Ideal Weight For Cats

While obesity is a common problem in cats, being too thin can also affect a cat's health and quality of life. Weighing your cat can be helpful, but there are also other ways to determine whether the cat is at its ideal weight.

  1. Individuality

    • The ideal weight for cats is as individual as cats themselves. While most average-size adults should weigh between eight and 10 pounds, cats with large frames should weigh more. Cats with small frames should weigh less.

    Visual Weight Check

    • A cat at its ideal weight will appear to have a waist. The cat's body will become slimmer as you look from the end of the ribs to the hindquarters.

    Telling by Touch

    • If your cat is close to its ideal weight, you can feel and count each rib as you move your hands across the cat's body. The ribs should be covered with a thin layer of fat.

    Thin Cat

    • A cat that is too thin has a narrow waist and protruding rib cage. The spine and shoulder blades feel bony.

    Fat Cat

    • An overweight cat has a large abdomen and may have trouble with grooming and mobility.