Calculate how much food your cat needs daily based on weight, age and activity level. Get separate recommendations for wet and dry food.
Feline nutritionists use the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula: 70 multiplied by body weight in kilograms raised to the power of 0.75. This base value is then adjusted by a factor that accounts for age, activity level, and reproductive status. A typical indoor adult cat needs a factor of 1.2, while an active outdoor cat may need 1.4 to 1.6. Kittens require 2.0 to 2.5 times RER to support their rapid growth. Overweight cats being managed for weight loss are often fed at 0.8 times RER under veterinary supervision. Our calculator applies these WSAVA-endorsed formulas automatically.
Cats evolved as desert animals and have a naturally low thirst drive. This makes wet food an important tool for maintaining hydration, especially for cats prone to urinary tract issues or kidney disease. Wet food typically contains 70 to 80% moisture and provides about 80 to 100 calories per 100 grams. Dry kibble contains only 6 to 10% moisture but is calorie-dense at 300 to 400 calories per 100 grams. Many veterinarians recommend feeding a combination of both. When calculating portions, remember that wet and dry food have very different caloric densities, so equal weights do not provide equal calories. Our calculator handles this conversion for you.
The most common cat feeding error is free-feeding dry food, which can lead to obesity, especially in indoor cats with limited exercise. Obesity in cats increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and liver disease. Other mistakes include feeding dog food to cats (cats need taurine, which dog food lacks), sudden diet changes without a gradual 7 to 10 day transition, and ignoring the calorie content of treats (treats should not exceed 10% of daily calories). Measure portions with a kitchen scale rather than relying on the volume markings on food cups, as kibble density varies by brand.
Source: https://www.wsava.org/guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines
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