Calculate your cat's daily calorie needs based on weight, age, activity level, and body condition
Proper nutrition is essential for your cat's health and longevity. Unlike dogs, cats are obligate carnivores with unique metabolic needs. Their calorie requirements depend on multiple factors including age, weight, activity level, and whether they're spayed or neutered.
The Resting Energy Requirement (RER) represents the calories needed for basic bodily functions, while the Daily Energy Requirement (DER) accounts for activity, growth, and other factors. Understanding these values helps prevent obesity and malnutrition in cats.
| Life Stage | Age Range | Multiplier | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitten | 0-1 year | 2.5x RER | Rapid growth, high energy needs |
| Young Adult | 1-3 years | 1.4x RER | Active, still growing |
| Adult | 3-7 years | 1.2x RER | Maintenance phase |
| Senior | 7+ years | 1.1x RER | Lower metabolism, less active |
Spayed, moderate activity, ideal weight
RER = 70 × (10^0.75) = 394 kcal/day
DER = 394 × 1.2 × 0.9 = 425 kcal/day
Feeding: 1.2 cups dry food per day (2 meals of 0.6 cups)
6 months old, high activity, healthy weight
RER = 70 × (4^0.75) = 198 kcal/day
DER = 198 × 2.5 × 1.2 = 594 kcal/day
Feeding: 1.7 cups dry food per day (4 meals of 0.43 cups)
9 years old, low activity, needs weight loss
RER = 70 × (15^0.75) = 520 kcal/day
DER = 520 × 1.1 × 0.8 × 0.8 = 366 kcal/day
Feeding: 1.0 cups dry food per day (2 meals of 0.5 cups)