Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Much Wet Food Should a Cat Eat? Vet-Approved, Healthy Diet Advice

cat eating wet tuna food

Many cat owners are unsure how much wet food their cat should eat; however, the answer is not as clear since it will all depend on your kitten. While there are recommendations, it is important to tailor the feeding amount to the individual cat’s needs. Too little wet food can lead to malnutrition and other health problems, while too much can cause obesity.

Vets recommend that the feeding amount recommendations on the cat food should be seen as a guideline. Amounts will vary depending on the age, size, and activity level of your cat. It’s important to monitor your cat’s intake and adjust accordingly to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need.

Wet food is good for cats because it has a lot of moisture in it, which helps keep them hydrated. Just like with people, cats need a balanced diet with plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. Wet food can be a good way to make sure your cat gets all the nutrition that they require.

divider cats oct 2024

How Much Wet Food Should I Feed My Cat?

There is no single answer to this question since it depends on a variety of factors, such as the age, weight, and health of your cat, as well as the type and quality of food you are feeding them. Start by having your cat evaluated by a veterinarian. They will weigh your cat, determine your cat’s ideal weight, and determine how many calories your cat should consume every day to achieve that weight.

A calorie calculator for pets can also be helpful. Your veterinarian may recommend a prescription cat food for weight loss if your cat is severely overweight, otherwise, you can buy an over-the-counter weight control cat food. Also, check the label of your cat’s wet food where the caloric content should be stated. Assume that your veterinarian advised you to give your cat 240 calories each day. By dividing 240 by the number of calories in the wet food, you can calculate how much food you should offer your cat on a daily basis.

woman petting her cat while eating
Image Credit: Milles Studio, Shutterstock

Why Should I Calculate the Right Amount of Food to Feed My Cat?

Why is it so vital to determine the exact amount of wet cat food your cat should receive? An estimated 60% of cats in the United States are clinically overweight or obese as of 2017. Approximately 56.5 million cats are above a healthy weight, and extra weight has a negative effect on both feline quality of life and mortality. Cats that are overweight are more likely to suffer from congestive heart failure, skin problems, infectious diseases, diabetes, anesthesia and surgery complications, hepatic lipidosis (a liver condition that may be fatal), and certain types of cancer.

Should I Measure My Cat’s Wet Food?

You shouldn’t just open a can of wet food and let your cat eat until they’re full. Cats that spend the majority of their time indoors burn fewer calories, and they become bored, leading to excessive consumption of food. To prevent or reduce weight gain in cats, owners need to measure out cat food strategically. This way, the cat can be ensured to receive the correct serving size for their weight and age. By measuring the food, you can also ensure that the cat is not overeating or undereating.

divider cats oct 2024

How Much Wet Food Should a 10-Pound Cat Eat Each Day?

The recommended daily caloric intake for a 10-pound cat is approximately 250–300 calories. Depending on the age, activity level, and overall health of your cat, you may need to adjust these numbers up or down. Wet food is typically less calorie-dense than dry food, so it’s a good idea to feed your cat mostly wet food if they’re overweight. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, this general guideline will help ensure your cat is getting the nutrients they need. If you have any concerns, be sure to consult a veterinarian.

Need veterinary advice but can't get to the clinic? Catster recommends PangoVet, our online veterinary service. Talk to a vet online and get the answers and advice you need for your cat without having to leave your living room — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

Can You Mix Dry & Wet Cat Food Together?

Yes, you can mix dry and wet cat food together. Wet food contains more moisture than dry food, which can be beneficial for cats that do not drink enough water. There are pros and cons to both feeding cats dry food and wet food or a mix of the two. Some people believe that it is healthier for cats to eat mostly wet food, as it is higher in moisture content and usually lower in carbohydrates. However, others argue that dry food is better for teeth and can more easily be fed little and often. Ultimately, it is up to the individual pet owner to decide what is best for their cat.

Should I Feed My Cat Wet Food Twice a Day?

