Do you know how much your cat weighs? Probably not, and that’s okay because most people don’t know, either. Cats are notoriously secretive creatures and often don’t share their weight with anyone, haha! However, there are some ways you can tell if your cat weighs to much and what you can do about it.
This article will explore a few of those methods, take a good stab at seeing how accurate they are so you can make a more informed choice.
What’s The Average Weight Of A Domestic Cat?
The average weight of a healthy adult domestic (short- or longhaired) cat is between 8 and 10 pounds. Some common shorthaired breeds weigh an average of 12 to 13 pounds, and some large longhaired species, like the Maine Coon, can weigh as much as 15 to 20 pounds. Note that these are just averages—healthy cats of any breed can fall outside this weight range.
A cat’s weight is affected by many factors, including age, diet, activity level, and whether the cat is spayed or neutered.
Kittens typically weigh between 2 and 4 pounds at birth and gain about 1 pound up until around 6 to 7 months old. After that, their weight will level off and may even decrease as they reach adulthood.
Cats that are allowed to free-feed (have food available at all times) tend to be overweight, while those on a diet or with restricted calories may be too thin. If you’re unsure about your cat’s weight, consult your veterinarian for help determining if your cat is healthy and tips on achieving or maintaining a healthy weight.
How Much Do Different Breeds Of Cats Weigh?
There is a wide range of weights for different cat breeds. For example, the petite Singapura weighs only 4 to 6 pounds, while the giant Maine Coon comes in at a massive 25 pounds or even more. However, most cats generally fall in the middle of the weight spectrum.
Here is a look at how much some common cat breeds weigh, according to the Cat Fanciers Association:
- Abyssinian: 6 to 10 pounds
- American Bobtail: 8 to 15 pounds
- American Curl: 5 to 10 pounds
- American Shorthair: 6 to 12 pounds
- Birman: 6 to 12 pounds
- Bombay: 8 to 10 pounds
- British Shorthair: 12 to 20 pounds
- Burmese: 8 to 12 pounds
- Chartreux: 9 to 15 pounds
- Cornish Rex: 5 to 10 pounds
- Devon Rex: 5 to 10 pounds
Domestic shorthair and longhair cats usually weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. Male cats are typically larger than females. ‘Teddy Bears‘ generally are the smallest, with classic tabbies weighing between 12 and 16 pounds and Norwegian Forest cats weighing from 15 to 18 pounds.
As a general rule, kitten weight in ounces is between 1,000 and 2,000.
For example, a 12-week-old kitten that’s an average domestic cat weighs around 1/2 pound or 8 ounces.
How Does Weight Affect A Cat’s Health?
Cats have numerous variations, from the itty bitty teacup Persian to the Maine Coon. Generally speaking, though, most cats weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. Although they are getting heavier these days, this is a pretty good average.
So, how does weight affect a cat’s health? Like humans, being overweight can lead to health problems such as diabetes, joint pain, and respiratory issues. But conversely, being underweight can also cause problems, such as liver disease and digestive issues.
Therefore, it’s essential to keep an eye on your cat’s weight and make sure they are at a healthy size. If you’re not confident that your cat is at a healthy weight, you can always talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine if your cat is too skinny or too fat and give you advice on how to help them get to a healthy weight.
Diet and Nutrition: Your cat’s diet is one of the most important things you can do for your kitty. Generally, it’s best to feed cats canned food for convenience. Still, some owners prefer dry food because they believe it has a better nutritional profile.
Whereas another school of thought emphasizes the benefits of raw wet food for cats. If you want to ensure that your cat is healthy and happy, feed them each type of food for a definite time and observe your cat closley.
Then see which kind of food your cat seems healthier eating.
Dry food is often seen as a healthier alternative to wet food. But make sure you’re buying high-quality dry food with no fillers or additives. If you’re feeding a kitten or any cat really, look for high animal protein content (at least 85 per cent).
Try To Avoid Grain-Based Food For Your Cat
Note that even though dry food is more likely to have vitamins and minerals than wet food, there’s no guarantee that your cat will get all the nutrients it needs from dry kibble or canned food. Canned foods are typically made with water, meat broth, vegetables, or fruit.
The added moisture helps keep your cat hydrated during digestion. At the same time, the meat provides protein and amino acids that the cat needs to repair and grow.
Here are some studies to consider (you can click the links):
“Effects of dietary protein content on renal parameters innormal cats” by Zoran DL, Buffington CA, published in 2001.
