My cat looks too thin, but he weighs 8.5 lbs. Is he okay?

Question

He eats when he wants to, I guess, and his coat is shiney and he is alert, but he just appears thin.

Answer 1

Well,it depends on several factors.How old is the cat? If he's less than a year old,then he should still put on weight.Was he heavier before ( has he lost weight?) Is he neutered? Neutered cats usually weigh more than intact ones,and intact males will lose weight from chasing females and fighting with other Toms;it runs them down.Does he go outside? If he does,he may have picked up worms.Is he vaccinated? Cats with leukemia will often display weight loss as a symptom. If you are worried,then a trip to the vet would be a good idea.A vet can give the cat a thorough check - up and advise you on vaccinations, parasite control,neutering,and diet.

Answer 2

I'm sure he's fine, but a trip to the vet is the best way to determine for sure. You didn't specify how old he is or if he's neutered...if he is young and unneutered he is more likely to be active and therefore, on the thin side. Put your hand around his midsection - if he feels too bony, there could be an issue. But most likely he's fine.

**My boyfriend's nearly one-year-old cat eats like a pig, is extremely active, and he's very tiny, but the vet says he's perfectly healthy. He just had the cat neutered so over time he may fill out a bit.

Answer 3

How old is he? Our young cats stayed thin up to about 2 years old. After that they gained weight. They are also neutered which helps to gain weight. If your cat is very active then that is normal for him to be thin. You could always have a vet check for worms. Be prepared to take poo sample with you when you go. I would say if he's eating well, drinking plenty of water and is active then you have nothing to worry about. Hope this helps :)

Answer 4

We have had 3 cats . who started appearing thin. The problem, === thyroid.

It takes a blood test to diagnose it, it cannot be cured, but with meds it can be managed.
The blood work runs about $ 175.00 and the meds, $ 35.00 for 2 months worth.


How old is the cat?? 10-12 years old, perhaps?
Good luck.

Answer 5

8.5 pounds... looks thin... whaddya got there some kind of LION KING??>? geezusss. THAT'S A big CAT girl! no worries.
most cats sit around and eat all day, acquire the GARFIELD complex, FAT & LAZY..
My "cat" so called "friskee" by my daugter, sits on the sill all day, uses her food bowl as a pillow, her only exercise is going to the litter box. haha! She's a smallish short legged cat, but obese at 11 pounds. RELAX and enjoy the feline heath!

Answer 6

I would defer to a vet to decide if he's at a healthy weight, but my guess is that he is.

So many cats are obese or just a little overweight that a cat who weighs a healthy amount probably does look to skinny!

Answer 7

many cats are affected with tapeworms that are very similar to tapeworms in humans. this could be the cause. however, cats are actually supposed to be a little thin not emaciatred but there shoudnt be any tummy hanging down. there are charts with pictures of cats that gauge whether or not your cat is too fat or too thin. you can look them up online or they usually are posted at your vets office.

Answer 8

Next time you're at the vet ask them. Weight depends on how long/tall the cat is. 8.5 pounds is fairly normal for most cats.

Answer 9

First of all, how old is he?
Second, you could try a different brand of cat food, maybe he doesn't eat a lot because he doesn't like it.
f you're really concerned, go see a vet.

Answer 10

yes he is PURRRRfect he is probably an active cat or very thin i have a cat that is the same way.