hours, but after that, it should be discarded because it dries quickly and can grow bacteria.

In the Fridge

You can refrigerate open wet food for up to three to four days. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid made for pet food. Just remember to let the food warm up before offering it to your cat. They prefer their food to be room temperature.

That said, SHEBA® wet cat food, once opened, need to be covered and refrigerated in a sealed plastic or ceramic container and used within 48 hours, not three or four days.

SHEBA® wet food products are naturally preserved with heat, and once opened, the fat begins to break down and can spoil after 48 hours. Our formulators recommend adding a thin layer of water to the top of the can prior to refrigeration to keep the food moist. Any food left out at room temperature should be discarded after 2 hours."

Portion Control

If your cat eats less than a full can, try smaller can sizes or pouches. It’s better than refrigerating the remainder because the food will be fresher, and you'll waste less of it. But if your cat is more of a grazer, you may want to go with kibble.

Signs You're Feeding the Right Amount

Even if you’re following a feeding chart for your cat’s daily calories and nutrients, try to pay attention to their weight. Your feline friend may have different needs than an average cat, or their needs may change.

Please note that the following guidance is for general reference only. Consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and personalized feeding guidance.

Here’s what to look for.

Weight

Can you feel your cat’s ribs when you press lightly on them? This is a sign of a healthy weight. Or look at your cat from above. You won’t see their ribs, but you should be able to see their waist. And your cat’s belly shouldn’t sag or swing when they walk.

Appearance

Your cat may be eating too much food if you can see a belly pouch but not a waist (again, when you look from above). You may also have trouble feeling their ribs because of a layer of fat covering them.

On the flip side, if you can see your cat’s ribs and even spine without pressing, they’re underfed. Their waist may be dramatically visible from above, and their coat may be dull. Your cat may also constantly beg and seem to have a food obsession.

Activity Level

If your cat’s weight isn't where it needs to be (either too high or too low), they may have less energy than normal and even lose interest in activities they usually love.

How to Monitor

If you notice a change in your cat’s appearance or behavior, record their weight every few weeks. (A kitchen scale is a convenient tool if your cat is small.)

Take note of your cat gaining or losing weight. A change in either direction is worth your attention. If you’re worried about your cat’s weight or don’t know how much to feed them, ask your veterinarian for their help.

Make Mealtime Count!

Gray cat sitting on top of a cat tree in a living room

Not all calories are created equally. So, while it’s important to know how much wet food to give your cat, you also need to know what’s in it. Your cat will thrive if they get the right nutrients and quality protein!

Start with the brand's recommended serving size and make changes gradually if needed. If you're trying to manage weight or have feeding questions, your veterinarian can help you choose an approach that fits your cat.

Look for wet food with a protein source as its first ingredient. SHEBA® Wet Food fits the bill, so you can feel confident your cat is getting what they need to be healthy and strong!

Contributor

Dena Bley is a registered veterinary technician with 25 years of experience and Sr. Expert Advice Team member. She began her career as a researcher at P&G before joining the Pet Health and Wellness Team at Mars 2014. With deep roots in Ohio, Dena brings over a decade of research experience and a passion for animal care, complemented by her hands-on work with a variety of animals on her family’s small farm.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

All Questions How much wet food to feed a cat

Should I feed my cat wet food every day?

Many cats can eat wet food daily, but it's not the only option. Some wet foods are labeled as 'complete and balanced' for your cat's life stage, and wet food can also add moisture to your cat's diet. If you have questions about what's best for your cat, ask your veterinarian.

However, be aware of cost and convenience because wet food doesn’t last as long as dry food after it’s opened. Many cat owners feed a combination of wet and dry foods to get the health benefits of the wet and the more budget-friendly and schedule-friendly benefits of the dry.
Does my cat need to have meat and/or fish products in their diet?

Yes. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat or fish to thrive. They aren’t able to synthesize nutrients that come from plants. So, they rely on animal products to provide them with all of the nutrients they need.
Why does my cat only lick the gravy and leave the meat?

Your cat may have a texture sensitivity and shy away from pieces of meat. Try a few different kinds of cat food to see if a different texture appeals to them. A good bet is offering a smoother, pate version of wet cat food.

How Much Wet Food to Feed a Cat? | Feeding Chart by Weight

Key Takeaways

Wet Food Feeding Chart

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