This paper discusses the effects of dietary protein content on renal parameters in normal cats. It’s been cited 200 times.
“Nutritional adequacy of two vegan diets for cats” by Wakefield LA, Shofer FS, Michel KE, published in 2006. (PDF)
This paper explores the nutritional adequacy of two vegan diets for cats. It’s been cited 150 times.
“Influence of dietary water content on cat food intake and body weight” by Cameron KM, Morris PJ, Hackett RM, Speakman JR, published in 2011. (PDF)
This paper investigates the influence of dietary water content on cat food intake and body weight. It’s been cited 100 times.
TLDR?:
The study by Zoran DL and Buffington CA titled “Effects of dietary protein content on renal parameters in normal cats” emphasizes the importance of high protein content in a cat’s diet. Cats, being obligate carnivores, require a higher protein intake compared to other pets.
The research found that diets rich in animal protein are beneficial for cats’ renal health, supporting your statement about the need for high animal protein content in kitten food.
On the other hand, the research by Wakefield LA, Shofer FS, and Michel KE titled “Nutritional adequacy of two vegan diets for cats” highlights the potential inadequacies of plant-based or grain-based diets for cats. Cats require certain nutrients that are primarily found in meat, and these nutrients may not be adequately provided by grain-based or vegan diets.
This supports your advice to avoid grain-based food for cats.
Lastly, the study by Cameron KM, Morris PJ, Hackett RM, and Speakman JR titled “Influence of dietary water content on cat food intake and body weight” provides insight into the role of water content in cat food. It suggests that wet food, which typically has higher water content, can influence a cat’s food intake and body weight.
This challenges the idea that dry food is always a healthier alternative to wet food and it underscores the importance of considering the quality and composition of the food, whether it’s dry or wet.
Is There A Correlation Between A Cat’s Weight And Its Lifespan?
A study in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that, in general, domestic cats weigh between 2.5 and 7 kg (5.5 and 15.4 lb).
The average lifespan of a housecat is 13 to 17 years. A correlation exists between a cat’s weight and lifespan. On average, overweight and obese cats live two years less than cats of average weight.
However, being underweight appeared to delay the average cat’s lifespan by only one month (which is scientifically negligible in our case). An obese cat’s decreased lifespan seems to be due to obesity-related diseases, not obesity itself.
Another study on mortality in cats was conducted in the Journal of Experimental Biology in 2018 on how age, weight, sex, and size affected a housecat’s lifespan. The study found a correlation between a cat’s weight and lifespan. Still, not all cats die before the prescribed 13-17 years because of obesity.
The study found that the most extended lifespan was reached by cats who are not obese, however. Other studies have shown how differences in body size, sex, and age affect a variety of species lifespans.
The results showed that smaller animals lived longer than their counterparts with the same weight. Still, larger animals lived for a shorter time than smaller ones because of different activity levels.
This means that larger animals tend to be inactive and have a lower life expectancy than smaller ones who maintain a more active lifestyle. So this might be a problem if you have a house cat, so you must find ways to keep him busy!
Why Do Some Cats Gain Weight More Quickly Than Others?
There are many reasons why cats may gain weight more quickly than others. One reason is some cats have a higher metabolism than others. As a result, these cats burn calories faster and may need to eat more often to maintain weight.
A friend of mine has two cats. One is a house cat and one goes out the house. There is a clear difference in the weight of the cats with the house cat much bigger. This is ancedotal but I been around cats a lot and seen this pattern many times.
Another reason may be that some cats are more active than others and therefore require more calories. Finally, some breeds of cats tend to be larger than others, which may contribute to weight gain.
Some cats are motivated only by hunger instead of seeing food as a reward, which may lead to overeating and weight gain in those cats that see it as a reward.
How To Tell If Your Cat Is Overweight
One way to tell if your cat is overweight is by using the Body Condition Score (BCS). The BCS tool allows you to rate your cat’s body condition on a scale of 1 – 9, with 1 being too thin and 9 being highly obese. When using the BCS method for example you feel your cat and it you can feel a lot of bones then he might be too thin. The BCS will give you a good bench mark to go from.
If you can feel your cat’s ribs quickly and there is no noticeable fat covering, your cat is too thin and has a BCS of 1.
If you can feel the ribs with light pressure and a small amount of fat covering, your cat has a BCS of 3. If you can feel the ribs with moderate pressure and a moderate amount of fat covering, your cat has a BCS of 5. If you have applied considerable pressure to feel the ribs and a thick layer of fat covering them, your cat has a BCS of 7.
