1. What is Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER)?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) represents the daily caloric needs of a healthy adult cat at rest in a thermoneutral environment, plus the energy needed for normal daily activity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MER equation:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Cat's body weight in kilograms
• \( activity\_factor \) — Adjustment for activity level (0.8-1.6)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the metabolic rate scaling with body weight (to the 0.75 power) and adjusts for different activity levels.

3. Importance of MER Calculation

Details: Accurate MER estimation is crucial for maintaining optimal body condition, preventing obesity or underweight conditions, and ensuring proper nutrition.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cat's weight in kilograms and select the appropriate activity level. For weight loss programs, typically use 80% of the calculated MER.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I recalculate my cat's MER?
A: Recalculate whenever your cat's weight changes by more than 10% or if there's a significant change in activity level.

Q2: What if my cat needs to gain or lose weight?
A: For weight loss, feed 80% of MER. For weight gain, feed 120-150% of MER, depending on the goal.

Q3: Does this apply to kittens?
A: Kittens have higher energy needs. Use the "Highly Active" factor (1.6) for growing kittens.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but individual variations exist. Monitor your cat's body condition and adjust as needed.

Q5: What about senior cats?
A: Senior cats may need slightly fewer calories. Start with the "Sedentary" factor and adjust based on body condition.