Cat food calculator

What is a cat food calculator?

A cat food calculator is a useful tool for pet owners that helps determine the optimal amount of food based on your pet’s weight and activity level. This is especially important as living conditions and activity levels can vary greatly among cats.

Why is it important to calculate calorie intake correctly?

• Maintaining Ideal Weight: The correct amount of calories helps maintain health, preventing both obesity and underweight.
• Increasing Activity: Animals getting the right amount of energy are more active and playful.
• Improving Health: Balanced nutrition promotes the health of internal organs and overall well-being.
• Extending Lifespan: Proper nutrition can extend your pet’s life.

How the calculator works

The calculator calculates your cat’s daily caloric needs (RER - Resting Energy Requirement) based on weight and activity level. It’s important to note that the activity coefficient plays a key role in this calculation.

Calorie calculation formula

The formula to calculate the caloric requirement, considering the activity coefficient, is as follows:

$$\text{Caloric Requirement} = RER \times \text{Activity Coefficient}$$

Where RER is calculated as:

$$\text{RER} = 70 \times (\text{weight (lbs)} \times 0.453592)^{0.75}$$

The activity level modifies the RER as follows:

• Low activity (indoor cats who spend most of their time resting, spayed cats): $1.2$
• Active (mostly outdoor cats): $1.4$
• Pregnant: in early pregnancy — $2$, in late pregnancy — $2.5$
• Nursing: if nursing 1-2 kittens, the coefficient is $3$, if nursing more than 4 kittens — $4$

Example calculations

1. Low activity indoor cat weighing 8.8 lbs (4 kg):

   $$\text{RER} = 70 \times (8.8 \times 0.453592)^{0.75} = 70 \times 2.828 = 197.96$$

   Considering the activity coefficient for low activity:

   $$\text{Calories per day} = 197.96 \times 1.2 = 237.55$$

2. Active cat of the same weight:

   $$\text{Calories per day} = 197.96 \times 1.4 = 277.14$$

3. Pregnant cat weighing 8.8 lbs (4 kg) in late pregnancy:

   $$\text{Calories per day} = 197.96 \times 2.5 = 494.90$$

Notes

• Consider the individual characteristics of your pet when calculating.
• Regularly monitor the weight and adjust feeding according to changes in activity.
• The calculator can calculate daily caloric needs and determine the amount of food when entering the caloric content of the food.

Frequently asked questions

How do low activity and active cats differ?

Low activity cats primarily stay indoors and rest, requiring fewer calories than more active cats, who may regularly go outside, hunt, or play actively.

If the food contains 347 calories per 100 grams, what is the dry food requirement for a low activity cat weighing 11 lbs (5 kg)?

First, calculate the RER:

$$RER = 70 \times (11 \times 0.453592)^{0.75} = 70 \times 3.343 = 234.01$$

Calories with coefficient for low activity:

$$234.01 \times 1.2 = 280.812 \text{ calories per day.}$$

With a food caloric content of 347 calories per 100 grams, you need:

$$\text{Amount of food (grams)} = \frac{280.812}{3.47} = 81 \text{ g}$$

How to calculate dry food for a nursing cat weighing 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg), nursing 1-2 kittens?

Determine RER:

$$RER = 70 \times (8.4 \times 0.453592)^{0.75} = 70 \times 2.7217 = 190.67$$

With the coefficient for nursing:

$$\text{Calories per day} = 190.67 \times 3 = 572$$

Then, find the necessary amount of food considering its caloric content.

Is age considered in calculations?

Calculations focus on weight and activity. You may also consider age if there are recommendations from your veterinarian.

Is the same algorithm used for dietary recommendations for sick cats?

In cases of illness, feeding should be calculated together with a veterinarian to consider unique health needs.

How often should you feed a cat?

Feeding twice a day is generally optimal, though some owners prefer free access to food, which is acceptable for less active pets.