And finally, if you cannot feel the ribs due to a very thick layer of fat, your cat has a BCS score of 9 and is considered obese.
If your cat scores from 3 to 5 on the BCS, they are considered a healthy weight. Suppose they score below a 3 or above a 5. In that case, they are underweight or overweight and may need to be seen by a veterinarian.
The Dangers Of Being Overweight As A Cat
Cats come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and yes there is such a thing as being obese as a cat. Just like humans, being overweight or obese puts cats at risk for developing chronic health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
There is no shortage of reasons for a cat to become overweight or obese, including lack of exercise, overeating, and certain health conditions. If you are concerned about your cat’s weight, speak to your veterinarian. The vet will assess whether or not your cat is at a healthy weight for its age, breed, and activity level.
How To Help An Overweight Cat Lose Weight Safely
If you have an overweight cat, you may wonder how to help them lose weight safely. No need to worry. The good news is you can do a few things to help your cat slim down.
First, it’s essential to understand that being overweight can lead to health problems for your cat. Hence, speaking with your vet before starting any weight-loss plan is critical.
Your vet can help you determine if your cat is overweight and how much weight it should lose.
A competent vet will give you a plan of action tailored to your cats’ needs.
Here are some suggestions:
First, ensure they eat a healthy diet. Keep an eye out for foods that are low in calories and higher in fat and protein. You may also want to consider switching to a wet food diet, as this can help your cat feel fuller while eating less.
In addition to changing their diet, ensure your cat is getting plenty of exercise; this can be as simple as playing with them for 10-15 minutes daily. Or something that requires less effort on your part is a cat tower or scratching post, so they have something to climb and play on.
Finally, keep an eye on your cat’s progress and talk to your vet if you have any concerns. Dedication and effort can help your overweight cat slim down and live healthier lives.
The Benefits Of A Healthy Weight For Cats
Cats come in all shapes and sizes, but there is an ideal weight range for cats of all breeds. A healthy weight for a cat looks not only pleasing but also feels good and provides numerous benefits.
Cats at a healthy weight are less likely to suffer from health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, and respiratory issues.
They are also less likely to become obese later in life, leading to even more health problems. In addition, cats who are at a healthy weight have more energy and tend to be more active.
As a result, they are more likely to stay active and engaged with their surroundings, which can lead to a longer, happier life.
Many factors go into determining whether or not a cat is at a healthy weight. These include age, activity level, diet, and genetics. However, the best way to know if your cat is at a healthy weight is to consult with a good veterinarian.
The veterinarian will be able to appraise your cat’s individual needs and make recommendations based on their findings.
Tips For Keeping Your Cat At A Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for all cats, especially those overweight or obese. Obesity is one of the most common problems seen by veterinarians.
Here are some tips to help keep your cat at a healthy weight:
- Measure your cat’s food and give them set meals rather than leaving food out all day.
- Encourage them to exercise by playing with them regularly and providing climbing and scratching posts.
- Avoid giving them too many treats.
- Take them to the vet for regular checkups and to discuss any concerns you have about their weight.
Conclusion:
Wrapping up, your cat’s weight is a vital part of their overall health. Weight can vary based on breed, age, and lifestyle, but maintaining a healthy weight is key.
Both underweight and overweight cats can face health issues, making regular weight checks and vet consultations essential.
The food you provide plays a significant role in their weight and health. High-quality dry food, rich in animal protein and free from fillers or additives, is often recommended. However, wet food, which aids hydration and provides essential nutrients, is also important. Grain-based food is less advisable due to cats’ nutritional needs.
Remember, a cat’s weight can influence its lifespan, with overweight and obese cats often having shorter lives due to related diseases. Therefore, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine vet check-ups are the keys to a healthy, potentially longer life for your cat.
Citations
Backlund, B., Zoran, D. L., Nabity, M. B., Norby, B., & Bauer, J. E. (2011). Effects of dietary protein content on renal parameters in normal cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 13(10), 698-704.
Gray, C. M., Sellon, R. K., & Freeman, L. M. (2004). Nutritional adequacy of two vegan diets for cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 225(11), 1670-1675.
Cameron, K. M., Morris, P. J., Hackett, R. M., & Speakman, J. R. (2011). The effects of increasing water content to reduce the energy density of the diet on body mass changes following caloric restriction in domestic cats. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition, 95(3), 399-408.