Pets, like people, can experience weight problems. Cats living in city apartments often lead an inactive lifestyle and receive excess nutrition. As a result, your pet develops excess fat cells, which negatively affect their overall health. Animals experience problems with cardiac activity and are prone to developing arthritis and other pathologies of internal organs. Therefore, the cat’s weight must be maintained within certain limits, and for this you should know the accepted norms, depending on age and breed.
What determines the weight of a kitten at birth?
When correlating the weight of a newborn pet with the norm, you need to consider the following factors:
- cat nutrition during pregnancy - the diet should contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates in acceptable proportions and quantities, but also foods rich in calcium, phosphorus and fatty acids;
- heredity - large animals often give birth to the same offspring;
- breed - Maine Coons and Ragdolls, for example, give birth to larger kittens than outbred cats;
- gender – males weigh more than females;
- the number of kittens in the litter - the more kittens a cat has, the less they weigh;
- the health status of a newborn pet - a baby who was born weak or picked up an infection from the mother in the womb or in the first days of life does not gain weight well.
Sequence of administration
When first examining a dog or cat, the veterinarian will pay special attention to the head and neck. The skull should be symmetrical, and the mucous membranes of the eyes should be pink and shiny
The position of the eye in the orbit and the reaction of the pupil to light are assessed. Then the ears are examined. The ear should normally be sensitive to sound. The auditory canal is examined from the outside and inside. Our clinic uses a slit lamp to visually detect eye pathology in an animal. An otoscope is used to examine the ear canal.
When examining the oral cavity, the condition of the mucous membranes, gums, teeth, bite, and the presence or absence of tartar is assessed.
The submandibular lymph nodes are palpated and neck mobility is assessed.
When examining the chest, the integrity of the ribs is checked, the lungs and heart are auscultated, this allows us to identify pathologies of the cardiovascular system and lung diseases. If a patient comes to an appointment with such problems, our clinic has the opportunity to quickly conduct additional instrumental studies (ultrasound of the heart with color Doppler, X-ray).
Palpation of the abdominal cavity is carried out to detect large tumors and identify pain in the internal organs.
In males, the scrotum is examined with mandatory palpation of the testes and penis, and the presence or absence of cryptorchidism is determined. In females, the vulva and mammary glands are examined.
Examination of the condition of the skin - be sure to check the animal for the presence of ectoparasites (fleas, lice eaters), evaluate skin turgor, the presence or absence of pathological molting.
Be sure to examine the front and hind limbs and tail.
At each appointment, thermometry is required: in dogs, the normal body temperature is 37.6 - 39.1 degrees, in cats 38 - 39 degrees.
How to weigh kittens?
Ideally, the kitten should be weighed on special scales, which are used in veterinary clinics and most accurately indicate the weight. However, you can do this with a simple kitchen scale. When the pet becomes too active and becomes more difficult to keep in place, it is weighed on a floor scale. To do this, the owner needs to weigh himself, then pick up the animal and stand on the scale with it, and then subtract the person’s weight from the resulting figure.
In the first month of life, it is necessary to weigh the baby every week, then monthly or as needed, for example during illness. For convenience, especially if there are several pets living in the house, you should keep a notebook to record data on the pet’s development. In addition to information about weight, you can record the dates of vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments. This helps to more closely monitor the health of the animal and promptly eliminate emerging pathologies.
Symptoms of gastric pathology
The following manifestations may indicate problems in this area:
- pain in the stomach, feeling of fullness, heaviness after eating;
- pain behind the sternum, in the epigastric region;
- difficulty swallowing food;
- feeling of a foreign body in the esophagus;
- belching with a sour taste;
- heartburn;
- nausea, vomiting of undigested food;
- vomiting with blood;
- increased gas formation;
- black stool, bleeding during bowel movements;
- bouts of ravenous hunger/lack of appetite.
Of course, previously identified pathologies of the digestive system are serious indications for gastroenterological examination:
- gastritis;
- reflux disease;
- pancreatitis;
- cholecystitis;
- peptic ulcer;
- cholelithiasis;
- polyps and other formations;
- inflammatory processes;
- oncological diseases, etc.
