How can I tell if my cat is overweight?

How to assess your cat's BCS

Ribs

Run your fingers along your cat's ribcage. At an ideal weight, you should be able to feel each rib easily with minimal pressure - like feeling your knuckles with your palm flat. If you can see the ribs, the cat is underweight. If you have to press firmly to find them, the cat is overweight.

Waist

Look at your cat from above. At an ideal weight, there should be a visible narrowing (waist) between the ribcage and hips. An overweight cat will appear oval or rectangular from above.

Abdominal tuck

Look at your cat from the side. There should be a slight upward slope from the chest to the groin. A rounded belly or pendulous fat pad indicates excess weight.

Why obesity matters in cats

Feline obesity significantly increases risk of: - Type 2 diabetes mellitus - Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) if the cat stops eating for any reason - Osteoarthritis - Urinary tract disease - Reduced grooming ability, leading to skin and coat problems - Shortened lifespan (studies suggest up to 2 years less)

If your cat is overweight

Never put a cat on a crash diet - this triggers hepatic lipidosis. Work with your vet on a gradual weight loss plan (target: 0.5–1% body weight loss per week), typically involving measured portions of a high-protein, lower-calorie food.