1. What is MER for Cats?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) represents the daily caloric needs of an adult cat 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 equation for cats:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Cat's body weight in kilograms
• \( activity\_factor \) — Multiplier based on activity level and life stage

Explanation: The equation accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and metabolic rate, with adjustment for different activity levels.

3. Importance of MER Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your cat's weight in kilograms and select the appropriate activity factor based on your cat's lifestyle and reproductive status.

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 up to 120% of MER, adjusting based on progress.

Q3: Are there exceptions to this formula?
A: Yes, very young kittens, pregnant/lactating females, and cats with certain medical conditions may have different requirements.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good starting point, but individual variations may require adjustment based on your cat's response.

Q5: Should I feed exactly the MER amount?
A: Use MER as a guideline and adjust based on your cat's body condition score and veterinarian's recommendations.