Body Condition Guide
Given the love you have for your feline friend, you're likely to spot any problems early on — but here are a few body conditioning pointers to keep in mind.
Too thin
What to look out for:
If your cat has short hair, you'll be able to see its ribs, and when you look from above, you'll notice a distinct hollow at the waist. If your cat has a fluffy coat, you won't be able to spot these changes so easily, so give it a cuddle and feel if its ribs, backbone and hip bones are too prominent.
What to do:
Until your cat gains weight, make sure food is always available. If your cat is really thin, there may be an underlying medical condition, so we recommend a vet check up.
Slightly underweight
What to look out for:
You'll see the ribs and they'll be easy to feel under a small covering of fat. The waist will also be obvious when looking from above.
What to do:
Feed your cat a little more at each meal so it can gain enough weight to improve its condition.
Perfect
What to look out for:
Your cat will have a thin layer of fat covering its ribs. You'll be able to feel them, but they won't be prominent. Its waist will be well defined from above.
What to do:
Well done. Your cat is in great condition, so keep feeding just the way you are.
Overweight
What to look out for:
You won't be able to see your cat's ribs, but you may still be able to feel them. And your cat's waist won't be visible from above.
What to do:
To be healthy, your cat needs to lose some weight. Reduce food, but do it gradually. You'll find more information about how to develop a healthy weight loss plan in our 'Healthy weight management' section.
Obese
What to look out for:
Your cat is likely to be obese if it's rounded from above and the ribs and backbone can no longer easily be felt.
What to do:
A weight loss plan is strongly recommended and a trip to the vet is a good idea too. Since your cat is carrying extra weight, it may have underlying health issues that a vet can help you with.