Your cat may love lounging in sunbeams and snacking on treats, but when extra fluff turns into excess fat, it’s time to take action. At Evergreen Animal Hospital, we work with cat parents across Louisville, KY to address one of the most common—and preventable—health issues in felines: obesity.

This guide covers how to tell if your cat is overweight, the ideal diet for indoor overweight cats, and how to create a safe weight loss plan for obese cats.

Why Cat Obesity Matters

Obesity isn’t just about looks. It’s a serious health risk. Overweight cats are more likely to develop:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Joint problems and arthritis
• Heart and respiratory disease
• Liver issues (hepatic lipidosis)
• Decreased lifespan and quality of life

A few extra pounds on a small frame can significantly impact your feline companion’s mobility, comfort, and long-term health. Thankfully, with the right plan, you can reverse course.

How to Tell if Your Cat Is Overweight

In some cases, it’s pretty obvious that a kitty is, well, a bit of a chonker. With fluffy cats, though, it can be harder to tell. Not sure if your cat is just fluffy or truly overweight? Here’s what our vets look for during wellness exams:

• Ribs and spine: You should be able to feel them without pressing hard.
• Waistline: From above, your cat should have a visible waist.
• Tummy tuck: A slight upward curve at the belly when viewed from the side.
• Body condition score (BCS): A vet-assigned scale from 1 (underweight) to 9 (obese). Ideal is around 4–5.

Weighing your cat regularly and watching for signs of slowed movement or trouble grooming can also help catch weight gain early.

Ideal Diet for Indoor Overweight Cats

Indoor cats tend to be less active, making portion control and proper nutrition even more important.

Diet Tips:

• Switch to a weight management formula approved by your veterinarian.
• Wet food over dry: It’s lower in calories and helps with hydration.
• Set feeding times instead of free feeding. Offer meals 2–3 times a day.
• Measure food portions precisely—no “eyeballing.”

Skip table scraps and high-carb treats. Look for low-calorie cat treats, or better yet, reward your feline overlord with play and affection instead.

Creating a Safe Weight Loss Plan for Obese Cats

Weight loss must be gradual—fasting or drastic changes can lead to dangerous conditions like hepatic lipidosis.

Steps to Success:

1. Schedule a vet visit. We’ll assess your cat’s overall health and ideal weight.
2. Set a goal. Aim for 1–2% body weight loss per week.
3. Modify diet slowly. Gradual transitions reduce GI upset.
4. Increase activity. Laser pointers, climbing towers, and puzzle feeders encourage movement.
5. Track progress. Monitor weight monthly and adjust the plan as needed.

At Evergreen Animal Hospital, we’ll partner with you to build a tailored plan and provide regular check-ins for support.

FAQ: Feline Obesity Questions from Louisville Pet Parents

Can spaying or neutering cause weight gain?

Hormonal changes may reduce metabolism slightly, but proper diet and exercise prevent post-surgery weight gain.

How can I get my lazy cat to exercise?

Try interactive toys, food-dispensing puzzles, and short play sessions multiple times a day. Even 5–10 minutes makes a difference.

Is weight gain in older cats normal?

No. While metabolism slows, it’s still important to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity in senior cats increases the risk of chronic disease.

Visit Evergreen Animal Hospital in Louisville, KY for Cat Weight Management

Your cat deserves to feel good—inside and out. At Evergreen Animal Hospital, we help feline friends across Louisville, KY shed excess pounds and reclaim their energy. Whether your kitty is just starting to gain or already needs a weight loss plan, our vets are here to help every step of the way.

This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your pet and follow their guidance.