How can I tell if my cat is overweight?

One of the easiest ways to tell if your cat is overweight is to look and feel for their ribs and waist. You should be able to feel the ribs with gentle pressure, without pressing through a thick layer of fat. Viewed from above, your cat should have a slight waist behind the ribs, and from the side, the abdomen should tuck up slightly rather than hanging down.

Veterinarians often use a 9-point Body Condition Score (BCS) to assess whether a cat is underweight, ideal, overweight, or obese. A score of 4–5 out of 9 is generally considered ideal for most healthy adult cats.

Why does this matter?

  • Even a small amount of excess weight can affect your cat's health over time. Overweight cats are at a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus, arthritis, reduced mobility, lower urinary tract problems, and a reduced quality of life. 

  • They may also groom themselves less effectively, making their coat appear greasy or matted.

  • Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to support your cat's long-term health and wellbeing.

What do vets generally agree on?

Veterinarians generally agree that portion control and a balanced diet are far more effective for weight management than simply feeding less of an unsuitable food. Weight loss should be gradual and carefully monitored, as rapid weight loss in cats can increase the risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Ideally, the rate of weight reduction for a cat should be about 1–2% of their initial body weight per week. For morbidly obese cats, closer to 0.5% might be more appropriate.

For many indoor and less active cats, choosing a highly digestible, protein-first diet can help support lean muscle while avoiding unnecessary calories from low-value ingredients. BLEP  fresh cat food is made with 100% natural, human-grade ingredients, provides complete and balanced nutrition, and contains zero fillers, allowing every ingredient to contribute nutritional value. To avoid overfeeding, use the BLEP Cat Feeding Calculator to determine appropriate daily portions for your cat. 

Regularly weighing your cat and checking their Body Condition Score can help you notice gradual weight changes before they become a health concern.

When to be careful?

Never put your cat on a crash diet or drastically reduce their food intake without veterinary guidance. Cats that stop eating or lose weight too quickly are at risk of developing hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver disease.

If your cat is gaining weight despite eating appropriate portions, or if they suddenly lose weight while maintaining a normal or increased appetite, consult your veterinarian. Hormonal disorders, diabetes, and other medical conditions can all affect body weight and should be ruled out before making major dietary changes.

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