Table of normal weight indicators for kittens of different breeds under the age of 1 month
At this age, babies gradually wean themselves from their mother, crawl out of hiding for a short time, and are just learning to walk, but sleep most of the time. For harmonious development, it is important to provide them with enhanced nutrition. In the first weeks of kittens’ lives, it is necessary to monitor the mother’s lactation, and subsequently, gradually introduce complementary foods in the form of fermented milk products and milk porridge into the babies’ diet. The weight norms (in g) of kittens in the first weeks of life are shown in the table:
| Age | mongrel cat | Bengal cat | British shorthair cat | Abyssinian cat | Maine Coon |
| Newborn pet | 70–130 | 70–120 | 60–140 | 85–110 | 120–160 |
| 1 Week | 85–200 | 170–200 | 110–260 | 100–200 | 180–260 |
| 2 week | 220–285 | 150–280 | 150–400 | 170–220 | 280–360 |
| 3 week | 225–400 | 200–350 | 210–630 | 200–280 | 420–600 |
| 4 week | 285–500 | 400–500 | 250–740 | 300–370 | 560–750 |
Weight indicators for 2–6 month old kittens of different breeds
Unlike the build of a one-month-old kitten, which largely depends on the characteristics of intrauterine development, at this age lifestyle and nutrition increasingly begin to influence the baby’s weight. Naturally, pets that spend a lot of time outside with other kittens from the first months of life weigh slightly less than their domestic counterparts. At this age, differences in weight between representatives of different breeds become increasingly noticeable.
For example, a healthy two-month-old kitten of a regular breed weighs 0.8–1.5 kg, Persian – 0.56–1.2, Siamese – 0.52–1.6, Neva Masquerade – 0.46–1.4, Don Sphynx – 0.51–0.82 kg. A normally developing three-month-old outbred cat weighs 2–2.3, and its peers of the above breeds weigh 1–2, 0.9–2, 1–2.8, 0.9–2.2, 0.9–2 kg, respectively . Over the following months, the kittens become less playful, although they still eagerly respond to the offer to play. By 5–6 months, the weight of a purebred kitten is 2.5–3.8, Persian – 2–4.3, Siamese – 1.7–4, Neva Masquerade – 2.3–5.6, Sphynx – 2–3, 8 kg.
Why is the baby overweight and is it dangerous?
At this age, this problem is most often associated with overeating and insufficient physical activity. In most cases, this disorder is diagnosed in domestic cats that do not walk outside.
Most often, the problem of excess weight is solved by reducing portions. As a rule, at 7–9 months, at the height of puberty, the cat’s weight returns to normal. Much less often, obesity becomes a consequence of systemic diseases. To determine whether excess weight indicates pathology, you need to examine the kitten's waist. Normally, the ribs should not be noticeable, but easily palpable. If your fingers “sink” when you feel them, it is difficult for the animal to move, it is lethargic and apathetic, you need to contact a veterinarian.
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Visual inspection
To determine the condition of the animal, it is necessary to carefully examine its physique. The condition of the limbs and abdomen is determined when looking at the profile, the lumbar region and waist are assessed when viewed from above. The weight of a cat can also be “calculated” by manual palpation. To do this, the area of the ribs is felt with your fingers. Moreover, if the bones stick out at the slightest pressure, then the animal is malnourished; if you need to make an effort to palpate them, then, most likely, the pet is obese.
After the ribs, the waist and abdomen area is assessed. In cats, it is very sensitive, so you must be careful when palpating. If you run two palms from the waist to the pelvic bones, you should get an hourglass shape. If this sensation does not arise, then the cat is most likely overweight.
Next, the abdomen is examined. Softness should be felt under your fingers. But if it hangs down a lot or is swollen, then nutritional adjustments are necessary. A sunken belly indicates a lack of nutrition or illness.
Body weight standards for cats by age
The body weight of purebred cats and those representatives of the cat world who do not have a breed is somewhat different. For example, we take the weight indicators of a purebred animal and a British breed cat (on a mobile phone, you can scroll the table horizontally with your finger):
| Age | No breed - weight in grams | British cat - weight in grams |
| Up to 30 days from birth | from 80 to 120 | from 120 to 160 |
| 1 month | from 320 to 500 | from 500 to 800 |
| 2 months | from 450 to 800 | from 800 to 1200 |
| 3 months | from 900 to 1100 | 1400 – 1900 |
| 5 months | from 2000 to 2500 | 2800 – 3600 |
| 7 months | from 2600 to 3000 | 4500 – 5600 |
| 8 months | from 3500 to 4400 | 6100 – 7100 |
| 12 months | from 4600 to 5400 | 7500 – 8300 |
| Adult animal | 5300 – 6400 | 8000 – 10 kg |
| After sterilization/castration | 5500 – 6800 | 9 kg – 13 kg. |
It is generally believed that the largest domestic cat by weight is the Maine Coon, but this is not true. Representatives of this breed only look visually larger due to the large amount of long and lush hair.
