How to use the cat food cost calculator
- Enter your cat's weight and life stage.
- Enter the food's kcal per kg, the bag price and the bag size.
- Press Calculate.
Worked example
Milo, a neutered adult cat weighing 4 kg, eating a 3,800 kcal/kg food that costs US$40 for a 5 kg bag (your prices will differ).
- Weight
- 4 kg
- Life stage
- Neutered/spayed adult
- Food energy (kcal/kg on the bag)
- 3800
- Currency
- US dollar
- Price of one bag
- 40
- Bag size
- 5 kg
- Per month
- $15
- Per year
- $183
- Energy need
- 238 kcal/day
- Food per day
- 63 g
- One bag lasts
- about 80 days
Food only: treats, chews and extras are not included.
Example values are illustrative; this result is produced by the same calculator above.
How we calculate it
Sources: NRC · Merck Veterinary Manual · Pure arithmetic / unit conversion on user inputs (no external constant)
Understanding your result
The calculator works out how much energy your cat needs (resting energy 70 × weight in kg^0.75 times a life-stage factor, 1.2 for a neutered adult), turns that into grams using the kcal per kilogram on your bag, and prices those grams using the bag price and size.
A 4 kg neutered cat needs about 238 kcal a day. Fed a 3,800 kcal/kg food that is about 63 g a day, which costs about US$0.50 a day on a US$40 5 kg bag, about US$15 a month and US$183 a year.
Monthly cost uses 365 ÷ 12 days. Treats, toppers and wet food are not included unless you run the calculation for them separately.
Common mistakes
- Comparing bags by price per bag instead of price per day.
- Using the kcal per kilogram from a different product.
- Forgetting to add wet food, treats and toppers.
- Mixing units for bag size and price.
- Assuming the cost stays the same as the cat's weight changes.
Good to know
- Energy-dense foods mean fewer grams a day, so a pricier bag can cost the same per day.
- Use the Cat Food Cost Calculator together with the Pet Food Price per 1,000 kcal Calculator to compare foods.
- Ask your vet before switching foods, especially for cats with health conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to feed a cat?
It depends on the cat's size and the food's price per kilogram. This calculator uses your cat's calorie need and the bag you buy to give a daily, monthly and yearly cost.
Does it work for wet food?
Yes, if you enter the wet food's kcal per kilogram and the price and weight of the pack or case. For a mix of wet and dry run it once for each food.
Are treats included?
No. Treats and extras are not included, so add them separately.
Does the cost change as my cat's weight changes?
Yes. A heavier or more active cat needs more calories and therefore more food. Recalculate when its weight or life stage changes.
How do I compare two cat foods?
Run the calculator twice with each food's kcal per kilogram and bag price, or use the Pet Food Price per 1,000 kcal Calculator.
Can I use this for kittens?
This tool is for adult cats. Kittens need more energy per kilogram, so use the Kitten Food Calculator for the amount and price it per kilogram.
Sources
- NRC (2006) Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, National Academies Press
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals (incl. maintenance energy table)
- Pure arithmetic / unit conversion on user inputs (no external constant)
Related calculators
- Cat Calorie CalculatorWork out how many calories your cat needs each day, from its weight and life stage.
- Cat Food CalculatorWork out your cat's daily calories and how to split them between wet and dry food.
- Cost of Owning a Cat CalculatorAdd up the one-off and monthly costs of a cat to see the first-year, yearly and lifetime cost.
- Pet Food Bag Duration CalculatorFind out how many days a bag of pet food will last at the amount you feed.
Estimates only. Every pet is different — confirm with your veterinarian.