Some people advocate for feeding cats wet food twice a day in order to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need, while others believe that once a day is sufficient. Ultimately, the decision about how often to feed a cat wet food will depend on a variety of individual factors, including the cat’s age, activity level, and dietary needs. Cats usually prefer to eat multiple small meals a day.

The most important thing is to ensure that your cat is getting the right amount of nutrition, regardless of whether they are eating wet or dry food.

Devon Rex tabby cat eating wet tuna food
Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock

divider cats oct 2024

Is Two Meals a Day Enough for Cats?

This depends on the individual cat and what type of diet they are eating. In general, however, most cats do best when they are fed at least two meals per day. Cats generally prefer to snack multiple times a day keeping them feeling fuller throughout the day. It is important to monitor your cat’s weight and adjust their feeding schedule accordingly; if they start to become overweight, you may need to feed them less per day.

Some cats may need more or fewer meals depending on their age, activity level, and health status. Whatever number of meals your cat is eating, it is important to ensure that they have a balanced diet with the right mix of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Cat-eating-wet-food-from-white-bowl-on-wooden-floor
Image Credit: IMG-Stock-Studio, Shutterstock

Why Are My Cats So Hungry All the Time?

There could be a few reasons why your cats are so hungry all the time. One possibility is that they are not getting enough to eat, although this is rarely the case with today’s pampered kitties. Being underweight can be due to a variety of reasons, such as a diet that is not providing them with the nutrients they need, or an underlying medical condition that is causing them to have an increased appetite. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, can cause cats to feel excessively hungry.

Another possibility is that your cats may simply be understimulated and using food for entertainment. If your cats are indoor cats, they may not be getting enough exercise, or be bored which can lead to eating more and weight gain.

Hepper NomNom - Spill Proof Elevated Cat Bowl
  • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
  • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
  • CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

If it’s kibble, wet, or a combination of both that your cat enjoys, choosing the right cat bowl to serve it in goes far beyond presentation. Your cat's comfort is at the forefront with the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl! The unique design benefits cats in many ways - dual stainless steel bowls are shallow and wide to aid with whisker fatigue and slight elevation for proper posture. The wide catch tray ensures that all food (and water!) stays exactly where you’d expect it to be - inside the bowl! Click here to learn more.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

divider cats oct 2024

What Are the Health Benefits of Wet Food?

Cats with urinary tract problems, diabetes, or kidney disease may benefit from the high moisture content in wet food. In part, some of these health issues may be a result of cats’ evolution as desert species, which may minimize their thirst drive. Further research is needed to determine whether feeding wet food can help prevent some of these problems from arising in the first place. Wet food usually contains higher protein levels, which may be beneficial for obligate carnivores such as cats. Animals are their principal source of nutrition, and they require up to three times more protein than omnivores.

orange cat eating on an orange bowl
Image Credit: Okssi, Shutterstock

Is It OK to Feed My Cat Wet Food Only?

The appropriate diet for a cat will vary depending on the individual animal’s age, health, and lifestyle. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it depends on the preferences of the individual cat and the type of wet food that is being fed. If you intend to only feed wet food, it must be balanced and complete for maintenance of the life stage of your cat, kitten or adult.

Some cats do well on a diet that consists only of wet food, while others may need some dry food mixed in to help with dental and gastrointestinal health. If in doubt, it is important to speak with a veterinarian to get their professional recommendation on what is the best diet for your individual cat.

Should I Feed My Cat Wet Food Every Day?

Ultimately, it is up to the cat owner to decide what is best for his or her pet. Wet food has a higher water content than dry food, which can help keep your cat hydrated and healthy but is not felt to benefit dental health as much as dry food.

Which Is More Expensive, Wet Food Or Dry Food?

The price of cat food depends on a variety of factors, such as the specific type of food, the brand, and the size of the bag or can. However, in general, wet food tends to be more expensive on a calorie basis.

divider cats oct 2024

Conclusion

In conclusion, wet cat food is a great way to ensure that your cat is getting the nutrients and hydration they need. However, it’s important to feed them the right amount so they don’t become overweight. Check the pet food label to determine if it is suitable for daily feeding or only as a treat. Remember to consult your veterinarian to discuss your cat’s health and well-being.


