The average body weight of a medium or small cat is 3-6 kg. Big cats generally weigh 6-10 kg. However, like humans, cats have varying body shapes and sizes. Cats that weigh more or less than recommended may still be considered healthy. By examining the cat's body, you can determine whether the cat's body weight is ideal or not. If you're concerned that your cat isn't ideal weight after examining him, you should see your vet. Obesity can increase the risk of health problems in cats and shorten their life. Therefore, it is important for cats to have an ideal body weight for their size.
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Part 1 of 3: Examining the Cat's Body
Step 1. Observe the cat from various angles
Try observing the cat's body to determine if he is overweight or not. Observe the cat from above and from the side to see if his body weight is ideal or not.
- Observe the cat from above. The area between the cat's ribs and thighs should be slightly curved inward, so that the waist looks firm. If the cat's waist is less pronounced or wider than the thighs or ribs, the cat may be overweight.
- Observe the cat from the side. An ideal body weight cat has a slightly curved stomach. The area under a cat's rib cage is smaller in diameter than its chest. If your cat doesn't have these characteristics, it may be overweight.
Step 2. Touch the cat's ribs
You can examine the cat by touching it. Touch the cat's side with your hand. You should be able to feel the cat's ribs. If it doesn't, or you have to squeeze the cat's body slightly to feel the ribs, the cat may be overweight.
Step 3. Observe the base of the cat's tail
You should be able to feel the bone near the base of the cat's tail. There is a layer of fat in this area, but you can still feel the cat's bones easily if the cat is of an ideal body weight. If it is difficult to feel this part of the bone, the cat may be overweight.
Step 4. Examine the rest of the cat's bones
The cat's spine, thighs, and shoulders should be slightly thin. While very prominent bones are one of the hallmarks of underweight in cats, you should be able to feel your cat's femur, spine, and shoulder blades when petting them to ensure that they are of a healthy weight. If these parts of the bone are difficult to feel because they are covered in fat, the cat may be overweight.
Step 5. Don't worry about the cat's tummy sagging
In most cats, there is a loose, slightly hanging patch of skin between the hind legs. If your cat is thin enough, this loose area of skin is not a sign of being overweight in a cat. This loose part of the cat's stomach is often called the "primordial pouch" and its function is to protect the cat's stomach when fighting with other cats. Cats often kick with their hind legs when fighting, and this part of the skin will protect your cat from the attack. Primordial pouches are not a feature of obesity in cats, and will appear when the cat reaches a certain age.
However, excess fat may accumulate in the primordial sac if the cat is overweight. If there are signs of obesity in your cat, also try to check the primordial pouch. The pouch will generally hang down and consist of leather. If the bag appears to be full of fat, the cat may be obese
Part 2 of 3: Conducting a Medical Evaluation
Step 1. Make an appointment with the vet
If after examining the cat's body you feel worried, take the cat to the vet. While you can weigh your cat yourself at home, it's best to do this process at a veterinary clinic. The scales in veterinary clinics are specially designed for animals so they are more accurate. In addition, the vet can also determine whether your cat is obese or not. Examining the cat's body at home may give you an idea of the cat's condition, but an evaluation from a veterinarian is far more important when diagnosing an obese or overweight cat.
Step 2. Find out what causes weight gain in cats
While at the veterinary clinic, the doctor will ask you some questions about your cat. This will help determine if the cat's weight gain is due to environmental or medical factors.
- Obesity in cats can be caused by environmental factors. The doctor will ask how often the cat is fed because overeating can make the cat gain weight. If your cat often hides out of fear of small children or other pets, she may be exercising less. Cats may also be bored and less entertained. You may have to adapt your home environment to help your cat lose weight.
- However, the environment is not the only cause of excess weight in cats. Certain medications, illnesses, and medical conditions can also cause a cat to gain weight. If your cat shows other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, report it to the vet. The doctor will do several tests to find out what medical problems the cat may have.
Step 3. Discuss the cat's diet with the vet
If your cat is gaining weight due to environmental factors, tell your veterinarian how you feed your cat. Your doctor may give you input that can help your cat lose weight to make it more ideal. If you want to drastically change your cat's diet, you should first consult with your veterinarian.
Part 3 of 3: Making Changes
Step 1. Change the way the cat feeds
If your cat is overweight, you will need to change how you feed your cat. Changing a cat's feeding schedule can cause drastic changes in a cat's body weight.
- Make sure the transition is gradual. If you immediately replace your cat's food with a new one, he may not want to eat it. Give your cat regular food but offer him a small amount of new food each day.
- Cats are generally willing to try to get food. You can use the cat food puzzle tool. The cat must solve the puzzle to find the food that is inside. This can encourage the cat to be active so that it can lose weight.
- In their natural habitat, cats are carnivores. Dry cat food is generally made from wheat and can make your cat gain weight if it is not accompanied by other foods. Consult a veterinarian to switch cat food to canned food.
Step 2. Get the cat to exercise
Most cats lack exercise. If your cat spends most of his time indoors, it will still have to be active every day. Buy toys and play with your cat for 20-30 minutes every night. You can also buy electronic cat toys that you can use when you're not at home.
Step 3. Choose a low-calorie snack
Snack is one of the factors that increase weight gain in cats. Try replacing cat treats with low-calorie ones. The cat will lose weight and the cat will still be able to enjoy the treats you provide.
Step 4. Monitor the cat's body weight
Monitor the cat's body weight to ensure that it is losing weight in a controlled manner. You can weigh your cat at home using a scale. The results may not be as accurate as the scales at the veterinary clinic. You may be able to weigh your cat for free at some veterinary clinics. Ask your vet to periodically weigh your cat.
