How Many Calories Should a Cat Eat in a Day? "Super Useful Calculation Formula Revealed" No More Guessing with Cat Food

For effective health management of cats, accurately tracking their daily calorie intake is crucial. Overconsumption can lead to obesity and increase the risk of various diseases, while insufficient intake may result in malnutrition and adversely affect overall health. This article will guide cat owners on how to calculate their feline's ideal calorie intake.

Steps to Calculate Daily Caloric Intake

Step 1: Accurately Measure Weight:

First, you need to know your cat's weight precisely. You can use a household scale by weighing yourself with the cat and then subtracting your weight.

For accuracy, it's recommended to record the weight to one decimal place (e.g., 4.2 kg), while kittens should be noted to two decimal places (e.g., 1.15 kg).

Step 2: Calculate Resting Energy Requirement (RER):

Next, use the RER to estimate the minimum energy needs of your cat.

The formula is: RER = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75

For example, for a 4 kg cat:

1. Calculate 4^0.75: First compute 4 × 4 × 4 = 64; then take the square root twice to get approximately 2.828.
2. Multiply by 70 to find the basal metabolic rate: 2.828 × 70 ≈ 198 kcal.

Step 3: Adjust Caloric Needs Based on Lifestyle and Age:

Based on your cat's age and activity level, multiply the RER by different activity factors:

• Adult cats: RER × 1.2
• Cats prone to obesity: RER × 1.0
• Elderly cats: RER × 1.1
• Pregnant or nursing cats: RER × 2.0
• Kittens under 4 months: RER × 3.0
• Kittens aged 4-6 months: RER × 2.5
• Kittens aged 7-12 months: RER × 2.0

For instance, a moderately active adult cat weighing 4 kg would require approximately 198 × 1.2 = 238 kcal per day.

Preparing the Appropriate Amount of Food

After calculating your cat's ideal calorie intake, the next step is determining how much food to provide:

Check Packaging Labels:

Cat food packaging typically indicates calories per serving.

e.g., "〇〇 kcal/100g" or "〇〇 kcal/1 cup"

Calculate Daily Supply:

If the food states "380 kcal/1000g" and your cat needs 238 kcal:

• Calculate calories per gram: 380 ÷ 100 = 3.8 kcal/g
• Determine required weight: 238 ÷ 3.8 ≈ 63 grams

Thus, feeding approximately 63 grams daily is appropriate.

Use a Kitchen Scale:

It's advisable to use an electronic scale rather than measuring cups for accuracy. Place an empty bowl on the scale, zero it out, and then add food until reaching the target weight.

Important Considerations

• The caloric density of dry and wet foods varies; calculations should be done separately.
• Monitor your cat's appetite and weight when changing foods.
• Adjust based on individual digestive responses as needed.
• If any abnormalities are noticed, consult a veterinarian for professional advice.

By employing these precise calculation and measurement methods, cat owners can effectively manage their pet's nutritional intake, helping them maintain a healthy weight and quality of life.