The feeding formula. And why the cat in front of you matters more.
The most common question from people starting out with raw. Here is the honest answer: there is a formula, and then there is the cat in front of you. Both matter.
Adult cats
Start at around 3% of body weight per day. For a 5kg cat, that is roughly 150g daily. It is a starting point, not a rule carved in stone.
Cats vary. Metabolism, activity level, age, and even the time of year all affect how much an individual cat needs. The number gets you in the right ballpark. After that, you feed the cat in front of you.
What you are looking for: healthy weight, good energy, normal digestion, bright eyes. If your cat is maintaining all of that, you are in the right range. If they are losing condition, increase it. If they are putting on weight, pull it back slightly. The cat tells you more than the calculator does.
How often
Not once a day, and ideally not free fed either. Aim for at least two to three meals a day, more if your schedule allows. Small, regular meals suit a cat's digestive system better than one large serving or food sitting out all day.
Morning, before work, after work, evening - whatever fits your routine. Consistency matters more than precision. Cats do better on a predictable schedule.
Kittens
Different rules entirely. Kittens need significantly more - anywhere from 5 to 10% of body weight per day depending on their growth stage - and they should be fed as much as they want, as often as they want. At minimum five times a day. Do not restrict a growing kitten.
Growth continues until around 12 months for most cats, and up to 24 months for larger breeds. Once they are fully grown, drop back to adult feeding guidelines.
The short version
3% of body weight per day for adults, split across multiple meals. Adjust based on what you actually see. Kittens get as much as they want, as often as they want, until they are fully grown.
Watch the cat. The numbers are just the starting point.