I learned this the messy way. I fed too much. Then too little. My cats let me know, loudly. You know what? Once I started tracking calories on the cans, it clicked. If you’d like the whole calorie-tracking saga, complete with every math step, you can skim my detailed cheat-sheet in this guide.
I’m Kayla, and I’ve fed a lot of wet food. Fancy Feast, Sheba, Friskies, Weruva, Tiki Cat, Purina Pro Plan—you name it. I’ve bought lids, scales, and a silly feeder that beeps. Some of it helped. Some of it was a pain. Here’s what I did, what I used, and how much actually kept my cats full without turning them into furry meatballs.
Meet My Test Team
- Mochi: 9 lb, small, indoor, zoomies at 11 p.m. Clean eater.
- Tank: 12 lb, big frame, indoor, steals food like it’s his job. Slow water drinker.
I keep both around a body score of 5/9. You should feel ribs with a light touch, and see a waist. If I can’t, I cut back a bit. If the hips peek out, I add. Simple, but it works.
The Calorie Trick (It Saved Me)
Most healthy indoor cats do well around 20–25 calories per pound per day (according to this cat daily calorie needs guide).
- 8 lb cat: ~160–200 calories
- 10 lb cat: ~200–250 calories
- 12 lb cat: ~240–300 calories
But cans vary a lot. I read the label for “calories per can” (kcal/can). Then I plan.
Honestly, I also keep notes in my phone. Date, brand, amount, weight check every two weeks. Nerdy? Yep. Helpful? Very.
Brand-by-Brand: What I Fed and How Much
These are things I’ve actually bought and fed, with the calories I saw on the labels I had at home. It can vary by flavor, so check yours.
Fancy Feast Classic Pate (3 oz, about 85–95 kcal per can)
- Mochi did great on 1.75 cans per day (about 160–170 kcal). She kept a steady 9 lb.
- Tank needed 2.25 cans per day (about 200–215 kcal) when he was less active.
- Pros: Easy to find, cats eat it fast, good price.
- Cons: Smells strong. The “Turkey & Giblets” gave Tank soft stool if I fed more than 2 cans a day.
Sheba Perfect Portions (2 x 1.3 oz twin pack; both sides total ~80–90 kcal)
- Perfect for tight control. One twin pack at breakfast, one at dinner, then a small topper.
- I used these for Tank while he lost a little weight without feeling hungry.
- Pros: No can. Small portions help with picky days.
- Cons: So much plastic. Pricey per ounce.
Friskies Pate 5.5 oz (about 170–190 kcal per can)
- One can fed both cats for one meal. I split it in half and added warm water.
- Tank held weight on 1 can plus a Sheba twin pack per day (about 260–280 kcal total). Too much for Mochi, so she got less.
- Pros: Big can, good value, easy to split.
- Cons: Needs a silicone lid. The “Liver & Chicken” made Tank gassy. Funny, but not cute at 3 a.m.
Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Pouches 3 oz (often 60–75 kcal per pouch)
- Lower calories but very juicy. Great for volume. Tank felt full while trimming down.
- Tank did well on 3 pouches per day (about 210 kcal) plus a little topper.
- Pros: Lots of moisture. Shiny coat. Good for weight control.
- Cons: Cost adds up. Some shreds slide off the plate (I switched to a flat, low bowl).
Speaking of cost, I once joked that if cat food prices climbed any higher I’d have to start dating someone who actually likes picking up tabs. If the idea of a mutually beneficial arrangement ever crosses your mind, you can skim this practical walkthrough on how to find a sugar baby for a frank breakdown of the etiquette, red flags, and ground rules that keep both parties happy and safe.
And if you’re more intrigued by meeting adventurous couples than formal “arrangements,” you can check out this local guide to Clayton swingers—it lists upcoming meet-ups, etiquette tips, and lets you see whether the vibe fits before you ever step out the door.
Tiki Cat After Dark 2.8 oz (usually 70–90 kcal per can)
- Mochi loved the broth. I used half a can as a topper when she was picky.
- Pros: High meat focus. Good for hydration.
- Cons: Pricey. Strong smell. I mean… chicken hearts are not shy.
Purina Pro Plan True Nature/Complete Essentials 3 oz (about 90–110 kcal)
- Tank’s coat got softer after two weeks. Less dandruff too.
- Mochi held at 2 cans per day (about 200 kcal).
- Pros: Consistent calories, easy to track, cats ate it well.
- Cons: Some flavors have a jelly layer. I mash it with a fork.
Real Schedules That Worked in My House
Note: I warm food with a splash of hot water. Not the microwave can. I use a plate or small bowl.
-
Mochi (9 lb, stable weight)
- Breakfast: 1 can Fancy Feast Classic (90 kcal)
- Dinner: 3/4 can Fancy Feast Classic (about 70 kcal)
- Total: ~160 kcal (she’s tiny and active; this held her at 9 lb)
-
Tank (12 lb, needed a small cut)
- Breakfast: 1 Sheba twin pack (about 85 kcal) + water
- Midday: 1 Weruva pouch (70 kcal)
- Dinner: 1 Sheba twin pack (about 85 kcal)
- Total: ~240 kcal (he lost half a pound in 5 weeks)
When Tank hit goal, I bumped him to ~260 kcal with an extra Weruva half pouch or a plain boiled chicken bite.
How I Knew I Got It Right
- Bowl licked clean, but not frantic for food in 15 minutes.
- Poops looked like firm tootsie rolls (sorry, but it’s true).
- Waist seen from above. Ribs felt with light touch.
- Play stayed lively. Not lazy, not wired.
If I saw loose stool, I checked fiber and fat. If I saw flakes in Tank’s coat, I added a spoon of a higher-protein can or a fish flavor twice a week. During Tank’s one brief bout of constipation, I leaned on a vet-guided sprinkle of Miralax—full details are in my honest litter-box story.
Little Tools That Helped (I’ve used these)
- Kitchen scale: I weigh leftovers. If a 3 oz can has 1 oz left, I know what they ate.
- Silicone can lids: I have three. They stack in the fridge without smell.
- Ice pack tray: I set a plate over a small ice pack if I’m gone a few hours. It keeps wet food safe.
- Microchip feeder: I tried a SureFeed at my sister’s place first, then got one. It stops Tank from stealing Mochi’s meal.
Signs You’re Feeding Too Much (or Too Little)
- Too much: Belly puff, no waist, sleepy all day, bigger poops, dull coat.
- Too little: Ribs sharp, hips show, loud begging, hair looks dry, fast weight drop.
I make changes in small steps. About 10–20 kcal per day for a week, then I check again.
Extra Tips That Kept Peace in My Kitchen
- Add warm water. It smells better and helps hydration.
- Use a flat, wide bowl. Whiskers hate deep bowls.
- Split meals. Two or three small feeds beat one giant glob.
- Store leftovers in glass, not the can. Food tastes fresher.
- New food? Mix in slow over 4–7 days. Tummies like gentle change.
On sweltering summer days, I even let the cats try a tiny lick of feline-safe frozen dessert—if you want a laugh, see how our “cat ice cream” experiment unfolded right here.
One More Thing: Kittens and Health Stuff
Kittens, pregnant cats, nursing moms, and cats with kidney, thyroid, or stomach issues need a plan from a vet. Mine helped me set Tank’s starting calories, and it kept us out of trouble. Whenever I'm unsure, I browse the free nutrition and veterinarian directory at [Pet Care Services](https://www.petcareservices