Is My Cat Overweight?
Kitties come in all shapes and sizes, but when it comes to their health, weight matters more than many pet owners realize. Despite overweight cats looking incredibly cute, feline obesity is a growing concern, with estimates suggesting that more than half of all pet cats are overweight or obese. These extra pounds can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and even a shortened lifespan. So, what can you do about it?
Signs Your Cat Might Be Overweight
A few extra ounces on a cat might not seem like a big deal, especially if they’re still acting playful and eating well. Cats are small animals, though, and in some cases, even a pound or two of extra weight can impact their health.
While a vet can give you a definitive answer, there are several visual and physical cues you can use to help assess your cat’s shape.
Here’s what to look for:
Ribs
· Healthy: You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs with gentle pressure but not see them.
· Overweight: You must press firmly to feel the ribs or can’t feel them at all.
Waistline
· Healthy: Viewed from above, your cat should have a visible waist behind the ribs.
· Overweight: No visible waist — your cat looks more oval-shaped or round.
Tummy Tuck
· Healthy: From the side, there should be a gentle upward slope ("tuck") from chest to belly.
· Overweight: The belly hangs down with little to no upward slope.
Fat Pads
· Healthy: Small fat pads may be normal, especially near the abdomen.
· Overweight: Prominent fat deposits around the lower belly and base of the tail.
What Causes Weight Gain in Cats?
Weight gain in cats can result from a combination of factors, including overfeeding or boredom eating, lack of exercise, neutering or spaying, or medical issues like hypothyroidism or fluid retention. Regardless of what you may think, if your cat has gained significant weight in a short period of time, you should bring them to your vet to rule out anything serious.
Talk to Your Vet
If you suspect your cat is overweight, don’t panic – and do not put them on a diet without first discussing it with your vet. Cats have finicky digestive systems and if you aren’t 100% sure of what you are doing, changing their diet can be very hard on them.
Veterinarians can prescribe specialized food to help your cat lose weight in a healthy and controlled manner. Rapid weight loss in a feline can lead to serious and potentially fatal liver complications.
What You Can Do
After talking to your vet, start your cat on measured meals. Follow the recommendations given to you at the clinic and stick to them! Your cat may whine and demand more food, but you need to stay strong!
Pair your measured meals with lots of daily play. Cats need to stay active to stay healthy – especially indoor cats. Use wand toys, laser pointers, treat balls, or even short training sessions to get your cat moving at least 10–15 minutes per day.
With all your new efforts, monitor their progress gradually. Don’t look for instant results but keep track of their weight loss and aim for a slow, steady regimen.
Once you get them down to a healthy weight, be sure to maintain your routines with them so they don’t slip back into old habits. Keep in touch with your vet to make any necessary adjustments to your cat’s diet and the rest is up to them!