My cat is 19lbs. Is he really too heavy?

Question

I have a four year old neutered tom cat who lives indoors. He's one of those big black and white tuxedo cats - very strong, very active, with very little fat hanging down in the "apron" under his stomach. He is very happy and healthy, and looks big but not overweight. The trouble is, he is 19lbs! I keep seeing fat cats in the newspapers who weighed only a few pounds more. I've got him on a diet of wet, high protein food only (although he loves dry food, especially Iams). Is he in trouble at this weight?

One of the problems with limiting his diet is that I have two cats and the big one eats all his own food quickly and then pushes into the others bowl and finishes off that! So a "running buffet" all day is the only way to make sure the smaller cat gets to eat too! It's a nightmare.

The vet has warned against the risk of diabetes in fat cats, but Jasper isn't actually "fat" - he's just a big cat. And when he's sitting with his back to you, he does look like a puma!

Answer 1

Your cat sounds wonderful. I sure miss mine. Unless the vet says otherwise, I wouldn't worry about the weight. I wouldn't even put him on a diet unless the vet insists because he sounds like a healthy, fun loving, active cat to me. Is your cat part Main Coone? Might be. That would explain the weight and size. As far as the little one goes, try putting Mister Greedy in another room so the smaller one can eat in peace. Perhaps just once per day, just try. The little one might appreciate it. Good luck and give your kitties a big kiss on the forehead for me!!! :)

Answer 2

My cat is an indoor cat and 18 lbs. I always thought he was very active and didn't eat alot. I don't think he is really over weight, he is just a big cat. But he ended up with diabetes. He has maintened his weight and now that he is on insulin his numbers have been good. I'm not saying yours will also get diabetes, but take him to the vet regulary and keep track of his water intake and urine out put. Hopefully everything ok. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Yes he is exceptionally fat for a cat. He risks cat diabetes and blindness if this develops, liver and kidney damage. You should see the Vet and ask for a diet sheet and stick to it. No little treats because he looks hungry. He is an unhealthy cat at this weight and soon will not want to go out because its too much trouble. Diet now. Take the T out of diet and that's what may happen to him.

Answer 4

it depends on the cat. I fostered 2, brother and sister, the malle was 6.5Kg - 13Lb but he was a big cat. His sister was a normal sized cat. They had identical markings so it looked like somone had got a cat-o-zoom and just increased the male by 30%. Both cats were the same proportions.

If you are really worried take him to the vet for a check up and advice. But if he is healthy, happy and in proportion you shoud be fine.

Answer 5

Its difficult to tell as we can't see your cat to assess his build. The ideal weight for a fine boned dog like a whippet would be a disaster for a heavy boned breed like a bulldog!
The fact that your cat has a flap of loose skin suggests he may be a little overweight and flabby, and I agree with Fenlandfowl about him needing more exersize.
Just take him for a check up and the vet will be able to assess his condition. Thats actually very difficult for owners to do accurately, so its best to get a pro opinion and a few tips!

Answer 6

My nuetered male was like that. The vet put him on a special Royal Canin food but the thing is if you cut their rations they tend to just laze around more to conserve energy. I tried taking up his food bowl at night and he kept us awake filing his protest!
If your cat is an indoor cat, the only thing you might have to face is adult-onset diabetes when he gets to around age 10. Do remember to have the 7 year checkup, and make sure the vet *does* it...full bloodwork, poss urine sample, X-rays, the whole thing. (My first vet just gave him the once-over visually, listened to his heart and said, "he's fine." He wasn't.)
Make sure you feed him good quality food and that he gets at least an annual check from the vet.
Also make sure you're giving him malt or some such, neutered males seem to suffer more from hairballs.
Best of luck!

Answer 7

My cat, Kitty is 21 lbs. and 16 years old and very happy. He's neutered and neutered cats tend to get overweight. We laugh at him 'cause his belly almost drags on the ground but it's amazing how fast he still is! Last week, he caught and ate a huge squirrel! Your cat and my cat though, would be considered "obese" by a vet even though they are big tom cats. There isn't much we can do though if we are just feeding them healthy dry food. I feed mine Purina Cat Chow, all of my cats have lived past 15 on it.

Answer 8

No- to the person talkign about maine coons- my cat doesnt weigh that much and he is a maine coon. haha funny thing, I am from maine. haha irony. anyway, about your cat- dont be too concerned,but still watch her weight. Go to the vets, and they will help you pick a good diet for her. It'll be fine. I had a dog before that was about cat size and weighed only alittle less. but some of your cats weight is muscle.

Answer 9

some cats are naturally big. I've got a Maine Coon who's 16 (that's small for a Maine Coon) and I've got a orange neutered tiger tom who's a solid 14. Then there's Misha who is 11 pounds & is very fat.
talk with you vet. your cat maybe the perfect size for his build.

Answer 10

Some cats, like Maine Coon cats, can easily weight that much and be fine. The key as you know is the fat pad between their rear legs. If it is small you are fine.
I have issues with high protein food for cats. It can lead to kidney problems down the line.