Did you know that cats are more prone to becoming obese than dogs? That's because their bodies handle sugar and fats differently. In fact, studies have found that over 60% of indoor cats worldwide are overweight. This often happens because they live indoors, have low activity levels, and eat calorie-dense diets.

When cats gain weight, it puts real strain on their health. They become more at risk for urinary tract issues, diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and even joint problems.

Are you worried that your kitty is getting too heavy? Pet Express is here to help keep your cats active, well-fed, and at a good weight with this guide!

Know Your Cat’s Ideal Weight

To see if your cat is too heavy, start by looking at and touching them. You can do a quick check called a "rib test". Lightly run your hands along your cat’s sides. If you can feel their ribs without pressing hard, that’s good. But if it’s hard to feel the ribs, your cat might have some extra fat. 

Another visual test is to look down at your cat from above. A healthy cat should have a waistline near their hips. Their tummy area should come up a little. If your cat's body looks round like an oval or a tube, they may be obese.

It’s important to take your cat to the vet regularly to monitor their weight. Your vet can use a Body Condition Score (BCS) to assess your cat’s weight and determine whether they are gaining too much weight due to overfeeding, a health issue, or insufficient exercise.

Ideal Weight for Cats

What’s considered an ideal weight varies by cat type and size. Most average house cats, whether short-haired or long-haired, usually weigh between 3 and 5 kilograms. Bigger breeds like Maine Coons can weigh 5 to 9 kilograms, while smaller breeds like Siamese can weigh 2.5 to 4.5 kilograms.

Instead of stressing about specific weights, focus on knowing what your own cat’s normal size is and what a healthy body shape looks like for them. This will help you better manage their weight!

Read more: The Essential Guide to Maintaining Your Pet's Healthy Weight

Practice Portion Control and Proper Feeding

Proper feeding habits are very important for keeping cats at a healthy weight. Many cat owners make the mistake of letting their cat free-feed, leaving food out all day so the cat can eat whenever it wants. While this might be easier for you, it often leads to your cat overeating. 

A better way is scheduled feeding, where you feed at set times, usually twice a day. Cats love a routine, and feeding them on a schedule helps control their calorie intake. Don’t forget to follow a clear cat food portion size for your pet.

Understand Cat Food Labels & Ingredients

Learning to read cat food labels is also important for pet owners. Knowing the calories in each serving helps you adjust the amount of cat food to your cat's needs. This applies to raw cat food portion sizes, dry cat food portion sizes, and wet cat food portion sizes. Younger, active cats may need more calories, while older indoor cats usually need less. 

Use a cup or scoop to ensure you're giving consistent portions. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories, so be mindful about when you offer food rewards.

At Pet Express, you can find a variety of cat foods formulated for weight management. Find options from trusted cat food brands like Royal Canin Weight Care, Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight, and lower-calorie foods from Whiskas. Picking the right food is the first step toward your cat's long-term weight and health management.

Choose the Right Cat Food

Nutrition is key to managing your cat’s weight. Many Filipino pet owners also explore homemade, hypoallergenic, or low-sodium cat food, depending on their cat's health needs. Still, it’s always best to choose vet-recommended cat food options for safe, balanced nutrition.

When selecting food, finding the right balance of protein and carbs is essential. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they need a lot of protein and few carbs. A high-protein diet for feline pets helps them build lean muscle that burns more calories.

Understanding the different food types helps you pick what's best for your cat. Dry cat food or kibble is easy to manage and helps with portion control, but look for low-carb formulas with high protein. Wet cat food is excellent for hydration and weight management because it helps your cat feel full while consuming fewer calories.

Read more: Optimizing Your Pet's Diet: Wet vs Dry Pet Food

Encourage Active Playtime

Cats need to move to stay fit. While indoor life is safe, it often means they get less exercise. Regular playtime for cats helps them burn calories, build muscle, and prevent boredom and overeating. Most cats should play for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day, but high-energy cats might need more.

Fun activities like chasing lasers, swatting at feather wands, and running through tunnels mimic hunting and keep them engaged. Climbing trees, scratch posts, and puzzle feeders also get cats moving. Puzzle feeders make them eat more slowly and work for their food, turning meals into a bit of exercise. 

Pet Express offers a selection of toys for cats to help them be more active.

Read more: 10 Exciting Indoor Activities for You and Your Pet to Enjoy

Monitor Progress and Stay Consistent

Managing your cat's weight takes time. Regularly weighing them helps you spot progress and adjust their feedings if needed. Small changes, like cutting back on cat treats or adding extra playtime, can make a big difference. 

Just remember, don't make big changes too fast, as that can upset your cat's stomach or cause them stress.

Keep an eye on how your cat behaves around food. If they beg or meow excessively, try engaging them in play or offering a low-calorie treat. But if they continue to gain weight despite your efforts, it may be best to consult your vet to find out why your cat is obese.

Nurturing a Happy & Healthy Cat Starts Now

Keeping your cat fit and healthy involves feeding them right, playing with them regularly, measuring their food carefully, and checking their weight. Preventing cat obesity means prioritizing their health and helping them live a happy, safe life.

Support your cat’s journey to fitness with the best vet-recommended cat food and toys available at Pet Express. Visit a Pet Express store near you for more cat care essentials and must-haves!

---

 

Resources:

• Okada, Y., Ueno, H., Mizorogi, T., Ohara, K., Kawasumi, K., & Arai, T. (2019). Diagnostic criteria for obesity disease in cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6, 284. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00284
• Tarkosova, D., Story, M., Rand, J., & Svoboda, M. (2016). Feline obesity - prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis, associated conditions and assessment: a review. Veterinární Medicína, 61(6), 295–307. https://doi.org/10.17221/145/2015-vetmed
  

• Feline Obesity - Evaluation and Management. (n.d.). Purina Institute. https://www.purinainstitute.com/explore/managing-obesity-in-cats