How heavy should my cat be?

Updated 16/11/2023

Sometimes it can be hard to work out what a healthy weight is for your feline friend - should their ribs be on show like that, or are they getting a little too floofy? Well, if you’re looking for the answer to “how heavy should my cat be?”, then you’ve come to the right place. We investigate the factors that can affect a cat’s weight, how to determine whether your cat is overweight and ways to help maintain a healthy cat weight. But first, for the question you’ve all been waiting for: how much should a cat weigh?

How much should my cat weigh? 

Cat weights vary depending on age and breed, but the average cat weight is around 10 pounds. Some larger breeds such as the Maine Coon can weigh up to 25 pounds while smaller breeds like the Siamese cat can be just 5 pounds. But don’t “pounce” to conclusions about what a “normal cat weight” is too quickly - there are a few factors you should take into consideration first. 

Factors that affect a cat’s weight

Genetics

According to leaders in genetic testing for pets, Basepaws, genes can play a part in whether your furry feline is over or underweight. Although research isn’t as extensive as it is in humans, studies indicate that cats who are predisposed to becoming overweight require more food to maintain an ideal weight and are less likely to metabolize glucose efficiently. Your cat’s breed can also influence how big (and fluffy) they get. 

Age

It can be hard to admit your fur baby’s reaching their golden age, but do keep an eye on changes in weight as they get older. Mature mogs often gain weight as they spend more time sleeping and less time hunting, playing, and running around. Conditions such as joint pain and chronic inflammation don’t help with mobility, and senior kitties are also more likely to develop a number of medical conditions which can cause them to gain or lose weight. Take a look at the cat weight by age chart at the end of this article to see how much your cat should weigh at every stage of its life.

Activity levels

Of course, exercise plays a huge part in whether your puss is piling on the pounds or losing the lbs. Furry felines are made to run, jump, climb and hunt, and they are more likely to gain weight if they don’t have opportunities (or motivation) to let off steam. If you've got an indoor kitty, an exercise wheel is a great way of burning off some extra calories.

Diet

One of the biggest factors that affects your furry friend’s weight is their diet. If you’ve got a curvy kitty that’s used to grazing on dry food and treats all day long, they may benefit from switching to tinned cat food, which is generally more nutritionally dense. If your furry feline is losing weight, they may need more regular mealtimes, a bigger bowl, or it could be a sign of a health condition.

Medical conditions

It’s a good idea to speak to your vet if your cat’s weight has changed as it could be an indication of an underlying health condition. Arthritis, fluid retention (due to heart or liver failure) or even some types of tumors (cancers) can cause our furry friends to put on a few pounds and studies show that cats that are neutered or spayed require fewer calories to maintain a healthy cat weight. If your cat is underweight, this could be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) and even cancer, so speak to a vet if you are concerned. 

How to determine if your cat is at a healthy weight

Still wondering “how heavy should my cat be”? Before popping your furry feline on the weighing scales, see if you can feel their ribs, spine and shoulder bones with ease. Take a look to see if their belly sags past their primordial pouch or if they look bigger than the other kitties on the block (that being said, a study by Statista in 2018 found that only 38% of domestic cats are a healthy weight, so choose your point of comparison wisely!). Sometimes it can be useful to get the opinion of someone who doesn’t see your furry feline every day, and the vet will always be able to determine if your cat is overweight, as well as take a look into what’s causing changes in your cat’s weight. Another good option is to consult the Body Condition Scoring system. 

Body Condition Scoring system: what is a healthy weight for a cat?

The Body Condition Score, or BCS, has been developed so pet parents can find out whether their fur babies have the right amount of padding. The chart rates cat weight on a scale of 1-9 - puss pals at the lower end of the scale are classed as underweight, with visible ribs, no fat padding, and pelvic bones on show. The ideal cat weight is described as “well-proportioned”, with the waist visible behind the ribs and a slight fat covering. If a cat is overweight, the ribs cannot be felt under the fat covering and there will be fat deposits over the body. 

When to see your vet 

Speak to a vet if you have concerns about your cat’s weight, especially if they’re experiencing extreme weight loss or they’ve gained weight very quickly - under-eating can be a sign of a depressed cat. Your vet will be able to recommend the best regime for your cat as well as rule out any underlying health conditions that could be related.

Maintaining a healthy weight for your cat

If your fur baby doesn’t maintain a healthy weight, they may be at higher risk of developing health problems. Your vet will be able to advise you on how to make changes to your fur baby’s diet, which may include replacing dry food with wet food and reducing the number of treats your puss pal gets (yes, even if a loving cat sitter is taking your place for a few days!). Setting distinct mealtimes rather than free feeding your cat may also help them maintain a healthy weight. The new diet should be introduced gradually, and you should never, ever starve your furry friend. Exercise and games are fun ways of keeping the pounds off as they replicate how our feline friends would have hunted for food in the wild, and serve as a great distraction from spending the day grazing. Cat food puzzles and other interactive games make furry felines work in return for a tasty reward, and you can try making one out of cardboard or even hide tiny morsels around the house for them to hunt down (but remember to check they’ve been gobbled up at the end of the day!). 

Cat weight chart by age lb:

Meet our veterinary expert, Lily

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lily Richards BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lily qualified from Liverpool University in 2011 and spent 5 years as a veterinarian working in mixed animal practice. As Lily’s passion for exotics and exploring more complicated small animal medical cases developed, she stepped into small animal-only practice. By 2018 Lily was leading a busy branch of a large hospital practice with a fantastic team, enjoying working on both surgical and medical cases. Since falling poorly in 2021 Lily has found a new passion in medical writing. Sharing medical knowledge and writing for the public is a particular passion. 

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