If you would describe your cat as plump, rotund, stout, chunky or hefty then there is a good chance that your kitty is carrying some extra weight. The best way to determine if your cat is at its ideal weight is to consult with your veterinarian. Not only do veterinarians have accurate scales to weigh your cat but they also can examine your cat and provide a body condition score (BCS). The BCS considers many factors including thickness of the subcutaneous fat over the ribcage and the shape of your cat's body in determining if your cat is underweight, at an ideal weight or overweight.

While feline obesity may not carry the same social stigma as human obesity, it does carry similar health concerns and risks. Feline obesity has been linked to an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus, oral disease, skin disease, lameness and cancer. All of these conditions can negatively impact the quality of life for your cat and some of these conditions will shorten the life span of your cat.

Investigations have been conducted to try figure out what causes some cats to become chubby. While there is no single cause of obesity, there are some interesting trends that may predispose a cat to pack on the pounds. Cats who consume premium foods, which tend to be higher in calories, are more likely to be overweight. Of course, portion control could resolve this issue, but many owners feed their cats free-choice (bowl is kept full of food) resulting in some cats eating excess calories. Indoor living has been indicated as a risk factor for feline obesity. This is probably due to the fact that indoor dwelling cats expend fewer calories due to a relatively sedentary lifestyle as compared to their outdoor counterparts who may spend time hunting or exploring. However, the risks associated with outdoor access including trauma and exposure to contagious diseases, may shorten the cat's lifespan. So perhaps the best compromise is to provide your indoor cat with indoor exercise in the form of daily play with toys, hiding its food around the home so your cat can "hunt" for its meals or perhaps even leashed walks or access to a cat-proofed yard.

As Americans are tipping the scales with an estimated 30% of US adults considered obese, many of our feline companions are also dealing with weight problems. Exact percentages vary between studies, but an estimated 25-35% of adult cats are considered overweight or obese. Cats that are middle-aged (5-11 years) tend to have the most problems with the extra pounds and neutered male cats were the gender category most likely to be "chubby".

Just as in humans, weight loss in the cat occurs if the calories burned exceed the calories consumed. So, a successful weight loss plan for your cat will involve some level of caloric restriction and/or increased exercise. Your veterinarian should be involved in helping you to develop a successful weight loss program so that your cat can experience a slow but steady reduction in weight. Depending upon your cat's special needs the program may include a change in feeding regime (e.g. from free-choice to meal feedings), a change in food (prescription diet foods exist for cats) and a feline fitness program.