Featured Image Credit: Svetlana Rey, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Ragdoll Kittens for Sale in Illinois: Breeders List 2025

Catster advocates for adopting before shopping, though we fully understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder. So, we encourage it to...

What Is the Difference Between Cat & Human CBD Oil? Facts & Safety Guide

With reports and testimonies soaring in, CBD is being heralded as a remedy for anxiety, nausea, depression, pain, and so much more. With...

Blue Persian Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Facts

The Blue Persian cat is a gorgeous feline. Like all Persian Cats, the Blue is a medium-sized cat with a large face and...

Long Hair Scottish Fold Cat: Info, Facts, Pictures & History

Adorable, fluffy, long-haired Scottish Fold cats have a unique look that makes them stand out. Their folded ears give them a sweet look...

More related

10 Amazing DIY Cardboard Cat Trees You Can Create at Home (With Pictures)

Cat ownership is an expensive venture, especially considering that most non-food items aren’t designed to last forever. Cat toys will get lost or...

Will Sibling Cats Mate? Vet-Reviewed Ethical Issues & Prevention Tips

Cats are one of the most popular pets around the world. With their cute and cuddly personalities, it is no wonder why people...

Why Do Cats Hiss and Growl at Strangers? Vet-Reviewed Behavior Insights

Hissing and growling are ways cats communicate how they’re feeling. Hearing your cat hiss and growl can be shocking and a bit embarrassing...

Can Cats Eat Yams? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

Yams are a big part of meals in autumn and winter. As you prepare for holiday dishes, you may be wondering if you...

Keep reading

9 Best Shampoos for Sphynx Cats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Bathing your Sphinx is probably not on your list of favorite activities, but it helps keep your cat’s skin hydrated and healthy. Without a bushy protective layer of fur, Sphinx cats are more vulnerable to skin conditions. Hundreds of shampoos...

Sphynx Kittens

Can Cats Eat Thyme? Vet-Reviewed Facts

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means the vast majority of their dietary intake should come from meat and other animal-based ingredients. However, it is not unusual for cats to also be given fruit, vegetables, and certain herbs, especially in commercial...

Can Cats Eat Thyme

Can Cats Eat Raisins? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Having a cat in your home is a never-ending adventure. One minute a kitty can be the friendliest creature in the world. The next? Well, any cat lover knows every kitty out there exhibits some degree of cattitude at some...

Can Cats Eat Raisins

Can Cats Eat Curry? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Curry is a popular dish made with various spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander. While it is enjoyed by humans all over the world, can cats eat curry too? And is it healthy for them? While most people believe that...

Can Cats Eat Curry

Can Cats Eat Turkey Bacon? Vet-Approved Risks & FAQ

Turkey and bacon are two legitimate meats in their own right, and each of these meats is popular with both humans and pets alike—even if our pets shouldn’t be eating them. Cats are known as obligate carnivores, meaning they must...

Can Cats Eat Turkey Bacon

Can Cats Eat Cheez-Its? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Considerations

Our pets are like family members to us. They join in on quality time with the rest of the kids and adults and often become the center of attention with their hilarious antics. However, when it comes to sharing your...

Can Cats Eat Cheez-Its

Can Cats Eat Raw Fish? Vet Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

While cats are often associated with eating fish, fish may not actually be a major part of their diets. Domestic cats descended from African wildcats, meaning their natural diets would mostly consist of small birds and mammals including small livestock...

Can Cats Eat Raw Fish

How to Tell if Your Cat Has Separation Anxiety: 8 Vet-Reviewed Signs to Look For

You may have heard about dogs having separation anxiety, but this condition can affect cats, too. If you’re wondering if cats can have separation anxiety, they can. While cats may seem more aloof than dogs and not appear to be...

man hugging a cat