Is your cat fat?

While an obese cat may make for a funny occasional meme, it’s no laughing matter when it comes to their health.  Severe weight gain can lead to conditions like diabetes and cancer, but even a few extra pounds might mean a diminished quality of life for your whiskered friend. Read on to learn how much is too much, and why your cat may have gotten fat in the first place,.

How can I tell if my cat is fat?

According to the Association for Pet Obesity (APOP), over 60% of cats are overweight, and less than half of their owners recognize it. Your veterinarian can help you determine the ideal body weight to target for your cat given their age, breed, and other health factors. Many vets use a body condition scoring system between 1 and 5 (with 3 being “normal”). These weight assessments are part of your cat’s regular checkups, but it’s possible to conduct a quick check at home using the chart and steps below.

Step 1: Examine your cat from above

When studying your cat’s waistline from a top view, does their body have a slight taper towards the hips? If they do, they are probably a healthy weight. On the other hand, a waist that’s too narrow in considered underweight while a waist that’s rounded and hard to make out indicates obesity

Step 2: Feel for their ribs

Feeling for your cat’s ribs is a key indicator to determine whether your cat is fat. It’s a good sign if the ribs can be felt without excess fat.

Step 3: Look for a sagging stomach

If your cat’s ribs cannot be felt under a layer of fat, your cat is overweight. You’re looking for a tucked abdomen, and you don’t want to be able to grab a handful of fat.

👉 Want more help determining whether your cat is overweight? The FDA will help walk you through its body conditioning chart in the video below:

Why is my cat fat?

Cats are creatures of habit that thrive on routine, so they must be motivated to exercise on a consistent basis. Your cat may be gaining weight if their schedule lacks playtime and you’re overfeeding them. One study on overweight companion animals found that active playing for 10 minutes daily was as effective as calorie restriction in reducing cat obesity. Here are some common reasons your cat may be gaining weight:

• Physical inactivity. Turn the tide on your cat’s laziness with interactive toys and plenty of play sessions.
• Poor sleep. Cats spend more than half their day sleeping or resting. Plenty of places for your cat to slumber (like a bed or perch) will decrease stress and increase activity when they’re awake.
• Indoor confinement. While the positives of keeping your cat indoors outweigh the potential risks of outdoor life, being cooped up can reduce the opportunity for your cat to satiate their natural instinct to hunt, explore, and climb. Replicate the wild in the safety of home with toys, cat tunnels, cat trees, and enrichment activities.
• Overfeeding. Cats on a meal plan — versus free feeding — will not eat as much food, and thus, not gain as much weight. Always measure the amount of food based on the feeding recommendations on labels or veterinary guidance, and remember that neutered cats typically require fewer calories.
• Age. Senior cats may start to slow down and not burn as many calories. Rapid breathing is a common indicator of obesity in older cats.

What are the risks of feline obesity?

Diabetes is the most common disease in overweight cats, but other conditions are linked to feline weight gain as well. Fortunately, many of these diseases are treatable if found early.

Here are the most common risks associated with obesity in cats:

• Diabetes mellitus. Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes because it contributes to the cells’ resistance to insulin.
• Urinary disease. Obesity can also lead to lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats, and getting that extra weight off is considered a mainstay of treatment.
• Osteoarthritis. If a cat is overweight, the joints are affected, leading to arthritis which makes it very difficult for them to get around easily, use the litter box, and play.
• Cancer. Obese cats develop an increased risk for many types of cancer, particularly feline mammary cancer (FMC).
• Grooming issues. Cats have trouble grooming themselves when they’re overweight, which may cause skin irritation and matted fur.
• Poor quality of life. One of the consequences of excess fat is a shorter life span for cats, as well as anxiety and depression.

How can I help my cat lose weight?

Your cat will still love you if you bring them to the vet regularly for wellness appointments (aka weigh-ins!) and give them less treats! Consider the following tips for helping your favorite furball shed excess weight:.

• Stop free feeding. Cats are programmed to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Try serving 3 or 4 scheduled snacks in puzzle toys (like this one from Outward Hound) that take them longer to get through their serving
• Work with your vet on a meal plan.  Your vet can help devise a restricted calorie diet, one that will satiate even the most food-motivated of cats.
• Use slow-feeding bowls. In addition to food puzzles, slow feeders (like this one from Pink Papyrus) are a great solution and alternative to feeding your cat from a traditional bowl. Cats need to eat at a slow pace to realize they’re full.
• Play with your cat. While most cats are independent creatures, they still need the motivation to play. Put away your phone, commit to playtime, and use interactive toys like laser pointers, feather toys, and fake mice.
• Skip the junk food. Forget table scraps and only use treats as a reward for training or good behavior. You could also consider using pieces of kibble taken out of their allotted meals as treats.

We all want our feline friends to be healthy, and maintaining an appropriate weight per your vet’s recommendation is the best way to guarantee you’re on the right track to a long, comfortable life. And the plus side is your cat will be overall happier, even if they whine from time to time to try and get an extra snack out of you.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if my cat is obese?  

Your vet can help you determine your cat’s ideal body weight. Most vets use a body condition scoring system of either 1-5 (3 is normal). Pet owners can use this, too, and your vet can show you the steps.

Why is my cat fat?

Your cat may be gaining weight with too many meals and not enough playtime. However, you’ll always want to rule out health issues with your vet.

What is the best way to help my cat lose weight?

Some ways to help your cat lose weight include giving them small, frequent meals throughout the day, using slow-feeding bowls and puzzles, and increasing playtime. Be sure to consult your vet on a eal plan that’s best for your kitty.

Is it OK for my cat to be overweight?

No, a cat should not be overweight given their small stature. Pet owners often show their love through treats and junk food for their pets. Unfortunately, this habit contributes to obese cats, leading to health problems.