Medium or small cats should weigh between 7 and 13 pounds.A large cat should weigh between 13 and 24 pounds.Like people, cats vary in size and shape.Your cat may fall outside of the ranges, but it will still be healthy.If your cat's weight is a problem, you can perform a body check.Make an appointment to your vet if you're worried about your cat.Your cat's lifespan can be shortened by a variety of diseases if he is obese.Make sure your cat is at a healthy weight.
Step 1: Look at your cat in different ways.
It is possible to determine if your cat is overweight by looking at him.If your cat's weight is a problem, you can examine him from above and from the side.You can see your cat from above.A clearly defined waist should be created by the area between his ribs and hips.Your cat may be overweight if his waist is wider than his hips or ribs.From the side, you should look at your cat.Cats with a healthy weight have an abdominal tuck.The ribs should have a smaller diameter than the chest.Your cat may be overweight if you don't see an abdominal tuck.
Step 2: You can touch the cat's ribs.
You can examine your cat by touching him.Run your hand through your cat's fur.You should be able to feel his ribs.If you can't feel his ribs, your cat may be overweight.
Step 3: Take a look at the base of the cat's tail.
You should be able to feel the bones of your cat.You should be able to feel the outlines of his bones without much effort, since there is a small layer of fat protecting this area.Your cat may be overweight if you can't easily feel bones here.
Step 4: Take a look at other areas of the body.
A cat's spine, hips, and shoulders should be fairly thin.In a healthy cat, you should be able to easily detect hip bones, spine bones and shoulder bones through gentle petting.If you can't feel the bones due to fat, your cat is overweight.
Step 5: Don't worry about a saggy belly.
Cats have a saggy bit of flesh between their back legs.A small pouch of skin on a cat is not likely to be an indication of a weight problem.The purpose of the skin flap is to protect the stomach during fights with other cats.Cats kick with their back legs when angry, and this flap of skin protects them from such attacks.Many cats will develop a primordial pouch at some point in their lives, but it is not an indicator of feline weight.Excess fat can be stored in your cat's primordial pouch if he is overweight.Check his pouch if he shows other symptoms of being obese.It should hang loose and be made of skin.If the pouch seems to be full of fat, this can be a sign of being overweight.
Step 6: Make an appointment with your doctor.
You should take your cat to the vet after a body check.You can weigh your cat at home, but it's better to take him to the vet.The scales at the vet's office are designed for use on animals.A vet can determine if your cat is medically obese.If your cat is overweight or obese, it's important to get a professional veterinary evaluation.
Step 7: Determine what caused your cat to gain weight.
At the vet's office, your vet will ask a lot of questions about your cat.Whether your cat's weight is due to environmental or medical factors is determined by this.Cats can be obese due to environmental factors.Your vet will want to know how often you feed your cat.Your cat may not be getting enough exercise if he hides a lot due to fear of children.Your cat may not have enough stimulation.To help your cat lose weight, you might have to change your home environment.The environment isn't always the cause.Some diseases and medications can cause your cat to gain weight.Let your vet know if your cat has any other symptoms.To rule out an underlying medical problem, he or she may want to conduct certain tests on your cat.
Step 8: Discuss your cat's food with your vet.
If your cat is gaining weight, talk to your vet about how you feed it.Changes you can make to your cat's diet can be suggested by him or her.It's important that you discuss the changes with your vet.
Step 9: How you feed your cat should be changed.
Changing how you feed your cat will be necessary if he is overweight.Changing a cat's feeding schedule can affect his weight.Transitions should always be gradual.If you replace your cat's old food with a new diet brand, he may act out or refuse to eat.Give your cat some of the new food you're trying each day, but keep his regular food.Cats are good at working for food.A cat needs a puzzle-like device to get food trapped inside.Exercise is important to help a cat lose weight.Cats are in nature.A lot of dry foods are wheat-based and can lead to weight gain if used as a primary food source.Talk to your vet if you want to switch your cat to canned food.
Step 10: Encouraging exercise is a good way to encourage it.
Cats don't get enough exercise.It's important for your cat to get moving if he is an indoor cat.Take 20 to 30 minutes each night to play with your cat's toys.A cat can use electronic, interactive toys while you're away at work.
Step 11: Diet treats are good for you.
When it comes to cat weight gain, treats are a major culprit.It's possible to swap out normal treats for diet treats.Your cat will still be able to lose weight despite giving up a luxury.
Step 12: Your cat's weight is monitored.
To make sure your cat is losing weight, keep an eye on his weight.You can use your own scale to weigh your cat.This may not be as accurate as a vet's scale.If your cat needs to lose weight, some veterinary clinics will let you do free weigh-ins.Ask your vet if you can check your cat's weight occasionally.