Cat Obesity: A Welfare Epidemic | Animal Welfare Hub

Cat obesity affects over 50% of UK domestic cats and causes a cascade of health problems that significantly reduce quality and length of life.

Key Facts

Obesity is defined as body weight more than 20% above ideal
Obese cats have significantly increased risk of diabetes, arthritis, and urinary problems
Free-feeding dry food is the most common dietary cause of feline obesity
Weight loss in cats must be gradual to avoid hepatic lipidosis which can be fatal
Even modest weight loss of 10-15% significantly reduces diabetes and arthritis risk

Welfare Considerations

Obese cats experience physical discomfort from carrying excess weight, reduced ability to perform normal feline behaviours including grooming, jumping, and playing, and chronic pain from arthritis worsened by excess weight. Many owners of obese cats do not recognise their pet is overweight, instead perceiving roundness as positive. The normalisation of feline obesity means widespread preventable suffering continues despite being entirely addressable through dietary management.

What You Can Do

Assess your cat body condition using a validated scoring tool
Feed measured portion sizes based on ideal rather than actual body weight
Use puzzle feeders to slow eating and provide mental stimulation
Consult a vet before starting any weight loss programme
Weigh your cat monthly and track progress against a target weight