Owning a chubby and cuddly cat might seem cut, but it's important to know that even a little extra weight can be bad for your cat's health in the long run. Our vets from Concord will review some indicators that may suggest your cat is carrying extra pounds.
Is my cat overweight?
Many people forget about their cat's weight, but it's really important for their health and how long they live. When your cat is too heavy, it can make them sick and even lead to serious problems that might be deadly. Even just a little extra weight can harm your furry friend's health.
Diseases Linked to Obesity in Cats
Cats that are overweight face an increased risk of developing a number of serious conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Urinary tract infections
- Joint pain
- Chronic inflammation
- Skin problems
How To Tell If Your Cat Is Overweight
Our expert veterinarians across all locations have shared some simple tips to help you determine if your cat is overweight. It is highly recommended to schedule routine wellness checkups for your feline friend. During the visit, our Concord veterinarians will assess your cat's weight in person and advise you accordingly for maintaining optimal health.
Check Out the Overweight Cat Chart:
The illustrations in the overweight cat chart above can help you better understand your cat's weight category and whether your cat may be carrying an extra pound or two. Which illustration best represents the size of your cat?
Difficulties Jumping
Is your cat having trouble running or jumping? As natural gymnasts, cats are typically quite agile and can easily perform short jumps. However, if you observe your cat having difficulty jumping onto low surfaces or becoming tired quickly from even mild physical activity, it may be because they are overweight. Extra weight can harm their health and mobility, so it's essential to help them get healthier.
Look for Your Cat's Waist
Worried your cat might be chubby? Here's an easy test: Look down at your cat from above and see if there's a little dip around their waist. If you can't detect any indentation or if you notice bulging on their sides, your cat may have excess weight to lose.
Your Cat's Ribs Should Be Easy to Feel
As a cat owner, you can easily check your cat's weight by placing your hand on their rib cage. If you can't feel their ribs, it may suggest that your cat is overweight and needs to lose some weight. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight is crucial for their well-being, and regular monitoring can help prevent health issues in the future.How To Help Your Cat Achieve a Healthy Weight
To find out if your cat is at its ideal weight, consider factors like its reed, age, and size. It's essential to ensure your cat's good health, so if you suspect that your cat is overweight, it's best to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. The vet will check your cat's weight and suggest ways to achieve a healthy weight.
Reducing portion sizes or cutting back on extra treats may be enough for slightly overweight cats. However, if your cat needs to lose a significant amount of weight, your vet may suggest a prescription diet that is specially formulated for feline weight loss. By taking these steps, you can help your furry friend achieve a healthy weight and prevent health problems associated with obesity.
Gaining Weight for No Apparent Reason
If your cat is gaining weight unexpectedly, visiting your vet is important. This could be a sign of an underlying health issue and should be investigated.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.