There are useful information to be revealed and some misconceptions to be cleared about the tuxedo cats and their weight in this article.
Usually many would think the tuxedo cat is a particular breed of cat. No, it is not. The term “tuxedo” is just a characteristic dark color, either black or gray, and a white color that can occur across many different cat breeds. Also, the weight of tuxedo cat varies with the breed of the cat.
Brief About Tuxedo Cat
Tuxedo cats are very popular. They are also known as Piebald, Tuxies, Felix Cat, or Jellicle Cat. Tuxedo cats are bicolor with dark coats (black or gray) with white markings on their chest, paws, legs, belly, and face. They have long hair which is soft to the touch and has a silky appearance.
Tuxedo cats are often confused with calicos cats because of their similar markings. But there are differences between the two types of cats: Calicos have three colors in their coat (white, orange, and black), while tuxedo cats only have two colors (black/brown with white). Calicos are mainly female while the tuxedo are both male and female.
That said, the tuxedo cats have an elegant personality. Particularly knowing the aura the prominent white and black color attribute to them when fully grown. Tuxedo cats can make good pets if they show equal affection and care.
Tuxedo cats tend to bond more strongly with one person than another, they love cuddling up with their favorite human friend and often seek attention from this special person to stay warm at night or when they’re feeling lonely.
Tuxedo cats are usually found in the listed cat breed below:
- American curl
- Devon Rex
- Exotic shorthair
- La perm
- Munchkin
- Japanese Bobtail
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Maine Coon
- American Shorthair
- British Shorthair
- Turkish Angora
How Much Should A Tuxedo Cat Weigh
Tuxedo cats are fully grown at 18 months old, this is equivalent to the age of a 21-year-old human, according to PetMD. Active growth of cats is experienced between the age of 10 – 18 months. A constant weight is experienced during this age.
The average newborn tuxedo kitten weighs between 3-5 ounces at birth. They rapidly gain weight in their first 6-8 weeks of life as they nurse from their mother. Tuxedo kittens should gain around 4-8 ounces per week, roughly doubling their birth weight by 2 weeks old.
By 1 month old, a tuxedo kitten normally weighs 1-1.5 pounds. They will continue gaining around a half pound per week. At 2 months old, the average weight is 2-3 pounds. A fully grown tuxedo cat would weigh between 8-12 pounds at about 9-12 months old.
Factors Influencing The Tuxedo Cat’s Weight
Although the breed of the tuxedo cat determines how big the cat would grow, some underlying factors cannot be overlooked when looking into how big a tuxedo cat would get with time. Putting the breed factor in a pole position, some other factors influencing the tuxedo cat weight include:
1) Age: Generally, the age of the tuxedo cat influences its weight. Tuxedo cats that are more than 1 year old will have a higher weight than younger ones. This is because older cats need more nutrients to maintain their body functions.
2) Diet: This follows a simple law of input and output, A tuxedo cat eating formulated cat food would grow bigger and stronger than another tuxedo cat eating homemade food within the same breed.
3) Gender: Male Tuxedo cats are usually heavier than female tuxedo. This is because male cats require extra energy to maintain their reproductive organs and muscles during mating season.
4) Activity Level: Indoor Tuxedos gain more weight than outdoor tuxedo cats. However, outdoor cats are less prone to health issues like obesity due to the range of activities including running and hunting. Alternatively, indoor cats must be provided with cat toys and occasional walks to shed their weight and body mass.
Common Weight Issues in Tuxedo Cats
Like any cat breed, tuxedo cats can experience several common weight-related health issues. Being aware of these can help cat owners identify problems early and seek treatment.
#1. Obesity
Obesity is one of the most prevalent weight issues seen in cats, including tuxedos. Carrying excess weight puts cats at risk for diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, and a shorter lifespan. Tuxedo cats should maintain a body condition score between 3-4 out of 5 to stay at a healthy weight.
#2. Underweight/Malnutrition
Being underweight or malnourished can occur from not getting enough nutrition, digesting food poorly, or certain illnesses. Tuxedo cats appearing too thin or bony may require a veterinary exam and dietary adjustments to reach a healthy weight again.
#3. Age-Related Weight Changes
As cats age, they tend to gain fat and lose muscle mass even with no change to diet or exercise. Middle-aged and senior tuxedo cats often need fewer calories than when young to prevent excess weight gain. Monitoring weight regularly helps make appropriate food adjustments.
#4. Diseases Causing Weight Changes
Certain diseases like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cancer, and kidney disease can lead to abnormal weight loss or gain in tuxedos. Unexplained weight changes in either direction can signify illness and the need for veterinary care.
Keeping an eye out for weight fluctuations outside of the normal range for a tuxedo cat’s age can clue owners into potential health issues that need veterinary attention. Addressing abnormal weights helps improve long-term health.
Lastly, keeping cats is more than just having them at home. It entails adequate care and attention. Tuxedo cats are fun to have as companions; good cat food and adequate exercise can help maintain good weight at maturity.