Whether you’ve just adopted your first kitten or you’ve had your furry friend for years, you might be wondering “How much should a cat weigh?” Many different factors contribute to a cat’s weight, but nowadays, more often than not, cats tend to be overweight. Yes, we know how hard saying “No” to those cute hungry meows can be, but keeping the excess weight off will lead to a healthier, happier cat. It’s natural that you want to feed your kitty lots of tasty treats and make sure it’s always content and full, but giving in to your pet’s adorable little face and persistence too often, can be really bad for their health. Obesity can lead to numerous health problems, but most importantly, it can shorten their lifespan. Keep reading to learn how to determine the ideal weight for your cat and how to make adjustments needed, so your cat can live a long, healthy, and purry life!
Healthy cat weight factors
Like in humans, a cat gaining or losing weight, as well as maintaining a healthy weight is largely based on two main factors – how much a cat eats and how active it is. But, there can be other factors involved.
Cat’s Age
Cats of different ages can have varying weights. Typically, a young kitten will be lankier and leaner, while spayed or neutered older cats tend to be on the heavier side.
Cat’s Diet
Your cat’s diet plays a major role in your cat’s weight, as well. Diets higher in calories tend to contribute to weight gain, while diets lower in calories tend to help cats lose weight. It can be hard resisting the temptation to feed our cats or give them treats when they turn on their feline charm. But, overfeeding a cat will make it gain more weight.
Cat’s Health
The health of your cat can also play a significant role. There are many underlying health conditions that can cause weight loss or weight gain in cats. In addition to a healthy diet and regular vet checkups, you can also use immune supplements to boost your cat’s immunity naturally.
Cat’s Activity Level
The amount of exercise and activity your cat gets is another important factor in managing your cat’s weight. A more active cat will burn more calories, while a less active cat will tend to gain weight. We often confine cats to our homes, which is quite a reasonable thing to do for their safety. But, it also means they might not get enough exercise. Lack of exercise or inactivity also leads to boredom, which can result in overeating or begging for more food.
What is the average cat weight (in Ibs and Kg)?
It is important for cats to maintain a healthy weight. Is there an average number you should aim for, though? The average cat weight varies depending on the breed, sex, and age, but for most domestic cats, you can take 10 pounds (4-4.5 kg) as an ideal cat weight. Certain larger cat breeds can weigh as much as 25 pounds (11 kg) and smaller breeds can weigh as little as 5 pounds (2.2 kg). For example, a Siamese cat may weigh as little as 5 pounds, while a Maine Coon can be 25 pounds and still be healthy.
Are 12 lbs overweight for a cat?
Most domestic cats should weigh between 8 and 10 pounds, although some larger breeds have larger ranges. But, these are exceptions, rather than the rule.
Is my cat overweight? How to tell
Although your cat’s weight will change over time, it’s important to recognize when it’s becoming a potential health problem. But, how can you tell if your cat is overweight or underweight? Here are a few visual clues, called the Body Condition System (BCS), that can help you determine if your cat needs a lifestyle change:
Underweight cat
Underweight cats are visibly skeletal with ribs, vertebrae and pelvis showing. The abdomen is concave and the body feels bony to the touch.
Overweight cat
Overweight cats have a rounded abdomen, with folds on the flanks. You may be able to feel that the ribs are covered by a layer of fat, or you might not be able to feel the ribs at all.
Ideal Cat Weight
If the ribs are not visible, but easily felt to the touch – this is a good sign that your cat is of a healthy weight. The waist is visible, but not exaggerated and the abdomen is smoothly curved inward from the chest.
Cat weight chart by age
There are cat weight ranges you can aim for, but they are often broad and based on specific breeds and can also vary from males to females. Having that in mind, you can also find a healthy cat weight chart by age online, to check if your cat is a healthy weight according to its age, amongst other factors.
How much should your cat weigh?
Given the fact that there are numerous factors that affect weight management, there is no one ideal weight for any given cat, because no cat is average and every cat breed is unique. The best way to determine if your cat is in a healthy weight range is to do a visual test, while considering all of the contributing factors mentioned above. Your kitty should have a shiny coat that it grooms often and have plenty of energy. Its breathing should not seem labored, and it should be able to jump on high counters fairly easily.
Why is my cat always hungry?
Always-hungry cats might not actually be all that hungry. Their constant interest in food could mean boredom or a lack of exercise and mental stimulation. Cats’ appetite also changes as they grow older. However, make sure the vet rules out any medical conditions that might be causing your cat’s obsession with food (or an unusual lack of it), such as parasites, diabetes, or cancer.
How long can a cat go without food?
The average cat can technically survive for one to two weeks without food if they have a drinking water supply. However, without protein, three to four days are more likely. It is important to emphasize that when it comes to cat health, a cat that has had no food for as little as two days can become malnourished and unwell. All cats need food and fresh water on a daily basis to be happy and maintain a healthy weight.
How much should a cat eat?
The best way to calculate a cat’s daily food requirements is to calculate your cat’s resting energy requirements (RER), which is the amount of energy (in calories) expended in a day without any activity. The estimated caloric intake for most cats is between 200 and 250 kcal daily.
Maintaining Ideal Cat Weight
Weight gain in cats is a common problem that can occur subtly over the years, due to a health issue, lack of physical activity, or by pet parents not being able to resist the urge to over-treat their furry loved ones with some delicious snacks, so it’s good to pay attention to your cat’s weight from time to time and be in tune with your cat’s appetite, health needs, and activity level, in order for your furry friend to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Jack was born and educated in Ireland and U.K. He has a varied education, mostly in engineering projects. Since then he has worked with a number of major companies with interests in various parts of the world. His personal interests include athletics, cross country skiing and especially long distance running. Jack has competed in many running events and some at an international level, including many marathons. He has always had a keen interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. More recently he has specialized in the areas of health and supplements, with a special focus on the immune system.
