Staying slim is proven to prolong life for both humans and animals, and has lots of health benefits. Many owners wonder, then: “How much should my cat weigh? What is a healthy weight for my cat?” Well, it depends on lots of things, such as age and breed. It’s not so much about exactly how much your cat weighs, as it is about monitoring weight and something we call body condition score (BCS).
Body condition score (BCS)
Cats don’t tend to vary in size anywhere near as much as dogs, but we do see some differences. You’ll often hear that the ‘average’ cat weighs four kilos, but these days there is a lot of variation. While four kilos would be obese for some cats, it would be underweight for the likes of an adult Maine Coon, for example.
Judging whether your cat is a healthy weight is best done by looking at their body condition score. BCS is scored out of 5 or 9, depending on which scale you use. Our scale is 1-5 where;
5 is obese. A thick layer of fat makes your cat’s ribs very difficult to find. Bonier areas like the knees are covered by a moderate to thin layer of fat.
4 is overweight. The ribs and bonier areas are difficult to feel with a thick layer of fat.
3 is ideal. You can easily feel your cat’s ribs, but there is a slight layer of fat covering them. Bony prominences also have just a slight layer of fat.
2 is underweight. Little fat is covering the ribs, and they are visible without having to touch your pet.
1 is very thin. There is no fat around your cat’s ribs, and they are visible to the eye. Bony prominences are also visible with no sign of fat.
Ask your vet if your cat is an ideal BCS and then you’ll know if their weight is also ideal. Once you get used to judging BCS, you’ll find that you do it subconsciously when you pet your cat. There may not be one ideal weight for cats, but monitoring weight is also important.
Tasty Tips
Why a healthy weight is so important for your cat
Monitoring weight, as well as BCS, is important throughout life. Weight gain and loss are both possible signs of disease and are sometimes the first thing you’ll notice to alert you to issues.
If you have a kitten, weighing every couple of weeks will tell you and your vet if your kitten is growing properly and at a healthy rate. Monthly weight checks through the rest of your cat’s life will help you spot trends in either direction before it gets out of hand.
Weight gain can easily happen after neutering or as your cat ages, and because it’s usually gradual, it can be difficult to spot if you’re not weighing your cat regularly. It’s much easier to prevent weight gain than lose weight once it’s on, so keeping on top of it and changing rations or food when necessary is the best way forward.
On the other hand, weight loss, as we said, can be an important warning sign of health issues such as kidney and heart disease, cancer or diabetes. Some diseases may be quite advanced by the time your cat is showing clinical signs, so spotting weight loss early on and getting help can, quite literally, be a life-saver.
The bottom line is, there isn’t one correct weight for all cats. Speak to your vet about the right weight and BCS for your cat and then do what you can to keep it that way. Keeping your cat slim will maximise their health and happiness and give you the longest time possible with your beautiful, furry friend.
Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA
Related products
Oral Care Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Oral Care Adult Cat Food with Chicken contains clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build up.
Sterilised Mature Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Cat Mature Adult Cat Food with Chicken is specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology. It is a precisely balanced nutrition tailored to meet the needs of mature adult sterilised cats, ages 7+, and to promote graceful ageing.
Urinary Health Adult Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Urinary Health Adult Cat Food with Chicken supports the health of the whole urinary system. Suitable for sterilised cats.
Senior Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Senior Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports healthy aging during the golden years. Contains a special ingredient blend to help keep older cats agile, more alert & interactive.
Related articles
Cats Need Good Nutrition In Order To Stay Healthy
Good nutrition is about the right balance of nutrients. Learn more about health issues when feeding a cat food that has an improper nutritional balance from your friends at Hills Pet Nutrition.
Hill's Cat Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Cat
Selecting the right food for your kitten is a key to quality nutrition and a long, healthy life. Learn more about how to select the right kitten food.
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
How Often Should You Feed A Cat?
Feeding time can be a wonderful bonding opportunity for you and your cat. Find out how to make the most of it and create a healthy habit with HIll's Pet UK.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.