Cat ideal weight calculator

Answer three questions to see whether your cat is overweight. If they are, add their weight to get an ideal weight. For cats a year or older.

Unsure? Pick the heavier option.

1What do their ribs feel like?

Palm flat on the side of the chest, just behind the front leg. Stroke lightly.

A palm laid flat on the side of a cat's chest, just behind the front elbow
2Looking down, which waist matches theirs?

Cat standing. View from directly above, ribs to hips.

3From the side, which belly matches theirs?

Ignore the loose flap of skin in front of the back legs (primordial pouch).

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Answer all three to see the result.

This shows fat, not muscle. If a cat over 10 years old is losing muscle along the back, see the vet even if their weight hasn't changed.

How it’s worked out

The body condition score is the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) 9-point scale, with 4–5 as ideal. The three questions follow its descriptions. The ribs are the most reliable, so they set the range, and the waist and belly check that the answers agree.

Ideal weight follows the 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines: above 5, each point is about 10% overweight. A 6 kg cat at 6–7 has an ideal weight of 6 ÷ 1.2 to 6 ÷ 1.1, about 5.0–5.5 kg.

For how to tell if a cat is overweight and how to slim them down safely, see our cat obesity guide.

Related reading

Frequently asked questions

What's a normal weight for a cat?

No single number fits every cat. Frames vary a lot: at 5 kg, a big-boned cat may be just right while a small-boned one is already overweight. That's why shape matters more: if you can feel the ribs and see a waist, the weight is right.

How do I check a long-haired cat?

A long coat hides the waist and belly. Smooth the fur down, or feel the shape of the waist and belly with your hands, then pick the closest match. Check the ribs by feel as usual.

What if my vet says something different?

Go with your vet. They've felt a lot of cats and look at muscle and overall health too. This tool gives you a starting point.

Can I use the ideal weight to plan food?

Yes, to work out how much keeps them at the ideal weight. The calorie calculator turns it into grams. For a heavy cat with a lot to lose, set how much and how fast with your vet.

References

  1. Cline MG, Burns KM, Coe JB, et al. 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2021;57(4):153-178. JAAHA
  2. WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee. Body Condition Score: Cat. 2020. WSAVA
  3. Bjornvad CR, Nielsen DH, Armstrong PJ, et al. Evaluation of a nine-point body condition scoring system in physically inactive pet cats. Am J Vet Res. 2011;72(4):433-437.