Hungry cats! Are they not getting enough food?

I have two young cats (18 months old) who weigh 9.5 lbs each. They are indoor only but pretty active.

I feed them twice a day, one 5.5 oz canned food each feeding (around 180 kcal/can). I was looking at the feeding guide on this site, and it sounded like this would be enough for my cats. But they are always hungry...trying to get into my food, garbage, and meow when I am in the kitchen, asking for more food. I usually play with them before bed and give them treats, but I started to feel bad about them acting so hungry, so I started giving them another half can (between the two of them) before I go to sleep.

Here is my question:

How do I know whether they are just always hungry by default or actually not getting enough food? They had a wellness exam last month, and the vet said they were in very good shape. I want to make sure they are not famished, but I don't want them to get fat/obese. I want them to be happy and healthy!

Any advice or input is appreciated

Is that 2 5.5-oz cans a day each? That should be more than enough. . .what brand/flavors do you feed them? How is their body condition?

You might try giving them, say, half a can each 4 times a day (if possible with your schedule). That might keep them more satisfied.

It's one 5.5 oz can per cat per day. I alternate between some Merrick flavors (chicken pate, Thanksgiving dinner, Cowboy Cookout) and Wellness (Turkey, Turkey and Salmon). I work during the day, so I feed them in the morning before I leave around 8AM then around 7PM after I come home. Is it not enough?

Ooh, there's a big difference in calories between some of those flavors. For instance, Cowboy Cookout has 162 calories per 5.5-oz can and Wellness Turkey has 218 calories per can (those were the only two I looked up, but if you want to find the info, it's on their websites). The usual recommendation is 20 calories per pound for an adult, spayed/neutered, indoor cat, although a young cat who's pretty active might need a bit more. So at 9.5 pounds they'd need at least 190 calories a day. So the days they get Cowboy Cookout they'd be a little low. Wellness Turkey is probably about right for them (that would be about 23 calories per pound).

I'd say that if you don't want to do a lot of calorie figuring, you could just keep doing what you're doing (giving them another half a can when they seem hungry) unless they start to get chubby.

Ahh I see. As far as I can tell, they are seem to be average weight. The girl has a tiny head, stubby short legs, and appear chubby because of flabby belly, but she's not actually fat. The boy is slender, lean, and is on a small side for a male.

I will make sure to give them at least 190 kcal as you suggested. Perhaps they are feeling more hungry on those cans with less calories. I should probably get a scale and start weighing them to make sure they are not getting fatter!

Thank you so much for your advice.