Working in the veterinary industry a common question that gets asked is how much should my cat weigh.
There are many variables which affect a cat's weight, including their size, breed, sex and age. This means weighing your cat and comparing it's weight to an ideal weight isn't always accurate. Instead you can check your cat at how with these steps below.
When looking at your cat from above, you should be able to see its bones clearly, including the hollow of its flank and a clear distinction between its thorax and abdomen (chest and stomach). If its outline is very pronounced, your cat may be underweight; if the outline is expanded with little definition, your cat may be overweight.
By feeling your cat you can get a good idea of whether its weight is healthy or not. Gently see if you can feel and count its ribs, feel its back vertebrae and muscles, and a pocket of stomach fat. You can then use this to see if your cat’s weight should be of concern - If you can feel its ribs but they’re not visible, your cat is an ideal weight
If you notice your cat is gaining or loosing weight suddenly, this can be an indicator of underlying issues. If the weight loss or gain is accompanied by digestive issues such as diarrhoea, vomiting, changes in their skin or coat quality and changes in their behaviour, its best to book a consultation with your local veterinary clinic to ensure nothing underlying is the cause.
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