Pet Nutrition Q & A: Is My Cat Fat?

Our 9-year-old female cat weighs about 11 pounds. She’s an indoor cat and only gets a small amount of exercise. What should a cat of her age weigh approximately, and should she be eating any special kind of cat food?
―Christina

The answer varies from cat to cat, Christina. Cats with large frames may be at their optimal weight if they weigh eleven pounds, while other cats might be considered overweight. The Iams body condition chart can help you to evaluate your cat's nutritional status.

Your veterinarian can also help you to determine whether or not your cat needs to lose some weight. You might want to plan a visit soon to talk about your cat’s nutritional status and your veterinarian's dietary recommendations.

If your cat does not have special needs that require a veterinary or prescription diet, then I recommend you choose a high-quality brand of food. It is also important to provide opportunities for play and enrichment, especially as your cat ages. Even one play session per day can make a difference for her weight and overall health, and the increased activity will help to keep her fit in her older years. If you’d like a few suggestions, the ASPCA has some great ideas for general enrichment activities.