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As responsible pet owners, it’s essential to monitor our feline companions’ weights and ensure they maintain a healthy size. In this blog post, we’ll explore what constitutes a ‘normal’ size for a cat, how to assess your cat’s physical health, and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for your furry friend’s well-being.
Could My Cat be Too Thin or Too Fat?
What’s a Normal Weight for a Feline?
Determining what constitutes a healthy weight for a cat involves considering various factors, including average weight, breed differences, and individual size variations. It’s important to remember that just like humans, ‘healthy’ weight varies vastly – two cats can be exactly the same weight, while for their size and breed, one is underweight and one is over.
While the average domestic cat weighs 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms, certain breeds can be much smaller or larger. For example, a Maine Coon cat may weigh up to 8kg or more, while a Siamese cat may weigh as little as 3kg. Understanding your cat’s breed and size is essential for determining their ideal weight, so it’s important to research this first before you get too worried they might be unhealthy.
How Can You Tell if Your Cat is a Healthy Weight?
Obesity in cats can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and a decreased lifespan. Conversely, being underweight can indicate underlying health issues such as malnutrition, parasitic infestations, or metabolic disorders.
Assessing your cat’s weight involves more than just stepping on a scale. Look for visual and tactile cues, such as a visible waistline when viewed from above, the ability to feel your cat’s ribs without pressing too hard, and a firm, rounded belly. If your cat appears overly thin or has excess fat deposits around their abdomen, they may be under or overweight, respectively.
Animal Welfare Victoria has a helpful page that helps you score your cat’s body condition by not just looking at the number of kilograms they are, but observing the state of their body. We recommend using this chart to check your cat’s well-being rather than solely relying on weight.
When a Cat’s Weight Might Change
Several factors can contribute to changes in a cat’s weight, including stress, poor diet, and illness. Cats are sensitive creatures, and changes in their environment or routine can lead to stress-induced weight loss or gain.
Additionally, inadequate nutrition or underlying medical conditions such as thyroid problems or gastrointestinal issues can impact a cat’s weight. In any case, weight change often indicates a greater problem that you should look into.
How to Help a Cat Gain Weight
If your cat is underweight, it’s essential to address any underlying health issues and provide a balanced diet tailored to their nutritional needs. Consider offering high-calorie cat food or supplements recommended by your veterinarian to help your cat gain weight gradually.
Here are some further tips for helping your cat gain weight:
- Increase meal frequency: Offer small, frequent meals throughout the day to encourage weight gain.
- Choose calorie-dense foods: Opt for high-calorie cat food formulas or supplements designed to promote weight gain.
- Add tasty toppings: Enhance your cat’s regular meals with appetising toppings like tuna juice or chicken broth to stimulate their appetite.
- Incorporate wet food: Wet cat food tends to be higher in calories and moisture, making it an excellent choice for underweight cats.
- Monitor progress: Keep track of your cat’s weight gain over time and adjust their diet as needed with guidance from your veterinarian.
How to Help a Cat Lose Weight:
On the other hand, if your cat is overweight, implementing a weight loss planmight be important for improving their health and quality of life. Start by feeding your cat a portion-controlled diet of high-quality, and encourage regular exercise through interactive play and structured activity.
These are some steps to take to help your cat lose weight:
- Measure portions: Use a designated measuring cup to ensure accurate portion sizes and avoid overfeeding.
- Increase activity levels: Engage your cat in regular play sessions with interactive toys or set up a cat tree for climbing and jumping.
- Encourage exercise: Incorporate structured activities like leash walks or puzzle feeders to keep your cat physically active and mentally stimulated.
- Monitor progress: Keep track of your cat’s weight loss journey and consult with your veterinarian to adjust their diet and exercise plan as needed.
- Last resort try a weight management diet: Look for cat food formulas specifically made for weight loss. These are lower in calories and higher in fibre to help your cat feel full. But they may not work as a cat diet is not really supposed to be high in fibre and unless they get enough water could lead to constipation or worse.
When to See a Veterinarian
If you’re concerned about your cat’s size or notice significant changes in their weight or eating habits, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian. A thorough physical examination, as well as diagnostic tests, can help identify any underlying health issues contributing to your cat’s weight changes and determine the best course of action.
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for your cat’s overall health and longevity. By understanding what constitutes a normal weight for your cat, monitoring their weight regularly, and addressing any changes promptly, you can help to ensure your feline companion leads a happy, healthy life.
Remember, your veterinarian is your best resource for personalised advice and guidance on managing your cat’s weight and well-being.
Are you looking to adopt a pet or donate to a pet rescue organisation? Georgie and Cindy from Large Hope SEO foster cats and kittens on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. If you’re local, get in touch to discuss adopting from the rescues. See cats and kittens available for adoption or donate so we can save more kittens.
