{"id":3362,"date":"2023-10-04T12:55:54","date_gmt":"2023-10-04T12:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=3362"},"modified":"2025-11-01T12:25:44","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T12:25:44","slug":"how-to-help-your-cat-lose-weight-the-causes-effects-and-management-of-obesity-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/diet-and-nutrition\/how-to-help-your-cat-lose-weight-the-causes-effects-and-management-of-obesity-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight: The Causes, Effects and Management of Obesity in Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

45% of all cat parents across the world say their cats are obese! Is it true? Sadly, yes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Obesity is one of the <\/span>most common diseases<\/span><\/a> plaguing the feline population in the 21st century.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Any cat that weighs 20% more than their maximum average (ideal) weight can be called obese.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the best person who can determine if your cat is overweight or obese is your veterinarian. If your cat seems to be \u201cfluffier\u201d than usual, especially around their waist and belly, you should <\/span>check with your veterinarian<\/span><\/a> ASAP.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, today we will talk about –<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. What is obesity in cats?<\/li>\n
  2. How can you understand if your cat is overweight or underweight?<\/li>\n
  3. What causes obesity in cats: 6 Factors that cause weight gain in cats<\/li>\n
  4. What is the treatment of obesity in cats: 4 ways to help your cat lose weight<\/li>\n
  5. How to prevent obesity in cats: 4 steps to prevent obesity in cats<\/li>\n
  6. Helping your indoor cat lose weight<\/li>\n
  7. How does obesity in cats affect their life?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What is obesity in cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A cat that weighs more than 10% to 20% of their ideal body weight is considered overweight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    When the cat weighs more than 20% of their ideal weight they are considered obese.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Now, depending on your cat\u2019s breed, early age care and nutrition, age and <\/span>neutering status<\/span><\/a>, the ideal weight will vary significantly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    For example – it is extremely difficult to determine an indie cat\u2019s ideal weight. Depending on their gender and genetics, a full-grown indie cat may weigh between 3 kg to 7 kg.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    On the other hand, purebred Siamese, Himalayan and Persian cats have standard ideal body weights.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The ideal weight of a Siamese cat is typically between 3.5 kg to 5.5 kg. The ideal weight of a Himalayan cat is usually around 3.2 kg to 5.4 kg. And, the average ideal weight of a purebred Persian cat is between 2.5 kg and 5 kg.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    However, a cat\u2019s ideal weight depends on multiple factors just like human beings. Kittens grow rapidly and they can gain between 7 grams to 14 grams per day. Senior cats often lose muscle mass due to reduced activity and their weight can be lower than the ideal body weight for their breed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    At the same time, if your cat has just given birth and is breastfeeding, their weight will fluctuate irrespective of <\/span>complete nutrition<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    So, speak to a cat specialist near you for personalised advice and guidance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    How can you understand if your cat is overweight or underweight?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    \"Infographic<\/p>\n

    There is an easier way to determine if your cat is <\/span>within their ideal weight range<\/span><\/a>. Refer to their body score chart to understand their current health condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    If your cat\u2019s body condition score is 4-5 then your cat is within their ideal weight range. When a cat is in their ideal weight range their ribs should not be visible, but easily felt. Their waist should be slightly narrower than their shoulders and hips but they should also have a very small amount of abdominal fat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Any body condition score below 4 is an underweight cat and above 5 but below 7 is an overweight cat.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    If you cannot see your cat\u2019s ribs at all, their waist is not visible and there is abdominal fat\/distention, your cat has a body score of 8 or 9. That shows that your cat may be obese.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    So, here are the signs of obesity in cats –<\/span><\/p>\n