Ideal Weight for Cats
Most domestic cats should weigh about 10 pounds, though that can vary by breed and frame. A Siamese cat may weigh as few as 5 pounds, while a Maine Coon can be 25 pounds and healthy.
What if My Cat is Underweight?
For many cat breeds, obesity is a problem, but underweight cats can also exist. This might be particularly true if you recently took in a stray cat or adopted a cat.
Your veterinarian may advise giving your cat more food or suggesting a higher-calorie food to help them gain weight if their BCS shows that they are excessively thin. Measuring the amount of food is also a smart idea, according to Dr. Lobos. Furthermore, “they’ll probably suggest blood work—particularly if your cat has suddenly lost weight or experienced any other behavioral changes, like drinking more and urinating more frequently.” An adult maintenance formula can assist them in long-term weight maintenance once they’ve achieved a healthy weight. ”.
Regardless of the source, it’s tempting to feed your underweight cat as many calories as possible. Still, you don’t want to overindulge in treats just yet. These may deprive your cat of vital nutrients and lead to excessive weight gain. They might also upset the balance of essential nutrients in your cat’s diet, such as vitamins and minerals.
Don’t overlook exercise and activities, either. These are crucial for your cat’s growth in muscle, which will enable them to gain weight in a healthy way.
How Is a Cat’s Ideal Weight Determined?
To account for all of the variables (body frame, lean muscle mass, etc.) and make this evaluation less subjective and more standardized, veterinarians developed the Body Condition Score chart.
This chart uses a 9-point system to classify a cat’s body condition, with 9 representing morbid obesity and 1 representing extreme emaciation. Ideally, your cat should fall into the 4-5 range.
What Should the Average Cat Weigh?
Generally speaking, a healthy cat should weigh between 8 and 12 pounds.
Nevertheless, healthy cats come in a range of shapes and sizes, including weight. To establish what a healthy weight for a cat is, we need to consider factors other than weight alone, such as body frame size and lean muscle mass.
FAQ
What is a healthy weight for my cat?
Is 12 pounds heavy for a cat?
Is 14 pounds overweight for a cat?
Is 15 pounds heavy for a cat?