Ideal cat weight: how much should my cat weigh?
Work out your own cat's healthy weight from body shape, not a breed average.
There is no single healthy weight for every cat, because frame size differs a lot from cat to cat. Vets estimate an individual ideal weight from the body condition score: each point above the ideal score of 5 means about 10% extra weight. The charts below turn that rule into numbers.
Score 5: this is the weight to aim for.
Score 7: ideal weight is current weight divided by 1.2.
Score 8: ideal weight is current weight divided by 1.3.
Ideal weight chart in kg
| Current weight | Score 6 | Score 7 | Score 8 | Score 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kg | 3.6 kg | 3.3 kg | 3.1 kg | 2.9 kg |
| 5 kg | 4.5 kg | 4.2 kg | 3.8 kg | 3.6 kg |
| 6 kg | 5.5 kg | 5.0 kg | 4.6 kg | 4.3 kg |
| 7 kg | 6.4 kg | 5.8 kg | 5.4 kg | 5.0 kg |
| 8 kg | 7.3 kg | 6.7 kg | 6.2 kg | 5.7 kg |
Ideal weight chart in lb
| Current weight | Score 6 | Score 7 | Score 8 | Score 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 lb | 8 lb | 8 lb | 7 lb | 6 lb |
| 11 lb | 10 lb | 9 lb | 8 lb | 8 lb |
| 13 lb | 12 lb | 11 lb | 10 lb | 9 lb |
| 15 lb | 14 lb | 13 lb | 12 lb | 11 lb |
| 17 lb | 15 lb | 14 lb | 13 lb | 12 lb |
Estimates from the AAHA rule of about 10% extra weight per point above 5. Not sure of the score? Use the cat body condition score chart.
Need your food's label numbers? Look them up in the cat food calorie database: Hill's Science Diet calories, Fancy Feast calories, Purina Pro Plan calories, Tiki Cat calories, 9Lives calories, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets calories.
Why breed charts and averages can mislead
A lean cat with a big frame can weigh more than a chubby cat with a small one. That is why vets judge weight by body shape rather than by a number on a chart.
Large breeds like Maine Coons have a higher healthy weight. The estimate here is based on body score, not a breed chart, so it works for mixed breeds and big cats too.
How do I find my cat's ideal weight?
- Weigh your cat. Step on the scale holding your cat, then without, and take the difference. A baby scale is more precise.
- Score the body. Feel the ribs, look for a waist and check the belly, as shown in the body condition score chart.
- Read the chart. Find the row closest to your cat's weight and the column for its score.
- Check with your vet. Your vet can confirm the score and the goal at the next visit.
What if my cat is underweight?
The formula only works for cats that score 6 or more. If your cat scores 3 or less, do not try to feed it up on your own. Very thin cats can be unwell, so please see a vet, who can set a target and a safe pace.
How fast should my cat reach its ideal weight?
Slowly. Cats should lose about 0.5 to 1% of their body weight a week and never more than 2%. For a 6 kg cat aiming for 5 kg, that means about 4 to 8 months. The cat weight loss guide has a week by week chart.
Questions
Is 5 kg (11 lb) a healthy weight for a cat?
It can be. If your cat scores 4 or 5 on the body condition scale at 5 kg, that is a healthy weight for that cat. The same weight can be too much for a small framed cat.
Can a heavy cat be at a healthy weight?
Yes. A large, muscular cat can weigh more than average and still score 4 or 5. The score matters more than the number on the scale.
How do I weigh my cat at home?
Weigh yourself holding your cat, then weigh yourself alone and subtract. Weigh at the same time of day each time so the numbers are comparable.
Sources
- AAHA: 2014 weight management guidelines for dogs and cats
- WSAVA: Body condition score chart for cats (PDF)
Related guides
Estimate only. Check with your vet. BowlMath gives a practical starting estimate, not veterinary advice. Cats should not lose weight too fast. Ask your vet before changing food a lot, and for kittens, seniors, pregnant or nursing cats, cats on special diets, or cats gaining or losing weight unexpectedly.