How to check your cat's body condition
Vets use a 9-point Body Condition Score (BCS) where 5 is ideal. Check it at home:
- Ribs: you should feel them easily under a thin layer of fat.
- From above: there should be a slight inward waist behind the ribs.
- From the side: a small belly flap (the "primordial pouch") is normal, but a round, sagging belly is fat.
Each point above the ideal score of 5 is roughly 10% over ideal body weight — the basis for the estimate above.
Why feline weight matters
Most pet cats are overweight, which raises the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and urinary disease, and shortens lifespan. Even small, gradual weight loss makes a big difference.
⚠️ Cats must lose weight slowly — rapid weight loss can cause a serious, sometimes fatal liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). Always plan feline weight loss with your veterinarian. This is an estimate, not a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
How fast should a cat lose weight?
Slowly — about 0.5–1% of body weight per week, under veterinary guidance. Never starve a cat to speed it up.
How do I feed for weight loss?
Measure meals (use our cat food calculator and pick the weight-loss setting), cut treats, and consider a vet weight-management diet.
Related: cat food calculator · dog version · all tools.