Is My Cat Too Fat? How To Keep Your Cat Healthy

Obesity is one of the most common health issues affecting cats today.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, nearly 60% of cats in the US are overweight or obese.

This worrying statistic puts many of our feline friends at risk for serious health complications including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and even certain cancers.

As cat owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure our fur babies maintain a healthy weight. But with so many chubby kitties out there, how do we know if our own cat is too fat?

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to keep your kitty fit and fabulous. Let’s start by understanding why cat obesity is such a huge problem.

Why Is Cat Obesity So Common?

We love our kitties and want to pamper them as much as possible. This means providing endless treats, allowing constant access to food bowls, and not encouraging enough exercise. Sound familiar?

While well-intentioned, this approach often leads to obesity in household cats. The fact that neutered, spayed and indoor cats are most at risk highlights how lifestyle contributes to weight gain.

But obesity isn’t just a matter of looks. Those extra pounds put a real strain on your cat’s health and quality of life. That’s why awareness and proactive weight management are so important.

Health Risks of Cat Obesity

Carrying excess weight places increased demands on the body and impairs normal physiological functioning. Here are some of the many health risks faced by overweight and obese cats:

• Diabetes - Excess fat causes reduced insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of diabetes. Obese cats are 4 times more likely to develop diabetes.

• Osteoarthritis - Extra body weight puts more pressure on joints, worsening arthritis pain and mobility issues.

• Heart disease - Increased strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to heart failure and blood pressure problems.

• Kidney disease - Excess fat damages the kidneys. Obese cats have a 3 times higher risk of kidney disease.

• Cancer - Obesity is linked to higher rates of certain cancers like mammary tumors and liver cancer.

• Asthma - Extra body fat in the chest area constricts the airways, worsening asthma symptoms.

• Skin conditions - Fold infections, dandruff and hair loss are more common with obesity.

• Hepatic lipidosis - Obese cats who suddenly stop eating are at significant risk for developing this potentially fatal liver condition.

• Higher anesthetic risk - Obese cats are prone to complications under anesthesia.

Clearly, maintaining your cat’s optimal weight is vital for their health and longevity. But with so many tubby tabbies out there, how do we tell if our own cat is too fat?

How to Tell If Your Cat Is Overweight

Determining if your cat is overweight is the first step towards getting them healthy. Here are some easy ways to assess your kitty’s body condition:

1. Check their ribs

Run your hands along your cat’s sides. You should be able to easily feel - but not see - their ribs without pressing too hard. If you can’t feel any ribs under a layer of fat, your kitty may be overweight.

2. Look for waist indentation

View your cat from above. You should see a clear indentation between their ribcage and hips - giving them a waistline. No waist indentation indicates excess weight.

3. Feel their spine and hip bones

Gently run your hands along your cat’s back and hips. You should be able to easily feel their spine and hip bones underneath. Excess fat here can indicate overweight.

4. Assess belly tuck

Look at your cat from the side. After the ribcage, the belly should curve inward slightly rather than bulge outward. Lack of a belly tuck suggests excess fat.

5. Check your vet

Consult your vet to accurately determine your cat’s ideal weight range. They can do a body condition score using a 9 point scale. The goal is to keep your kitty between 4-5/9.

Regular weigh-ins at the vet will also reveal any creeping weight gain before it becomes a real problem. Don’t just rely on your own assessments - get professional advice!

Dangers of Underweight Cats

While obesity gets all the attention, cats who are underweight also face significant health risks including:

• Weakened immune system
• Increased susceptibility to infectious disease
• Malnutrition and organ damage from lack of nutrients
• Greater anesthetic and surgical risk
• Reduced muscle mass and energy levels
• Increased risk of hypothermia

So while you want to avoid obesity, take care not to put your cat on too strict a diet. Work with your vet to determine a healthy calorie intake and safe weight loss regimen for your individual cat. Gradual weight loss of 1-2% per week is ideal.

When To Worry About Your Cat’s Weight

According to veterinarians, here are some general weight ranges to keep in mind:

• Overweight - 10-20% above ideal weight

• Obese - Over 20% above ideal weight

• Underweight - Over 10% below ideal weight

But since every cat is different, your vet will determine the optimal weight range based on:

• Breed - Some breeds like Maine Coons tend to be bigger

• Frame size - Bone structure impacts ideal healthy weight

• Age - Kittens and senior cats have different calorie needs

• Neuter/spay status - Neutered cats tend to gain more weight

Track your cat’s weight, compare it to your vet’s recommended range, and make diet adjustments if needed before weight becomes a dangerous issue.

Preventing and Managing Cat Obesity

Helping your cat achieve and maintain a healthy weight involves:

Monitoring Calorie Intake

• Feed a measured amount of quality cat food twice daily. Follow portion guidelines based on your cat’s needs.

• Avoid free-feeding, which can lead to overeating.

• Limit treats to 10% of total daily calories.

• Use puzzle feeders and treat balls to slow eating and increase activity.

Encouraging Exercise and Play

• Have at least two 15 minute play sessions daily with interactive toys like feather wands and laser pointers.

• Provide cat trees, scratching posts and other engaging environments.

• Harness train your cat for safe outdoor exploration and walking.

Scheduling Regular Vet Checkups

• Weigh your cat at least monthly and record their weight. Inform your vet of any major gains or losses.

• Have your vet do biannual body condition assessments to catch weight issues early.

• Follow nutritional and weight loss advice from your vet. Seek help if your cat becomes obese.

With proactive care and monitoring, you can ensure your kitty maintains a healthy figure and avoids the many risks linked to cat obesity. 😸