But if you compare their weight, you can see that an adult cat of the British breed, and especially after sterilization or castration, will weigh significantly more than a Maine Coon:
How much do the heaviest cats weigh?
The above figures are averages. And there are breeds of cats that are much heavier than ordinary domestic ones. About eight kilograms – that’s how much a Maine Coon cat weighs. This is one of the heaviest breeds.
If you are wondering how much a British cat weighs , then from five to eight kilograms. The average weight of an Angora cat is 4.8 kilograms. And the largest cat today is the Thule cat, who lives in Denmark. This is an ordinary red yard cat, a model of calm and complacency. It weighs 19.5 kilograms.
In second place is the eighteen-kilogram Garfield, and in third is the cat SpongeBob, who weighs 15.5 kg (both are “citizens” of the United States). But these are records for living cats. The fattest cat in the Guinness Book of Records is Himmy from Australia weighing 21.3 kilograms, but he quickly died due to obesity.
How to determine the ideal weight of a cat? The cat must be of the correct proportions, the ribs must be palpable, but not visible. The waist should be noticeable. There may be some fat on the tail and chest.
You need to carefully monitor your animal's weight and not overfeed it, since obesity is very dangerous for cats - such animals are more likely to suffer from heart and kidney ailments.
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Table of norms and weight deviations for cats of different breeds
Body weight directly depends on the constitution of the animal. Like people, some cats have a slight figure, others can boast of medium size, and still others will initially be quite large. Therefore, before running to the veterinarian, you need to determine, taking into account the breed, whether your pet has weight problems (overweight or underweight).
Table of body weight of an adult pet with a slight build, depending on the breed, weight is indicated in kilograms (on a mobile phone, the table can be scrolled horizontally with your finger):
| Breed | Normal indicator | Slight excess | Risk of Obesity |
| Abyssinian | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.1 |
| American Bobtail | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Angora | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Balinese | 3.1 | 3.4 | 3.7 |
| Bengal | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Burma | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| Bombay | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| British Shorthair | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| Burmanskaya | 3.1 | 3.4 | 3.7 |
| Burmilla | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.1 |
| Havana Brown | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Himalayan | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| Devon Rex | 2.8 | 3.1 | 3.4 |
| Egyptian Mau | 3.0 | 3.3 | 3.6 |
| Cymric | 3.5 | 3.8 | 4.2 |
| Cornish Rex | 2.7 | 2.9 | 3.2 |
| Korat | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Manx | 3.5 | 3.8 | 4.2 |
| Munchkin | 3.2 | 3.6 | 3.9 |
| Maine Coon | 5.8 | 6.4 | 7.0 |
| Nibelung | 2.5 | 2.8 | 3.0 |
| Norwegian forest | 3.2 | 3.6 | 3.9 |
| Oriental | 3.0 | 3.3 | 3.6 |
| Ocicat | 4.4 | 4.8 | 5.3 |
| Persian | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| Russian blue | 2.5 | 2.8 | 3.0 |
| Ragdoll | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Selkirk Rex | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.4 |
| Siamese | 3.1 | 3.4 | 3.7 |
| Siberian | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Singaporean | 2.5 | 2.7 | 3.0 |
| Snow-shoe | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.1 |
| Somalia | 3.2 | 3.6 | 3.9 |
| Sphinx | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.1 |
| Tiffany | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Tonkinese | 3.5 | 3.8 | 4.2 |
| Turkish Angora | 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.9 |
Table of body weights for cats that are of average build from birth (on a mobile device you can scroll the table horizontally with your finger):
| Breed | Normal indicator | Slight excess | Risk of Obesity |
| Abyssinian | 4.3 | 4.7 | 5.1 |
| American Bobtail | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Angora | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Balinese | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| Bengal | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Burma | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Bombay | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| British Shorthair | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.7 |
| Burmanskaya | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| Burmilla | 4.3 | 4.7 | 5.1 |
| Havana Brown | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Himalayan | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.7 |
| Devon Rex | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4.3 |
| Egyptian Mau | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Cymric | 4.4 | 4.8 | 5.2 |
| Cornish Rex | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.0 |
| Korat | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Manx | 4.4 | 4.8 | 5.2 |
| Munchkin | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.9 |
| Maine Coon | 7.3 | 8.0 | 8.8 |
| Nibelung | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Norwegian forest | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.9 |
| Oriental | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.4 |
| Ocicat | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.6 |
| Persian | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.7 |
| Russian blue | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Ragdoll | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
| Selkirk Rex | 4.6 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| Siamese | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| Siberian | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Singaporean | 3.1 | 3.4 | 3.7 |
| Snow-shoe | 4.3 | 4.7 | 5.1 |
| Somalia | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.9 |
| Sphinx | 4.3 | 4.7 | 5.1 |
| Tiffany | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Tonkinese | 4.4 | 4.8 | 5.2 |
| Turkish Angora | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.9 |
| Turkish Van | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Chartreuse | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.8 |
| Scottish lop-eared | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Exotic Shorthair | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.7 |
| Javanesian | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4.3 |
| Japanese Bobtail | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4.3 |
Signs of normality and deviations in weight up or down
In order to determine without weighing an animal whether its body weight is within the normal range, or whether it is obese or, conversely, exhausted, you need to take a close look at the animal and examine its body.
