It uses the standard veterinary RER formula. But every cat is different. A Maine Coon needs more than a Singapura. Use this as a starting point, then adjust based on your cat's body condition.
No! Cut back gradually — about 10% per week. Cats are dramatic about food changes. Sudden drops lead to begging, stealing, and that judgmental stare they perfected over thousands of years.
Absolutely. Those "just one" treats add up. A single Temptation is about 2 kcal. Twenty treats = 40 kcal. That is 20% of a small cat's daily need. Either subtract from meals or switch to low-cal options.
Run your hands along their ribs. You should feel them easily, like a keyboard under a thin blanket. If you need to press hard, they are overweight. If ribs are visible, they are underweight.
Technically no — dogs have different metabolic needs. But the math is similar. We built a separate dog calculator if you need one. Cats are obligate carnivores with unique requirements.