🐱⚖️ How Can You Tell If Your Cat Is Overweight? A Simple Check with the Body Condition Score (BCS) — A Saggy Belly Doesn't Always Mean Fat

🐱 A saggy belly, a round body, chubby cheeks = an overweight cat?

The answer is... you can't tell just by looking. 👀

Every cat has a different body structure, so judging only by weight or outward appearance can be misleading.

In this article, the PETMED+ veterinary team shows you how to check whether your cat is becoming overweight using the Body Condition Score (BCS), and how to care for your cat safely if they start to gain too much weight.

Summary

The "saggy belly" you see on a cat may be the primordial pouch, a natural belly pouch, so you can't tell whether a cat is overweight just by looking. Check 3 spots — feel the ribs, look at the waist from above, and look at the overall body shape — and assess these together with your cat's weight and the 9-point Body Condition Score (BCS): 4–5/9 is an ideal body shape, 6–7/9 is overweight, and 8–9/9 is obese.

If your cat starts to become overweight, don't cut their food drastically or make them go without food, because losing weight too quickly may increase the risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Instead, gradually adjust the amount of food, cut down on treats, increase activity and track their weight regularly.

Table of Contents

1. Does a saggy belly really mean your cat is overweight?

2. Check if your cat is overweight in 3 easy spots with the Body Condition Score (BCS)

3. What should you do if your cat is overweight?

   • Never put your cat on a sudden fast

4. 📞 Free Consultation with PETMED+ Veterinarians

5. About the Author

Does a saggy belly really mean your cat is overweight?

How can you tell if your cat is overweight? Check easily with the Body Condition Score (BCS) — don't look at weight alone!

The "saggy belly" you see may be the primordial pouch, a natural belly pouch that cats have.

💡 A saggy belly ≠ always overweight. To tell whether your cat is overweight, look at several points together rather than judging by body shape or weight alone.

Check if your cat is overweight in 3 easy spots with the Body Condition Score (BCS)

If you want to check whether your cat is starting to gain too much weight, try these 3 simple checks

🐾 Feel the ribs — you should be able to feel them without pressing hard.

🐾 Look at the waist from above — you should see a slight inward curve at the waist.

🐾 Look at the overall body shape — assess it together with your cat's weight and the Body Condition Score (BCS).

On the 9-point BCS scale

🟢 4–5/9 Ideal body shape

🟡 6–7/9 Overweight

🔴 8–9/9 Obese

What should you do if your cat is overweight?

💙 Gradually adjusting the amount of food, cutting down on treats, increasing activity and tracking weight regularly is better for your cat's health.

✔️ Measure food in appropriate portions.

✔️ Cut down on treats and unnecessary supplements.

✔️ Increase activity with regular play and exercise.

✔️ Track weight + BCS on an ongoing basis.

Never put your cat on a sudden fast

If your cat is starting to become overweight, don't "cut their food drastically" or make them go without food. ⚠️

Losing weight too quickly may increase the risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).

📞 Free Consultation with PETMED+ Veterinarians

Not sure what BCS level your cat is at, or looking for a weight-management food?

The PETMED+ veterinary team is ready to give basic advice on assessing your cat's body condition, choosing a weight-management food, and helping your cat lose weight safely.

💙 Because every cat has a different body structure, an accurate assessment helps you plan the right weight care for your cat.

Follow our page for more easy-to-understand dog and cat health tips coming your way. 🐱✨

LINE: @PETMED

About the Author

This article was prepared by the PETMED+ Veterinary Team.

PETMED+ is a pet pharmacy focused on providing accurate information about medicine, nutrition and pet health care, helping pet owners make safe and appropriate decisions for their pets.

Note: The information in this article is for general education only and cannot replace a diagnosis, treatment, or individual advice from the veterinarian in charge of your pet's case.