A simple guide on how to tell if your cat is underweight, overweight or their ideal weight
With our fluffy friends covered in lovely soft fur, it can be difficult to tell if the body underneath is a healthy size, or if they’ve been piling on or shedding too many pounds.
According to the Cats Protection CATS (Cats and Their Stats) 2023 report, 32% of owners identify their cat as overweight, an increase from 30% in 2022. Meanwhile 27% of owners think their cat is an ideal weight and 37% worry that their cat is underweight.
These figures are owner-reported. Vet-reported figures for cat obesity are around 11.6% but obesity may be under-reported in vet practices.
So how do you tell if your cat is a healthy weight? The best thing to do is take them to a vet who can examine them and give you an accurate assessment of their health.
But it’s also a good idea to track your cat’s weight at home between vet visits. You can then spot any big changes in their size early.
How much should my cat weigh?
The average weight for a cat is approximately 4kg (9lb) but this can vary depending on many factors. Your vet will be able to tell you what weight is healthy for your cat.
Weighing your cat at home can be tricky, as they may not be willing to stand still on the scales. The best method is to stand on the scales yourself while you’re holding your cat or place your cat in a carrier on the scales. You can then subtract your weight or the weight of the carrier from the reading to get your cat’s weight.
How do I tell if my cat is underweight?
If your cat is 10% under their ideal weight then they are considered underweight.
If your cat is underweight:
- you will be able to easily see and feel their ribs and spine, especially if they have short fur
- their waist will very obviously tuck in behind their ribs when you look at them from above
- their belly will clearly tuck up behind their ribs when you look at them from the side
- their hip bones and the bones on the top of their lower back will be visible
How do I tell if my cat is overweight?
If your cat is 10% over their ideal weight then they are considered overweight. If they are more than 20% over their ideal weight then they are obese.
If your cat is overweight:
- they will have no obvious waist and their belly may bulge out from behind their ribs
- their belly will be rounded and may even have a ‘pad’ of fat that sags down
- it will be difficult, and maybe even impossible, to feel their ribs beneath their fur, due to fat covering them
- their backbone may be covered with a layer of fat and so cannot be felt or seen
If your cat is obese or severely obese, they will have fat on their legs and face. They will also have thicker fat over their ribs and spine, and a distended/saggy belly.
How do I tell if my cat is the correct weight?
If your cat is their ideal weight:
- their waist should tuck in slightly behind their ribs when you look at them from above
- their belly should be tucked up slightly behind their ribs when you look at them from the side
- you should be able to feel your cat’s ribs easily as there is minimal fat cover
- you should be able to feel their backbone under a thin covering of fat, but not see it
Being overweight or underweight can lead to health problems for your cat. If you’re concerned about a change in their weight, speak to your vet for advice.
