Cat Information

How important is a cat's bodyweight for good health and longevity?

Bodyweight is a big factor in human health and lifespan, but is it also very important for a housecat? I'm not completely sure, but I suspect that my 8-year-old cat may be overweight. Thanks for any info!

Public Comments

1. Kitties should be slim, not round! Overweight and obese cats are at much higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, among other things. If you want your kitty to live longer and healthier, he/she should maintain an ideal weight. The second link below describes how to assess your cat's body condition score (BCS). This will help you determine if he/she is overweight. Indoor cats are rarely, if ever, underweight. The first link can help you put your cat on a diet and exercise plan. You should discuss this plan with your vet because overweight cats who lose weight too quickly can develop liver disease and become very very ill. Some vets will tell you to simply give them less food, but this may result in a hungry, agiatated kitty. You may want to try reduced calorie, increased fiber foods to help kitty feel full. Talk to your vet. Figure out what works best for you. Good luck!
2. it is more important for a cat to be the right weight than it is for a human because just 1 pound for a cat is something like at least 10 lbs for a human, I can't remember the conversion, you can look it up. your vet will be able to tell you if your cat is over weight and will be able to help you to get your cat to loose some weight.