What does an average cat weigh?

January 12, 2023

Underneath all that fur, it’s hard to know how much your cat weighs, or if they’re an average weight. Weight is an important aspect to consider, as maintaining a healthy weight can avoid future issues such as arthritis, and skin and coat issues.

Let’s take a look at how to identify whether your cat is within their average weight range, and some ways you can support their weight management needs to help them thrive.

HOW MUCH DOES AN AVERAGE CAT WEIGH?

While the average weight for a typical cat is around ten pounds (roughly 4.5kg), cats’ weights can vary based on breed, lifestyle and age.

For example, a Siamese cat can weigh as little as five pounds (2.2kg), and a Maine Coon can weigh as much as 25 pounds (roughly 11.3kg). To add to this, your cat’s sex and whether they have been spayed or neutered can influence their average weight too.

Because of these variables, it can be easier to gauge whether your cat is under or overweight by using a cat weight chart to help you visually assess your cat’s weight. Take a look at our cat weight chart below to see how your feline friend stacks up.

CAT WEIGHT CHART

NEED TO GET YOUR CAT BACK TO A HEALTHY WEIGHT?

To ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight, there are three key areas to consider – eating habits, playtime and diet.

1. Eating Habits: How you feed your cat can not only influence their weight, but also their overall health. Here are some ideas to help maintain a healthy and entertaining food regime:

Food puzzles are beneficial to keep your cat occupied and entertained, and also get them to work for their food and slow down the process – aiding in their digestion.
Eliminate free feeding (leaving a bowl of food out continuously). We’ve all eaten when we’re bored, and cats can do the same – only put food out at mealtimes, to help support their weight management routine
Curb the treats. Look to reward your cat in other ways, like playtime with you.

2. Play: While we know cats love a good nap, they love to expend energy playing (and hunting) just as much. Try introducing new toys or a play routine that will get them excited to move, especially if they’re on the heavier side.

There are plenty of options on the market to keep your cat entertained, but sometimes the best is DIY (and free). Try pinning up an old piece of carpet on the wall or create a sensory experience by cutting holes in a cardboard box and attaching ribbons and other craft items.
They love anything they can sink their nails into, especially if it appeals to their hunting instincts! Even a laser toy or torch will have them mesmerized and moving. And it means they might even give you some space on your sofa alone for a while.
If your cat is an indoor pet, consider introducing leash-walking into the mix as well – new sights and smells will do wonders for their movement and stimulation.

3. Diet: Finally, what you’re feeding your cat is important for weight management and maintenance. Cats need a moisture-rich, nutritionally balanced, species-appropriate diet to thrive. By eating a biologically appropriate diet with lots of meat, they are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and avoid a host of health issues like joint pain, arthritis, skin issues and coat issues.

Overweight: If your cat is on the heavy side, feeding them the right foods in the right quantities will help them reach a healthy weight and reduce obesity-related problems like arthritis, skin conditions and coat issues. Address any issues with their diet to avoid them developing a severe health issue like diabetes or arthritis.
Underweight: If your cat is looking and feeling like they’re on the skinny side, as well as considering diet, factor in dental health, age and lifestyle before getting overly concerned; often more mature cats become less active, and tend to eat less as their metabolism slows down.

HOW DOES AGE AFFECT MY CAT’S WEIGHT?

It’s important to remember the age and life stage of your cat will impact their weight and how energy-rich their diet should be.

Older cats: Senior cats (generally 11 years or older) are more likely to gain weight over their younger counterparts due to the natural aging process which results in a reduced metabolism, so they’ll need a lower-energy diet. Cats over seven years old should also be on a diet that contains nutrient-rich ingredients to support their health as they age.

Younger cats: Kittens (generally 12 months or younger) should be eating a high-energy diet with more calories per day to support their growth and a healthy immune system. Don’t forget to reduce their calories after 12 months as they move into adulthood, to ensure they maintain a healthy weight as they mature.

To understand your cat’s feeding needs throughout their different life stages, visit our online Feeding Calculator to determine their recommended daily calorie requirements.

THE BEST FOOD FOR A HEALTHY CAT

Mother Nature is a great place to start for the best biologically matched and balanced diet for your carnivore.

A cat’s digestive system is naturally built to process high levels of protein, fat and bone from raw meat. It’s less ideal for digesting starch, carbohydrates and plant matter – all of which feature in commercial brands to keep the price of manufacture down. Think rice, maize, potatoes, corn, beet, pulp, peas and carrots. Feeding your cat a low-meat, low-quality diet can also lead to allergies, skin conditions and renal issues.

For that reason, ZIWI Peak’s recipes don’t include added fillers or unwanted carbohydrates but are rich in meat, organs and seafood; they are nutrient and meat-rich to help your pet thrive.

HOW MUCH DO I FEED MY CAT?

The best way to determine proper feeding guidelines for your pet is by utilizing our online Feeding Calculator.

This tool allows you to enter the unique characteristics of your pet such as weight, life stage and activity level, and determine the proper feeding amount and daily calorie requirements appropriate for their needs.

If you think your cat is overweight or underweight, it’s best to consult your vet for personalized advice.

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