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Healthy Cat Weight Guide

Posted by Dr. Roth on

Cat on a scale, healthy weight guide for cats

Healthy cats have a healthy weight, but that ideal weight isn’t always obvious. Together, a cat’s age, gender, and breed can help pet parents know when their pet is healthy and when they’re overweight. This healthy cat weight guide can help.

Healthy Kittens

Kittens start small, but their rapid development means they put on about one pound each month. Pet parents should always get a vet’s expert opinion to make sure their kitten has the right kitten care. 

Most kittens weigh about one pound at four weeks and two pounds at eight weeks. By the time a kitten is six months old, they will weigh about six pounds (depending on the breed).

After six months and until 12 months when the kitten becomes a cat, average weights begin to vary widely by breed and individual. A healthy kitten weight comes from proper portions, the right nutrients, and an active lifestyle.

Healthy Adults 

Cats are young adults when they are one to six years old and mature adults from seven to 10 years old. They become seniors at about 11 years old. During their adult years, they can gain extra weight if they eat too much and live a sedentary lifestyle. High-quality food and probiotics for cats can help them get the right cat nutrition. 

 

Probiotics for cats

Adult cats have a lot of variation in size, so there isn’t one single healthy weight. Weights also vary by breed and gender. Females weigh less than males by about two to four pounds on average.

Smaller breeds like Singapura weigh about four to eight pounds, while the American Curl weigh about five to 10 pounds. Average-size breeds like the Abyssinian weigh about eight to 10 pounds

Larger breeds often weigh anywhere from 18 to 25 pounds as a healthy weight. For example, male Maine Coons can weigh 15 to 25 pounds and females can weigh 11 to 20 pounds. Ragdolls are another large breed, with males weighing 15 to 20 pounds and females weighing 10 to 15 pounds. 

Healthy Seniors

By their senior years, some cats put on more weight because they aren’t as active. But most of the time, senior cats become underweight because of a medical condition, a nutritional issue, or a dental issue.

Senior cats are already more likely to get health conditions like diabetes and liver disease, and being overweight increases those risks. Healthy weights for senior cats are the same as the breed standards in their adult years. This weight may be harder to achieve because of health issues, so pet parents should watch out for overweight and underweight senior cats.

Cats and the Body Condition Score 

The Body Condition Score (BCS) helps pet parents and vets tell if a cat is carrying too many pounds. It has a five-point score and looks at three areas: ribs and spine, waistline from above, and waistline from the side.

Cat body condition score, healthy cat weight guide

 

Overweight cats have higher risks for health issues like kidney and liver disease, diabetes, and more. Keeping a cat at a healthy weight is good for their joints, blood, and long-term health. 

Questions About a Cat's Weight? Reach Out to Fuzzy

Chat with a Fuzzy Vet to get a virtual consultation, ask cat questions, and find out if your cat is a healthy weight. 

Lifestyle Puppy & Kitten Wellness Care