Cat Calorie Calculator

Just like humans, cats require a specific amount of energy, measured in calories, to maintain their health, weight, and activity levels. Feeding too little can lead to malnourishment, while feeding too much is a primary cause of feline obesity, a growing health concern. This Cat Calorie Calculator helps you estimate your cat's daily calorie needs based on their weight and life stage.

Understanding Your Cat's Energy Needs

A cat's daily calorie requirement is determined by their Resting Energy Requirement (RER), which is the energy needed for basic bodily functions like breathing, circulation, and digestion. The RER is then adjusted by a multiplier based on the cat's life stage and activity level to find their Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER), or total daily calorie needs.

The Formulas Used:

1. Resting Energy Requirement (RER):

The most common formula for calculating RER in cats and dogs is:

RER = 70 * (Body Weight in kg ^ 0.75)

This formula accounts for the fact that metabolic rate does not scale linearly with weight.

2. Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER):

The RER is multiplied by a factor to get the MER:

MER = RER * Multiplier

Our calculator uses the following widely accepted multipliers:

• Kitten (0-4 months): 2.5 x RER
• Kitten (4-12 months): 2.0 x RER
• Adult (Neutered): 1.2 x RER
• Adult (Intact): 1.4 x RER
• Weight Loss: 0.8 x RER (for ideal body weight)
• Weight Gain: 1.8 x RER (for ideal body weight)
• Senior / Inactive: 1.0 x RER

How to Use the Calculator

1. Enter your cat's current weight. If you are calculating for weight loss or gain, use their ideal target weight.
2. Select the appropriate weight unit (pounds or kilograms).
3. Choose the life stage that best describes your cat.
4. The calculator will display the estimated daily calorie needs (MER).

From Calories to Food Portions

Once you have the daily calorie target, you need to translate that into food portions. Look for the "Caloric Content" or "kcal/kg" or "kcal/cup" on your cat food's label.

Example: If your cat needs 250 kcal per day and their dry food has 400 kcal per cup, you would feed them approximately 250 / 400 = 0.625 cups, or 5/8 of a cup, per day. You would then divide this total amount into two or more meals.

Remember that treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat's total daily calorie intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this calculation exact?

No, this is an estimate. Every cat is an individual, and factors like metabolism, breed, and actual activity level can cause their needs to vary. Use this as a starting point and adjust based on your cat's body condition.

How do I know my cat's ideal weight?

Your veterinarian is the best person to determine your cat's ideal weight and body condition score (BCS). Generally, you should be able to feel their ribs easily with a light touch and see a discernible waistline when looking down from above.

My cat seems hungry all the time on this amount. What should I do?

First, ensure you are feeding a high-quality, high-protein cat food, which promotes satiety. You can also try puzzle feeders to slow down their eating or feed smaller, more frequent meals. If you're concerned, a vet visit is recommended to rule out any medical issues.