Is my cat overweight?

Question

I have two cats both around 8 years old. I think one is a little overweight, but she is very active, runs around and plays with my other cat. When should i be concerned? Also ahe eats less than my other cat.

Answer 1

well are you sure she isn't pregnant if she is active and doesn't eat a lot but has a belly that is just odd. or it could just be loose skin near his stomach and it looks fat..

gl

Answer 2

Cats have different metabolisms, like humans, so it's not unusual for one cat to be putting on more weight even if she eats less. Also, it is often the quality of the food rather than the quantity.

Is it possible to feed your cats separately? If so, it would be helpful to put overweight kitty on diet food. If not, it wouldn't hurt ideal weight kitty to eat the diet food too!

You've just discovered that cats can become overweight on small amounts of food if it's the wrong sort of food. I'd change the diet unless you want kitty to really pile on the pounds! Obviously there's no point reducing her food intake if she doesn't eat that much in the first place, she will just be hungry.

I'd recommend Hills r/d or w/d, available from vets. The cats can eat a decent amount of it but still lose weight, and so not be hungry.

check out this website for more advice - this link takes you directly to the body condition score diagnosis bit - you can decide if your cat is more the shape of an ideal weight cat, an overweight, or even an obese cat and take the appropriate action!
http://www.hillspetslimmer.co.uk/overweight/diagnosis_bodycondition.html

Chalice

Answer 3

The average weight for a cat is around 8 to 10 pounds.

Answer 4

Your vet is the only one that can give you proper guidance for this question. Like people, some cats are genetically slim and others are chunky. The body type needs to be taken into account when determining if a cat is overweight. Usually the vet will give you a "range" of weights for the cat.

Answer 5

I wouldn't be concerned unless she's 15+ pounds. My cat was around 13 pounds when she was 8; she's now 12 and has dropped to about 9 pounds, bless her little heart. Still just as active as a kitten though! Don't be too concerned, especially if she's still active like you say.

Answer 6

Don't worry all cats are different. If your cat seems uncomfortable tame it to a vet. You can also try diet foods. If you have a friends of nature near by they can get you diet food. If you are really concerned vets would be a good choice because they are the experts. I wouldn't worry.

Answer 7

Hiya, all cats are different, all depends on their body size & shape, to what their weight should be. If you are worried ring your vet as they can give you an accurate idea of what she should be. Mine weighs in at about 12lb, but then she has a large body frame. Others i've known only weighed in at a few pounds & that's perfectly fine for them. I would definately check with your vet though, just to be sure, good luck

Answer 8

Have a look at your cat. Does she have a 'waist' when you look down from above (she should). Can you feel her ribs (you should be able to). Does she have a large sagging pad of fat on her tummy (she shouldn't). If she is overweight you need to contact your veterinary practice, as overweight cats are more likely to develop diabetes.