Companion Animals

Companion Cat Obesity and Weight Management

Obesity is the most common preventable health problem in companion cats, causing chronic disease.

Key Facts

40-50% of companion cats are overweight or obese
Obesity increases risk of diabetes, arthritis, urinary disease, and shortened lifespan
Indoor cats are at higher obesity risk than outdoor cats
Even 10% weight reduction significantly improves clinical signs in obese cats

Welfare Considerations

Obese cats experience chronic physical discomfort — difficulty grooming, reduced mobility, joint pain, and susceptibility to serious metabolic disease. The accumulation of excess weight happens slowly, making it easy for owners to miss or normalise. Weight management through appropriate feeding portions, measured meals, and increased activity prevents years of chronic suffering associated with obesity-related disease.

What You Can Do

Have your cat weighed and body condition scored at annual vet checks
Measure food portions by weight rather than volume or guess
Provide puzzle feeders and food-based play to encourage movement
Work with your vet on a safe weight loss plan for overweight cats