Is My Cat Overweight? Spotting and Fixing Feline Obesity
Feline obesity is on the rise in the UK, and it’s easy to miss when extra weight creeps on slowly. Carrying too much weight seriously affects a cat’s health — but it’s very manageable.
How to tell if your cat is overweight
Forget the scales for a moment and do the hands-on check:
- You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard.
- From above, there should be a slight waist.
- From the side, the belly shouldn’t sag heavily.
If the ribs are hard to find and there’s no waist, your cat is likely carrying excess weight.
Why it matters
Excess weight raises the risk of diabetes, joint problems, and other health issues, and can shorten a cat’s life. It also makes grooming and movement harder.
Helping your cat slim down
- Measure meals precisely rather than free-pouring — see how much to feed your cat.
- Cut back on treats — apply the 10% rule from our treats guide.
- Feed quality protein — a high-protein food keeps cats fuller on fewer calories.
- Encourage activity, especially for indoor cats — play and puzzle feeders help.
Go slow and involve your vet
Cats should lose weight gradually — crash dieting is dangerous for them. Your vet can set a safe target and pace.
A meat-rich, sensibly fed diet is the foundation. See the range or register your interest.
Weight-related conditions are a common reason for vet visits. Our sister site has a guide to vet costs and pet insurance in the UK.
