But now that you’ve decided to get back into the habit, you might want to know exactly how much your furry friend weighs.
Cats are known for being independent creatures who tend to eat whatever they want whenever they want. This means that their food intake varies greatly from person to person.
Some cats weigh less than 5 pounds, while others can weigh over 20 pounds.
Cats come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. The size of your cat depends on its breed, age, gender, and health condition.
Knowing how much your cat weighs can help you determine whether he/she is overweight.
How Does Cats’ Weight Vary Depending On Breed?
Cats are very friendly animals that love to play. Their favorite game is chasing each other around the room.
However, if your cat gets too fat, he or she could become sick, and it will be harder for them to move around.
If a cat is bigger, it may also be because of their breed. It will help to know what breed your cat is, and you can determine if they are supposed to be heavier.
For example, a domestic breed cat or an average cat will weigh between 8-10 pounds.
A Siamese should be a lot lighter, at around 5 pounds, whereas a Persian cat will weigh between 7-12 pounds.
Now, larger breeds such as Maine Coon cats should weigh double this, and they should weigh anywhere between 10-25 pounds, which is a huge difference.
There are more than eighty different domestic breeds of cats, so they all weigh different amounts.
These average weights do not take into account your cat’s health, diet, and daily lifestyle.
How Do I Know If My Cat Is Overweight?
Cats have a lot of fur, so it is incredibly difficult to tell if a cat is extra fluffy, or if they are overweight. If it is your cat, chances are you will be able to tell if they are overweight.
To see if your cat is overweight, look down at your cat from above when you are standing up.
If your cat is overweight, there will be a small indentation above their hips where it bulges outwards.
Additionally, if your cat is a lot slower at walking and has an overall rounded appearance, it is likely that they are overweight.
Why Does Weight Matter?
Obesity leads to many health issues in cats, similar to humans. Overweight pets can get pancreatitis, arthritis, skin sores, or even cancer.
Keeping an eye on your pet’s weight can help prevent these conditions, and you put systems in place to help your cat.
You will know if your cat is overweight when their stomach is sagging, and they struggle to move. The weight of your cat will ensure that they stay healthy.
How Heavy Should My Cat Be?
It is often that overweight cats outnumber healthy cats, and just a few pounds can put your cat at a higher risk of suffering with diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
Most domestic cats should weigh between 8-10 pounds, and they should not weigh any more than this.
Larger cats should weigh at least 10 pounds, and smaller, slimmer cats, will weigh around 5 pounds.
In appearance, cats should be slim, with an hourglass outline when you look at them from above. They should not have a sagging stomach or wide hips.
Equally, you should not be able to see or feel their ribs and spine, as this may mean that they are underweight.
Spayed/neutered cats tend to gain weight faster than cats who have not been spayed/neutered.
Cats who have not yet been spayed or neutered also tend to have a slightly higher metabolism, so they may be slightly lighter.
Cats should always be fed according to their needs and body condition.
If you are unsure about your cat’s needs and general health, a veterinarian can help you determine what your cat needs to stay healthy.
Your cat should never be overfed or underfed.
What Diet Will Help My Cat Lose Weight?
It is known that cats often graze on their food throughout the day, especially when they are bored.
To prevent cats from putting on those extra pounds, you can switch their food to canned food or wet food, as this tends to have fewer carbohydrates.
Additionally, you can give them set feeding times, as well as cut back on any treats. This will help them stick to a routine, too.
You can also try making your cat work for its food by doing tricks, or playing with a treat ball.
If your cat is overweight, it will be wise to consider food that emphasizes its ability to help with weight loss, as this will be high in nutrients and vitamins to promote a higher metabolism in your cat.
When putting your cat on a diet, it is wise to ease them into the new change, rather than doing it all at once.
How Long Will My Cat Be On A Diet?
It can take weeks, months, and even years for a cat to lose weight. Don’t panic, as cats usually struggle to put on and lose weight.
You can put them on more of a lifestyle diet rather than a temporary diet. This will also encourage a consistently healthy lifestyle for your cat.
Can My Cat Do Exercise?
Cats are rather independent animals, but you can try some exercises to keep them healthy over time.
Make sure there are cat toys available for your cat, as this will encourage them to be playful, even at an older age. Additionally, invest in a cat tower.
This will encourage your cat to climb, jump, and run along the cat tower.
How Do I Know If My Cat Is Underweight?
You will know that your cat is underweight if you can see or feel their ribs or spine. You will also know if they are underweight by weighing them.
If they’re weighing less than 5 pounds, it is likely they are underweight.
Final Thoughts
If you want to make sure your cat stays healthy and happy, then you need to ensure that they get plenty of exercise, proper nutrition, and love.
You can also find out if your cat is overweight with these tips. Monitor your cat’s weight regularly, and feed them accordingly.
I’m Courtney Trent and I hope that I can answer some burning questions that you have about cats, as well as some questions that you’d never have thought to ask before.
I am aiming to shed new light on these amazing pets and hopefully change some people’s opinions on them. Also, let’s talk about wild cats - they’re just as awesome as domestic cats!
So, stay a while and learn more about domestic and wild cats from Windhaven Ocicats.
