My cat, Mittens, seems to be getting a bit rounder. She’s a domestic shorthair, about 5 years old, and I feed her dry food twice a day, with occasional wet food treats. She’s not as active as she used to be, spending most of her time napping. I can still feel her ribs, but it takes a little pressing. From above, she doesn’t have a very defined waist. I’m worried she might be overweight. Is my cat overweight, and if so, what are the next steps I should take to help her?

Answer

Determining if your cat is overweight requires assessing several factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Body Condition Score (BCS):

This is a subjective assessment, usually on a scale of 1 to 9 (or sometimes 1 to 5), where 1 is emaciated and 9 is grossly obese. A healthy cat typically falls in the 4-5 range on the 9-point scale.

• Ideal Weight (4-5/9):
  • Ribs are easily felt with a slight fat covering.
  • A slight abdominal tuck is visible from the side.
  • A well-proportioned waist can be observed from above.
• Overweight (6-7/9):
  • Ribs are palpable with moderate difficulty (more fat covering).
  • Abdominal tuck is absent or minimal.
  • Waist is less defined when viewed from above.
• Obese (8-9/9):
  • Ribs are difficult to feel due to a thick fat covering.
  • No abdominal tuck.
  • Waist is absent; the abdomen appears rounded and distended.
  • May have fat deposits over the lumbar area (lower back).

Physical Examination:

• Rib Palpation: Gently run your hands along your cat’s ribcage. You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, with only a thin layer of fat covering them. If you have to press firmly to feel the ribs, your cat is likely overweight.
• Spinal Vertebrae: You should be able to feel the spinal vertebrae without excessive pressure, similar to the ribs.
• Abdominal Observation: Look at your cat from the side. A healthy cat should have a slight tuck-up of the abdomen behind the ribcage. If the abdomen sags or is rounded, this is a sign of being overweight.
• Waistline: View your cat from above. A healthy cat should have a visible waistline, an hourglass figure. If the sides are straight or bulge outwards, the cat is likely overweight.
• Fat Pads: Check for fat deposits, especially in these areas:
  • Abdomen: A hanging belly pouch or a distended abdomen. Note that a belly pouch is normal in some cats, particularly spayed females, but excessive size indicates overweight.
  • Lumbar Region (Lower Back): A noticeable roll of fat over the hips.
  • Face and Cheeks: Puffy or rounded cheeks.
• Mobility and Grooming: Overweight cats may have difficulty grooming themselves, especially around their back end. They might also be less active, reluctant to jump, or tire easily during play.

Weight Compared to Breed Standard:

• Consult your veterinarian about the ideal weight range for your cat’s breed and body type. A large-framed cat will naturally weigh more than a smaller breed.
• Mixed-breed cats can be compared to breeds of similar size and build.

Other Factors:

• Age: Older cats are prone to weight gain due to decreased activity levels.
• Sterilization: Neutered or spayed cats often have a lower metabolic rate and may be more prone to weight gain.
• Diet: High-calorie foods, frequent treats, and free-feeding can contribute to weight gain.
• Activity Level: Indoor-only cats or those with limited opportunities for exercise are at higher risk.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: In rare cases, weight gain can be a symptom of a medical problem such as hypothyroidism (though this is rare in cats) or Cushing’s disease (also very rare in cats).

What to do if you suspect your cat is overweight:

• Consult your veterinarian. They can perform a thorough physical examination, rule out any underlying medical conditions, and help you develop a safe and effective weight loss plan.
• Do not drastically reduce your cat’s food intake. This can lead to a dangerous condition called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Weight loss should be gradual and under veterinary supervision.
• Switch to a weight-loss food recommended by your veterinarian. These foods are typically lower in calories and higher in fiber to help your cat feel full.
• Measure your cat’s food carefully using a measuring cup or kitchen scale. Avoid free-feeding.
• Increase your cat’s activity level by providing toys, climbing structures, and interactive play sessions.
• Avoid giving excessive treats. Choose healthy, low-calorie treats, and offer them sparingly.
• Consider puzzle feeders to make mealtime more engaging and slow down eating.
• Weigh your cat regularly to monitor progress.

In summary, assess your cat’s body condition using the guidelines above and consult with your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and personalized weight management plan.