It’s Not Your Imagination: Your Cat is Getting Fatter

By 965koit on July 25, 2019

Your cat is fat.

You probably knew this, but did you know that while humans get fatter so do the cats?

A new study out of the University of Guelph found that the average weight of a neutered, adult domestic cat has increased over the past twenty years or so.

Cats continue to gain weight until they turn eight-years-old but it’s hard to tell what a heathy cat weight looks like.

Researchers found that male cats typically are normally fatter than females, and spayed / neutered cats were more likely to have extra pounds. Siamese, Persian, Himalayan and Maine Coon breeds usually hit their heaviest between six and 10 years old. Other cat breeds reach their heaviest at eight years old.

It may seem cute, but extra weight can lead to diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis and cancer.

How do you put a cat on a diet?

While research is still being done to find the perfect weight plan for a cat, vets recommend automated feeder that would release portioned meals during the day.