1. What is the MER for Cats?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) estimates the daily calorie needs for adult cats to maintain their current weight. It accounts for the cat's weight and activity level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MER equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation accounts for the non-linear relationship between body weight and metabolic rate in cats.

3. Importance of Calorie Calculation

Details: Accurate calorie estimation helps prevent obesity or underfeeding, both of which can lead to serious health problems in cats.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh your cat accurately and select the appropriate activity level. For weight loss, reduce calories by 10-20% of 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 their activity level significantly changes.

Q2: What if my cat needs to gain or lose weight?
A: For weight loss, feed 80-90% of MER. For weight gain, feed 110-120% of MER, adjusting based on progress.

Q3: Does this work for kittens?
A: Kittens have higher energy needs. Use 2.5 times the MER for weaning kittens, decreasing to adult levels by 1 year.

Q4: What about senior cats?
A: Senior cats may need slightly fewer calories (use lower activity factor) unless they maintain high activity levels.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but individual needs vary. Monitor your cat's weight and adjust as needed.