As a cat owner, you should be well aware that it’s important to weigh your feline friend regularly. While many people think that this can be done at home, this is not always the case. The scale may not be accurate, and it might give you an inaccurate weight for your cat. Similarly, if you try to weigh your cat on a kitchen or bathroom scale designed for humans, the result will likely be inaccurate as well.
There are many factors that determine your cat’s ideal weight such as age, gender, breed, and genetics. In general, most cats should weigh between 7-10 pounds when they are full-grown adults at about 1 year old (depending on the breed). If you feel that your cat is too thin or overweight, there are ways to help them lose or gain weight safely so that it can live a long and healthy life with you.
There are several things you can do in order to ensure that the scale is giving an accurate reading:
-Take the time to check whether or not the scale was designed specifically for pets (many vets will have this type of equipment). If so, then that’s great. You’ll know that whatever weight you get from them will be accurate and reliable.
-Make sure there isn’t any food or water in their stomach when you weigh them; if there is some leftover from dinner last night or water from earlier today, or even last week, the results won’t be as reliable because those items can add extra weight onto their frame.
A healthy cat has a waistline that is narrower than its ribcage and has a definite abdomen tuck. When your cat’s rear end is sticking out behind him and/or you can’t see his ribs when he’s standing up, this may indicate obesity. If your cat has gained weight, especially if he was once skinny or underweight, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about how much weight he should be losing.
What causes overweight cats?
Cats can become overweight due to a number of factors, including poor diet and lack of exercise. Cats that are fed an improper diet consisting primarily of high-calorie food will likely gain weight over time. This is because their bodies have been conditioned to expect more calories than usual on a daily basis; therefore, when they consume fewer calories than their body expects (such as when owners switch from a dry food diet) it can lead to weight gain or obesity over time as well as other health problems such as diabetes mellitus type 2 which is caused by consuming too much sugar in your pet’s diet which leads them into developing insulin resistance leading them onto developing diabetes mellitus type 2.
If your cat is overweight, he or she may not have the energy to play as frequently as a healthy cat. A healthy cat will have the ability to jump up onto furniture and play with toys. It’s important that you keep an eye on your cat’s weight so that you can ensure he or she does not become overweight.
If you notice a change in your pet’s behavior, it could be a sign that something is off. If your cat doesn’t seem interested in playing as much anymore and has difficulty jumping up onto furniture, it could be because of his or her weight problem and health concerns associated with being overweight or obese.
What causes underweight cats?
It’s a common misconception that cats are always hungry, but in fact, many are underweight because they’re not eating enough. It’s also possible that they’re expending more calories than they are taking in.
Cats often become underweight when they stop eating because of illness or dental problems. This can be fatal, so it’s important for your veterinarian to determine the cause of their weight loss and get them the help they need.
If you suspect your cat may be underweight, there are some signs you should look for:
-Your cat may have lost too much weight over time. This can happen if your cat is an older cat and has been eating less due to age-related arthritis or other health issues. If your cat does seem to be losing weight over time, take him or her to the vet right away.
-Your cat may have changes in energy level or behavior: Is he or she lethargic? Does he or she have trouble keeping up with other members of the household? These could be signs that something is wrong.
-Your cat might have a sunken belly when viewed from above; this is called a “tummy tuck,” which means there isn’t much fat covering his or her organs.
If you suspect your cat is underweight or overweight, consult your veterinarian. A healthy cat should have a waistline that is narrower than its ribcage and a definite abdomen tuck. The stomach should be firm but able to move slightly as the cat breathes in and out. An overweight or obese cat will have difficulty jumping up onto furniture and may suffer from various health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Final thoughts,
If your cat has lost more than two pounds in the past six months, this could be indicative of an underlying medical issue, one which requires treatment by a veterinarian immediately. Ideally, however, all cats should be maintaining their current weight during this time period without being forced into an unhealthy lifestyle due to excess calories or lack thereof.