MasterTool

Cat Food Calculator

Estimate resting and daily energy needs and food portions from a life-stage multiplier.

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What this tool does

Estimate resting and daily energy needs and food portions from a life-stage multiplier. Use vet-selected multipliers for growth, weight change or illness; treat allowance must be deducted.

How to use the Cat Food Calculator

  1. Enter or select animal weight in lb.
  2. Enter or select der life-stage multiplier.
  3. Enter or select food energy (kcal per cup).
  4. Read the calculated result; change any measurement to compare alternatives.

Formula

RER=70×weight(kg)^0.75; DER=RER×factor; cups/day=DER/kcalPerCup
weight
Animal weight (lb, before metric conversion)
factor
DER life-stage multiplier
kcal
Food energy (kcal per cup)

Use vet-selected multipliers for growth, weight change or illness; treat allowance must be deducted.

Worked example

For cat food calculator, the following measurements illustrate the exact method: Animal weight: 10; DER life-stage multiplier: 1.2; Food energy (kcal per cup): 400.

Inputs

  • Animal weight10 lb
  • DER life-stage multiplier1.2
  • Food energy (kcal per cup)400

Result

  • Daily food (cups)0.65
  • Resting energy requirement (kcal)217.57
  • Daily energy requirement (kcal)261.08

Results explained

Daily food (cups)
Daily food (cups) from the formula above. Use vet-selected multipliers for growth, weight change or illness; treat allowance must be deducted.
Resting energy requirement (kcal)
Resting energy requirement (kcal) from the formula above. Use vet-selected multipliers for growth, weight change or illness; treat allowance must be deducted.
Daily energy requirement (kcal)
Daily energy requirement (kcal) from the formula above. Use vet-selected multipliers for growth, weight change or illness; treat allowance must be deducted.

Frequently asked questions

RER=70×weight(kg)^0.75; DER=RER×factor; cups/day=DER/kcalPerCup

No. Individual animals differ. Consult your veterinarian before changing feeding or treatment, and seek immediate veterinary care for poisoning concerns.

Use vet-selected multipliers for growth, weight change or illness; treat allowance must be deducted.

Use current measured weight, actual food or product label values, and the dates or water readings requested. Check units before entering any value.

Verify if the animal is ill, pregnant, growing unusually, or on a special diet. Aquarium chemistry changes should be measured gradually and checked against product instructions.