Fit or Fluffy? How to Tell if Your Cat is Overweight

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), approximately 60% of favorite feline family members are overweight or have obesity. Here are three simple home tests you can perform to see if your kitty is fit or fluffy:

1. Rib Run
   You should be able to easily feel your pet’s ribs under a thin layer of skin. If you’re pushing through a pad of plumpness, chances are your cat is too heavy. 

2. Tummy Test
   Does your cat’s tummy sag and dip toward the floor? Cats at a healthy weight will actually have an underbelly that is taut, tight, and trends upward instead of dragging down. Be sure not to confuse the primordial pouch, a normal skin flap meant to hang down, with abdominal fat. 

3. Waist Watch
   When you look down at your cat, you should see a subtle hourglass silhouette, not a blooming blimp outline. 

In general, if you think your kitty is carrying a few extra pounds, it probably is. Most vets will be happy to conduct a body condition score (BCS) and weigh your cat on special animal-accurate scales.  

Five Feline Obesity Risks

Obesity is the number one feline health threat. Heavier cats are prone to a torrent of preventable weight-related disorders. If your cat needs to lose some extra fluff, consider these five feline obesity risks if you need some extra motivation. 

1. Decreased life expectancy – Less is more when it comes to feeding pets and living longer. Eating less has been proven to extend life expectancy and reduce suffering in species as diverse as worms, spiders, water fleas, fruit flies, fish, hamsters, mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys. If you’re looking for the Fountain of Youth for your cat, it’s in the food bowl. 

1. Diabetes – Veterinarians are increasingly diagnosing overweight cats with diabetes. Like humans, cats with obesity are at high risk of developing high blood sugar and diabetes, requiring daily insulin injections. Diabetes has been shown to reduce a cat’s life expectancy and requires constant medication and treatment. Feline diabetes is largely prevented by feeding the correct amount of food to maintain a healthy weight. What could be easier? 

1. High blood pressure – Hypertension is one of the most overlooked disorders in cats. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because you can’t tell if your cat has it, nor can you see the damage it’s causing – until it’s too late. If your cat has packed on a few extra pounds, make sure your vet checks its blood pressure. This simple test can help prevent sudden blindness, heart problems, and kidney failure.

2. Arthritis – Research has concluded that most senior cats have radiographic evidence of arthritis. If your kitty is carrying as little as one or two extra pounds, that extra weight is stressing tiny bones, leading to damage. Worse, fat cells produce harmful chemicals (adipocytokines) that damage non-weight-bearing joints. Unfortunately, few cat moms and dads recognize the signs of arthritis in cats, leading veterinarians to recommend hip x-rays in older cats, especially those experiencing “bathroom accidents,” reluctance or hesitation when jumping, or changes in activity, play, or sleep.

3. Cancer – Excess fat has been implicated in the formation of many cancers in animals. The National Cancer Institute estimates that obesity and physical inactivity may account for 25% to 30% of the major cancers in humans: colon, breast cancer in postmenopausal women, endometrial, kidney, and cancer of the esophagus. Reduce the weight to reduce the cancer risk in your cat.

Before Beginning a Weight-loss Program for Cats

Cats have a different physiology than humans or dogs. Helping your cat achieve a healthy weight and body condition requires medical supervision because of the risks of serious health consequences including liver failure.

If a cat doesn’t eat for as little as two consecutive days, whether due to stress, underlying illness, or changes to diet or environment, they can develop a life-threatening form of liver disease known as hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) which can be serious and potentially life-threatening if left untreated. Unfortunately, overweight and obese cats are at a great risk for developing hepatic lipidosis.

Remember, if you are concerned about your cat’s body condition, consult your veterinarian before beginning a weight-loss program and rule out and treat any underlying medical conditions that could also be the potential cause or contributor to your cat’s weight issues.