How to Tell if Your Cat is Overweight and What to Do

Identifying whether a cat is overweight or simply large can be subjective, as healthy adult cats vary in size depending on breed and build. Average weights range between 3kg and 8kg, with larger breeds like the Norwegian Forest cat or the Maine Coon often exceeding this yet being fit and healthy.

Knowing if your feline friend’s weight is within a healthy range is vital for their wellbeing and longevity. This guide explains practical ways to assess your cat's weight and safe, responsible strategies you can adopt to manage it if necessary.

How to Tell if Your Cat is Overweight

Long-term cat owners might notice subtle weight gains through daily interaction. However, it helps to look objectively at key indicators, as weight scales alone don’t always tell the full story due to natural breed differences.

• Feel the backbone: Lightly press along your cat’s spine. You should be able to feel the bones without digging through fat.
• Check the ribs: Gently run your hands along your cat’s chest and abdomen; ribs should be palpable with a thin layer of fat. If you struggle to feel ribs, your cat may be overweight.
• Observe the waist: When viewed from above, your cat should have a visible waist taper just behind the ribs between the back and hips. A rounded or absent waist suggests excess weight.
• Watch the tummy: A wobbling or sagging belly when your cat moves could indicate fat accumulation. Some female cats may naturally have a pouch after kittens, but this is different from obesity.
• Physical agility: Notice if your cat hesitates or struggles climbing stairs or jumping — decreased mobility and reluctance often correlate with overweight conditions.
• Collar fit: If your cat’s collar feels tighter or you find yourself adjusting it frequently, this could be due to weight gain.
• Coat and grooming: Overweight cats might groom less effectively, resulting in a dull or messy coat due to reduced mobility or discomfort.

Why Maintaining a Healthy Weight Matters

Carrying extra weight puts your cat at risk of serious health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint and mobility issues, arthritis, urinary tract infections, thyroid illnesses, and a lowered immune response. A healthy weight improves quality of life, energy, and lifespan.

How to Manage Your Cat’s Weight Safely

If you determine your cat is overweight, approaching this carefully and gradually is key to success and comfort.

Step 1: Consult Your Vet

Start with a veterinary check-up. Your vet can confirm your cat's ideal weight, rule out underlying health issues causing weight gain, and recommend safe weight loss plans including portion sizes and diet types.

Step 2: Adjust the Diet

Review your cat’s current food intake. Overfeeding is a common cause of weight gain. Gradually reduce portion sizes according to vet advice to avoid hunger or stress. Consider specialist weight management diets that lower calorie intake but maintain nutritional balance.
Speak to your vet before making diet changes to ensure a gradual and appropriate transition.

Step 3: Increase Physical Activity

Unlike dogs, cats usually resist being walked on leads, so encourage natural play and exercise instead. Use toys that tap into hunting instincts — laser pointers, feather wands, balls — and dedicate daily time for interactive play to stimulate movement and burning calories.

Step 4: Limit Treats and Table Scraps

Reduce or stop feeding high-calorie treats and avoid letting your cat eat human food scraps. Use low-calorie treats like dried shrimp sparingly, ideally as rewards to encourage exercise and play behaviour. Consistency helps prevent begging and scavenging.

Step 5: Prevent Unplanned Feeding by Others

Cats often develop friendships with neighbours or other homes where they may get extra food. Try to identify if your cat is being fed elsewhere and kindly ask others to stop. You may want to fit a collar with a "Do Not Feed Me" tag for clarity. For outdoor hunters, consider attaching a bell to their collar to reduce successful prey catches, balancing exercise with calorie control.

Step 6: Join a Weight Clinic

Many vets offer weight clinics or structured weight management support run by experienced veterinary nurses. These clinics provide monitoring, guidance, and motivation to help manage your cat’s weight in a safe, controlled way.

Monitoring and Long-Term Success

Regularly weigh your cat at home or during vet visits to track progress. Weight loss should be gradual, aiming for about 1% bodyweight loss per week to be safe and effective. Adjust diet and activity plans if progress stalls or your cat shows signs of distress.

Maintaining a stable, healthy weight will help your cat enjoy a more vibrant, agile, and longer life. Being a responsible owner by monitoring weight and acting with kindness makes a huge difference in your cat’s wellbeing.

Always prioritise your cat’s comfort and emotional health during this process, and seek professional advice whenever you have concerns around diet, exercise, or health.