1. What is MER for Cats?

The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) is the amount of calories a cat needs daily to maintain its current weight, accounting for its activity level and life stage. It's calculated from the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) multiplied 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)
• \( Weight \) — Cat's body weight in kilograms
• \( Activity Factor \) — Multiplier based on life stage and activity level

Activity Factors:

• 1.2 — Neutered adult cat
• 1.4 — Intact adult cat
• 1.6 — Active or working cat
• 2.0 — Kitten (0-4 months)
• 1.8 — Kitten (4-12 months)

3. Importance of MER Calculation

Details: Accurate MER calculation helps prevent obesity or underfeeding, ensures proper nutrition, and supports overall feline health. It's essential for weight management programs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh your cat accurately in kilograms. Select the appropriate activity factor based on your cat's life stage and activity level. For overweight cats, use ideal body weight rather than current weight.

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 are significant changes in activity level or life stage.

Q2: What if my cat is overweight or underweight?
A: For weight loss, feed 80% of MER for ideal weight. For weight gain, feed 120-130% of MER for current weight.

Q3: Are there exceptions to these calculations?
A: Yes, very active cats (like outdoor working cats) or those with certain medical conditions may need adjustments. Consult your veterinarian.

Q4: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a good starting point, but individual needs may vary by ±20%. Monitor your cat's weight and adjust as needed.

Q5: Should I feed exactly the MER amount?
A: MER is an estimate. Start with this amount, then adjust based on your cat's body condition score and weight trends.