Sometimes your cat can be overweight without you realizing. But you don’t want to put your cat on a diet without checking first. So here are some tips to help you determine whether she is overweight or not.

Check your cat’s ribs. They should be easy to feel but not visible. If you can feel them then that means that your cat is at a good weight.  Of course, on the other end of the spectrum if you can see them it means that your cat is underweight.

Stand above your cat and look down at them.  If your cat’s body has a shape that slightly resembles an hourglass, with a small indentation between the hips and the rib cage, that means that they are at a good weight.

Look at your cat’s belly.  If it protrudes, it could mean that the cat is overweight.  Of course, if your cat is an unfixed female, it could also be a sign of pregnancy.

Gently feel your cat’s hips. There shouldn’t only be a slight bit of fleshiness on them.  If there is any more than that, it means that your cat is overweight.

Remember – don’t put your cat on a diet without consulting your veterinarian.  They’ll make certain there isn’t another reason for the symptoms, like a tumor, and if it is simply obesity they will suggest a diet that will be right for your cat, and will help it to live a long, healthy life with you.