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How to determine if a pet cat is obese?

How to determine if a pet cat is obese?

2026-03-18 08:27:26 · · #1

In recent years, the obesity rate among cats has been rising, attracting much attention. Because cats prefer quiet environments and exercise less, they are more prone to obesity than dogs. We need to understand that obesity in cats can lead to various health problems and even endanger their lives. Therefore, it is essential for cat owners to pay close attention and learn how to determine if their cats are obese.

How to determine if a pet cat is obese?

Method 1: Touch

You can easily determine your cat's weight by touching it. Start by feeling down the base of its neck, applying a little pressure (be careful not to hurt it). If you can clearly feel its bones, your cat is too thin. Don't feed it only dry cat food; mix in some canned food or cat-specific kibble. If you can vaguely feel its bones, its weight is just right, and you can continue with your current feeding methods. If you can't feel its bones at all, your cat is too fat (don't tell me you don't think so!), which is very detrimental to its health. You should reduce its food intake slightly, ideally by choosing a weight-loss cat food.

Method 2: Look

This requires a high level of visual acuity; nearsighted people shouldn't use this method. Have your cat sit in one place and look directly at its body from its head. If the cat's head completely covers its body or only a small part is visible, your cat is too thin and needs more nutrition. If the exposed flesh on both sides adds up to 1.5 to 2 times the size of the head, your cat is at a good weight. If a large portion is exposed, almost 3 times the size of the head, your cat needs to lose weight.

Method 3: Quantity

The amount I'm referring to isn't your cat's weight, but rather their daily water intake. If your cat drinks less than 200 ml of water a day, they're too overweight. Around 500-700 ml is normal. If it exceeds 750 ml, they're too underweight and need to drink less water.

Once we determine if a cat is obese, we need to take further measures to control its weight. Remember that helping a cat lose weight is a gradual process that requires scientific methods, including a reasonable diet and appropriate exercise, to help the cat lose weight in a healthier way.

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