Calculate Your Kitten's Calorie Needs
Your Kitten's Calorie Results
RER
0
kcal/day (Resting Energy)
MER
0
kcal/day (Daily Needs)
Per Meal
0
kcal per meal
Calorie Comparison by MER Factor
Detailed Breakdown
| Calculation | Value | Formula | Notes |
|---|
How We Calculate Kitten Calories
Our kitten calorie calculator uses scientifically validated veterinary formulas to estimate your kitten's daily energy requirements. The calculation is based on RER (Resting Energy Requirement) and MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) values, which represent the energy needs for basic metabolism and growth.
Primary Formula - RER
The foundation of our calculation is the RER formula:
RER (kcal/day) = 70 × (Weight in kg)0.75
For very small kittens, we also calculate the linear alternative for comparison:
RER (kcal/day) = 30 × Weight in kg + 70
Growth Adjustment - MER
Growing kittens need more energy than adult cats. We multiply RER by an appropriate MER factor:
MER (kcal/day) = RER × MER Factor
Typical MER factors for kittens:
- 2.0× RER - Older kittens (4+ months)
- 2.5× RER - General kitten growth (recommended)
- 3.0× RER - Very young kittens (0-4 months)
Example Calculation
For a 1.5 kg kitten using the 2.5× MER factor:
- RER: 70 × (1.5)0.75 ≈ 70 × 1.355 ≈ 95 kcal/day
- MER: 95 × 2.5 = 238 kcal/day
- With 3 meals per day: 238 ÷ 3 ≈ 79 kcal per meal
Important Disclaimer
Use these calculations as an informational basis only. Individual kitten needs vary based on breed, metabolism, health status, and other factors. These estimates should not be used for medical purposes or as the sole basis for feeding decisions. Always consult with a veterinarian for personalized feeding advice and regular health check-ups for your kitten.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this kitten calorie estimate?
Estimates are approximate — based on standard RER and MER multipliers. Individual needs can vary; consult a veterinarian for personalised feeding plans.
Which formula do you use for RER?
Default: RER = 70 × (weight_kg)0.75. The app also displays the linear alternative RER = 30 × weight_kg + 70 for reference.
What MER factor should I pick for my kitten?
Common guidance: young kittens often need ~2.5×RER (some sources use 3×RER for very young growth phases). The app shows ranges and suggests veterinary consultation.
Can I convert calories to grams of food?
Yes — enter the food energy density (kcal per 100 g or per cup) and the app will compute grams/serving and number of grams per meal.
Is this a medical or legal tool?
No. Use these calculations as an informational baseline only; consult a veterinarian for medical or legal decisions.