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How to calculate wet cat food calories & how much to feed my senior cat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

How do I determine # of calories for canned wet food for cats? For example, a 3oz can of Merrick says 1110 kcal/kg or 110 kcal per 3.0oz can. I have a 17 yr old cat with hyperthyroid and high blood pressure (BP). Improvement made to T4 and BP via meds. She gained weight in 1 mos, but is down to 5 LB despite feeding what I think is 1500 kcals p/day. Vet says I should increase to 1800 calories per day. In the Merrick example, how many cans would I need to feed her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 24th, 2017

Somehow this makes no sense, especially since you are mixing kcal and cal. Feed your kitty 3- 4 times a day (to be able to eat as much as necessary). Since a cat needs approximately 30cal/lb per day to maintain weight, her daily need to maintain the weight would be 150 cal. Your vet recommends 180 cal (not 1800), so she would need 1 2/3 cans of Merrick per day, ie split in 3-4 feed portions.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on May 11th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I understand your confusion. Actually kcal are the same as calories. So your 13 pound cat based on the RER calculation is supposed to eat about 250 to 300kcal per day. That means about 3 of those cans. Good luck and have a great day!

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