1. What is the Cat Weight Loss MER?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) for weight loss calculates the daily calorie needs for a cat to safely lose weight. It's based on the cat's ideal weight, not current weight, and uses a 20% reduction from normal maintenance calories.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the weight loss MER equation:

Where:

• \( ideal\_weight\_kg \) — The cat's target weight in kilograms
• 0.75 — Metabolic exponent for calculating metabolic weight
• 70 — Base calorie requirement per metabolic weight
• 0.8 — 20% reduction factor for safe weight loss

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

3. Importance of Weight Management

Details: Proper weight management is crucial for preventing obesity-related health issues in cats, including diabetes, arthritis, and urinary tract diseases.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cat's ideal weight in kilograms (1 kg = 2.2 lbs). Consult your veterinarian to determine your cat's ideal weight before starting a weight loss program.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How fast should my cat lose weight?
A: Safe weight loss is about 1-2% of body weight per week. Rapid weight loss can cause hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).

Q2: What if my cat won't eat the reduced amount?
A: Transition gradually over 7-10 days. Consider weight loss diets that are higher in fiber/protein to increase satiety.

Q3: Should I adjust calories as my cat loses weight?
A: Yes, recalculate every 2-4 weeks as weight changes to maintain appropriate calorie deficit.

Q4: Are there special weight loss cat foods?
A: Yes, veterinary weight loss diets are formulated to provide complete nutrition while reducing calories.

Q5: How much exercise should my cat get?
A: Increase activity gradually with interactive play sessions 2-3 times daily, but calorie control is most important.