MER Calculator for Cats
Calculate Maintenance Energy Requirement for your cat
Weight (lbs)
Life Stage
What Is MER in Cat Nutrition?
MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) is the total daily calorie target for a cat to maintain their current body weight. It is calculated as: MER = RER x Life Stage Factor, where RER = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75.
MER is the number you use for daily feeding. It accounts for your cat’s activity level and physiological state. For more background on RER, visit our cat RER calculator.
MER vs RER vs DER
| Term | Stands For | Use |
|---|---|---|
| RER | Resting Energy Requirement | Baseline calories at rest |
| MER | Maintenance Energy Requirement | Daily feeding target |
| DER | Daily Energy Requirement | Same as MER; interchangeable |
FAQs
What is a cat’s MER per day?
For a 10 lb neutered adult cat, MER is approximately 210 kcal/day. A kitten of the same weight would need ~525 kcal/day (MER x 2.5).
How do I use MER to feed my cat?
Divide your cat’s MER by the kcal/cup or kcal/oz of their food to get the daily portion. Our food calorie calculator handles this automatically.
Conclusion
Use our cat MER calculator to get a complete breakdown of energy needs across all life stages. Combine it with our feeding schedule and weight tracker for a full nutrition system.