See if your cat’s current weight is roughly within a typical range for their frame and age.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your cat's longevity and quality of life. Over 50% of cats in developed countries are overweight or obese, leading to serious health problems and shortened lifespans.
Unlike dogs, cats have less variation in body size across breeds, but frame size still matters. A healthy Maine Coon will weigh much more than a healthy Siamese.
Examples: Siamese, Oriental, Cornish Rex, many domestic shorthairs
Slender build with fine bones and lean muscle. Even small weight gains are significant.
Examples: American Shorthair, Abyssinian, most mixed-breed cats
Average build with moderate bone structure.
Examples: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat, British Shorthair
Large bones, substantial muscle mass. These breeds are naturally bigger—don't mistake healthy size for overweight.
Weight alone doesn't tell the whole story. Learn to assess your cat's BCS:
Large breeds like Maine Coons may continue growing until age 3-4.
Cats that stop eating or lose weight too quickly can develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), which is life-threatening. Never crash-diet a cat. If your cat stops eating for 24-48 hours, see your vet immediately.
Check their body condition: You should easily feel ribs with light fat covering, see a waist from above, and see a slight abdominal tuck from the side. If ribs are hard to feel, there's no waist, or the belly hangs down, your cat is likely overweight.
A "primordial pouch" (loose skin on the lower belly) is normal in many cats, especially after weight loss or spaying. However, if the pouch is filled with fat, sways heavily when walking, or the cat shows other signs of overweight, it may indicate obesity.
Obese cats are 4× more likely to develop diabetes, and many require lifelong insulin. Excess weight also causes arthritis, urinary problems, liver disease, and skin issues from inability to groom. Obese cats live significantly shorter lives.
Yes, but carefully. Cats should never lose weight too quickly—rapid weight loss causes fatal liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). Work with your vet for a safe weight-loss plan. Never reduce food by more than 20%, and monitor weight weekly.
Monthly for cats maintaining weight; weekly for cats on weight-loss programs or with medical conditions. Use the same scale at the same time of day. A baby scale or kitchen scale works well for accurate measurements.
Some cats are naturally food-motivated, but excessive hunger can indicate medical issues (diabetes, hyperthyroidism, parasites). If your cat seems constantly hungry despite adequate food, see your vet. Puzzle feeders can also help cats feel more satisfied.