Making sure that your cat is a healthy weight is essential for their overall well-being. Obesity in cats can lead to various health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease while being underweight can indicate malnutrition, kidney disease, and other underlying health issues.
Here are some tips for assessing your cat’s body condition so you can tell if your cat is at a healthy weight.
Weigh your cat monthly or every other month to get a baseline weight for them. Having a record of their weight will be useful if they ever fall ill or you notice a drastic change in their weight.
Look at your cat from above. Their body should narrow between the ribs and the hips and you should be able to see their waistline. If your cat has a very pronounced waist that tapers in drastically, they may be too underweight. If you don’t see your cat’s waist or it gets wider after the ribs, they may be overweight.
Run your hands along the sides of your cat’s body. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing too hard, but you should not see the ribs protruding out. There should be a thin layer of fat padding the ribs.
Cat’s bodies naturally have a primordial pouch and having some loose skin around the belly is healthy and normal. The primordial pouch helps them to store energy reserves. However, a very large or sagging belly could indicate your cat is overweight. Conversely, if the belly appears sunken in, your cat is likely underweight. A healthy belly shouldn’t droop too low or appear disproportionate to the body.
Monitor your cat’s diet. Portion control is important for keeping your cat at a healthy weight. And don’t forget that treats add up! Treats are great in moderation, but cat stomachs are small and 1-2 treats is sufficient at a time. If your cat free-feeds, make sure you’re not overfeeding them. Cats often overeat out of boredom, especially if they have access to food at all times. Feed your cat high-quality, high-protein meals.
Make sure your cat is getting enough exercise. They need to burn off their energy to be mentally and physically healthy. Enrichment activities are important for keeping your cat stimulated and engaged. Cat TV, bird feeders, cat wheels, puzzle feeders, and interactive toys are all great options for keeping your cat healthy in mind and body.
If your cat is active, energetic, and playful, they are likely at a healthy weight. Cats who are very overweight or underweight tend to have less energy and more difficulty moving around. If they are unable to run, jump, or even use the litter box easily, they may be either over or under their ideal weight.
And, of course, regular vet visits are necessary for monitoring your cat’s health. Your vet can help identify any minor problems before they become bigger issues and make adjustments as needed to their diets.
Maintaining your cat’s weight is crucial for their overall health and well-being. By regularly checking their weight and body condition and ensuring they’re eating high-quality food, you can help ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy for years to come.
Love, Nala
