How to Know If a Cat Is Getting Fat

Pet health care is an essential aspect of being a good pet owner. You have to know what amount of food is healthy, and be careful not to feed them too much. Cats, for instance, often have a large amount of fluffy hair, so being able to tell if they are getting fat might be a challenge. However, there are several key guidelines that you can follow to discover if your cat has gotten too fat or if it is just healthy.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check that your cat's ribs are easily felt by pressing in on the sides of the cat on the upper part of the torso. Be sure that the ribs are not clearly visible, as this could be indicative of malnutrition. If the ribs are easily felt, the cat is most likely at a healthy weight.

    • 2

      Put the cat on the ground and look at it from above. Indentation between the rib cage and the hips, which gives you the view of the hourglass shape, indicates that your pet is at a healthy weight.

    • 3

      Lay the cat on its back and check the belly. If the belly protrudes while it is on its back, the cat might be getting overweight. However, if the belly appears flat or only with a slight bulge, the cat is at a healthy weight.

    • 4

      Consult a veterinarian. If you still feel like your cat is too heavy and are concerned about its health, a veterinarian can advise you in the proper diet techniques.