1. What is the MER Equation?

The MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) equation estimates daily calorie needs for cats based on weight and activity level. This formula is recommended by Purina for determining appropriate food portions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MER equation:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Cat's weight in kilograms
• \( factor \) — Activity multiplier based on life stage and condition

Explanation: The equation accounts for metabolic scaling where calorie needs don't increase linearly with weight.

3. Importance of Calorie Calculation

Details: Accurate calorie estimation helps prevent obesity (the most common nutritional disorder in cats) while ensuring adequate nutrition.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh your cat accurately, select the appropriate activity factor, and divide the daily calories into multiple meals (typically 2-4).

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 life stage changes (e.g., kitten to adult).

Q2: What if my cat needs to gain or lose weight?
A: For weight loss, reduce calories by 20% from MER. For weight gain, increase by 10-20% and monitor.

Q3: Are there exceptions to this formula?
A: Yes - very active outdoor cats, pregnant/nursing cats, or cats with certain medical conditions may need adjustments.

Q4: How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
A: Divide pounds by 2.205 to get kilograms (e.g., 10 lbs = 4.54 kg).

Q5: Should I feed exactly the MER amount?
A: MER is a starting point. Monitor your cat's body condition and adjust as needed with veterinary guidance.