1. What is MER for Cats?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) is the estimated number of calories a cat needs per day to maintain its current weight, accounting for its activity level and life stage. It's calculated by multiplying the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) by an activity factor.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formulas:

Where:

• \( RER \) — Resting Energy Requirement (kcal/day)
• \( MER \) — Maintenance Energy Requirement (kcal/day)
• \( Activity\ Factor \) — Multiplier based on life stage and activity level

Activity Factors:

• 1.2 — Neutered/Spayed Adult
• 1.4 — Intact Adult
• 1.6 — Active Adult
• 2.0 — Weight Loss
• 3.0 — Kitten

3. Importance of MER Calculation

Details: Accurate MER calculation helps prevent obesity or underfeeding, ensures proper nutrition, and supports overall feline health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your cat's weight in kilograms and select the appropriate activity factor based on your cat's life stage and activity level.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use 70 × weight^0.75 for RER?
A: This formula accounts for the non-linear relationship between metabolic rate and body weight in animals.

Q2: 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 changes significantly.

Q3: What if my cat is overweight?
A: For weight loss, use the weight loss factor (2.0) and target 80% of the calculated MER, adjusting based on progress.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This is an estimate. Individual cats may need adjustments based on metabolism, health conditions, and environment.

Q5: How should I use MER for feeding?
A: Compare MER to the calorie content of your cat's food, dividing daily intake into appropriate meals.