1. What is MER for Cats?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) represents the number of calories a cat needs daily to maintain its current weight. It accounts for the cat's metabolic rate and activity level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MER formula:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Cat's weight in kilograms
• \( activity\_factor \) — Multiplier based on activity level (1.2-2.0)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and metabolic rate (using the 0.75 exponent) and adjusts for different activity levels.

3. Importance of Calorie Calculation

Details: Accurate calorie estimation helps prevent obesity (from overfeeding) or malnutrition (from underfeeding). It's essential for weight management and overall feline health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh your cat accurately. Choose the activity factor that best matches your cat's lifestyle. Remember this is an estimate - individual needs may vary by ±20%.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I recalculate my cat's MER?
A: Recalculate whenever your cat's weight changes by 10% or more, or if their activity level significantly changes.

Q2: What if my cat needs to gain or lose weight?
A: For weight loss, feed 80% of MER. For weight gain, feed 120% of MER, adjusting as needed based on progress.

Q3: Does age affect calorie needs?
A: Yes, senior cats (10+ years) may need 10-20% fewer calories due to decreased activity and metabolism.

Q4: Are there exceptions to this formula?
A: Yes, very young kittens, pregnant/lactating females, and cats with certain medical conditions need specialized calculations.

Q5: How should I adjust for wet vs dry food?
A: The MER is in calories - check your food's calorie content (kcal/cup or kcal/can) and divide accordingly.