Signs of being underweight:
- the bones of the ribs and pelvis are clearly visible, protruding excessively through the skin;
- visible insufficiency of muscle fibers;
- When palpating the chest, a layer of subcutaneous fat is not felt.
Maximum low limit of permissible low weight:
- the bones of the ribs and pelvis are clearly distinguished;
- the waist is visible;
- in the chest area you can feel the subcutaneous fat layer, which is absent on the abdomen.
The norm indicator, which is considered ideal for an animal of any breed:
- all body proportions are perfectly observed;
- the bones of the ribs and pelvis are poorly visible, but they can be felt;
- the waist varies;
- the presence of subcutaneous fat in the chest area;
- There is a small, thin accumulation of subcutaneous fat on the abdomen.
Signs indicating that an animal has problems with excess weight:
- it is extremely difficult to palpate the bones of the pelvis, ribs and spinal column;
- it is almost impossible to determine the waist;
- the layer of subcutaneous fat can be easily felt in the chest and abdomen.
- due to the thick layer of fat, it is almost impossible to feel the bones of the pelvis and hips and the spinal column with your hands;
- the fat layer under the skin on the chest and abdomen is thick;
- the abdomen is enlarged.
With a lack or excess of weight, the animal’s behavior also changes. The cat becomes apathetic and prefers to spend most of its time lying down. With obesity and underweight, it is difficult for an animal to move.
Why define?
When a baby is born, one of the first indicators that is noted is its weight. Good weight is the first sign of health. Not the only one, but one of the most important. It's the same with animals. There are weight standards that correspond to each cat breed. Basically they are about the same when the kitten is just born. As adults, norms change. Determining and monitoring weight throughout your pet's life is mandatory. By weight, you can determine overfeeding or underfeeding, an impending or progressive disease, or development.
When born from the same mother, you can compare the weight of kittens even without special instruments. Just looking at them is enough. If the kitten is thinner than the others, then special monitoring is required: behavior, feeding, sleep. If it is visually unclear that the kitten is thinner than the others, then you can watch how he attaches to the breast.
If other, stronger kittens push him away, then you need to take the kitten and bring it to the cat yourself, and more often than the others eat.
What to do if your pet's weight is not normal
If the animal is obese or underweight, it must be shown to a veterinarian. Problems with a pet’s weight (deviation up or down) are a sign that some diseases and pathological processes are developing in the body. Although the owner himself may be to blame for incorrectly organizing the diet and feeding regime of his pet.
To solve the problem of excess weight, it is recommended to switch the animal to specialized industrial feeds, which are well saturated and at the same time have minimal calorie content. Ensuring an active lifestyle also plays an important role: you need to play outdoor games with your pet as often as possible so that it expends energy, and with it the fat layer is burned.
It is also necessary to change the diet if the animal is underweight. Products must be high in calories. Owners are advised to focus on specialized industrial feeds, which not only have the necessary calorie content, but also contain vitamins and minerals. Lack of weight requires a thorough diagnosis of the pet's health condition and appropriate treatment.
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Diseases leading to obesity
Obesity in cats can be caused by hormonal imbalance, poor heredity or diseases that disrupt metabolism. But in practice, such health problems are isolated cases. Much more often lead to obesity:
- poor nutrition. If a cat's diet is too high in calories, the animal may not have time to burn calories, which turn into fat. Uncontrolled eating is also harmful. Not all cats can independently regulate the amount of food they need, so monitor the frequency of feeding and portion sizes;
- sedentary lifestyle. A lazy cat simply hoards calories. Outdoor games will help here;
- castration. Castration can cause hormonal imbalances that lead to weight gain.
It's better not to wait for the cat to turn into a ball
Obesity is much easier to prevent than to treat. Excess weight worsens the quality of life of an animal, which gradually leads to diseases. Some of the consequences of obesity in cats include:
- heart failure;
- urolithiasis disease;
- diabetes;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- metabolic disorders and much more.
