On this page
A round cat looks content, and extra weight creeps on slowly. Most owners never notice until the vet mentions it, and even then many do not believe it.
Key figures
- 61 percent Cats overweight or obese in APOP's 2022 survey
- 20 percent Excess weight above normal indicating obesity
How common it is
In its 2022 survey, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that veterinary professionals classified 61 percent of cats as overweight or having obesity. Cornell’s Feline Health Center calls obesity the most frequently observed nutritional disorder in domestic cats, and generally defines it as weight 20 percent or more above normal.
Extra weight can worsen conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
Check your cat in one minute
- Ribs. Run your hands along the side. You should feel ribs easily under a thin layer, without pressing.
- Waist. Looking down from above, there should be a slight inward curve behind the ribs.
- Belly. A small pouch is normal. A belly that swings from side to side as the cat walks is not.
Your vet can score body condition on a standard scale and give you a target weight.
Trimming weight safely
- Measure every meal with a scale or measuring cup. Scoops are rarely accurate.
- Count treats as part of the daily food.
- Feed meals instead of a bowl that is always full.
- Add play, a few short sessions a day with a wand toy.
- Go slowly. Your vet will set a safe rate of loss.
A cat that stops eating or eats far too little can develop a serious liver problem. Weight loss should be slow and planned with a vet.
The food puzzle comparison keeps activity food within the feeding allowance. The automatic feeder guide distinguishes programmed delivery from intake by an individual cat.
Questions people ask
How can I tell if my cat is overweight?
You should feel ribs easily and see a slight waist from above. If you cannot feel ribs without pressing, the cat is likely overweight.
How many cats are overweight?
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention's 2022 survey found 61 percent of US cats were overweight or obese.
How fast should a cat lose weight?
Slowly, at a rate your vet sets. Rapid weight loss is dangerous for cats.
Is free feeding bad for cats?
It makes overeating easy for many cats. Measured meals are the simplest weight control tool.
Where these figures come from
- 2022 Pet Obesity Survey Results Association for Pet Obesity Prevention · petobesityprevention.org
- Obesity Cornell Feline Health Center · vet.cornell.edu
Figures last checked September 2026.
