Place your cat on a home scale and take note of the reading. Hold a small treat in front of your cat’s face to encourage them to stay still on the scale. A cat is overweight if it’s 10% over its breed’s ideal weight, and is considered obese if it’s 20% or more over that weight. [2] X Research source If your cat falls outside the weight range of its breed, consult a veterinarian.

Cats who are at a healthy weight have what is called an “abdominal tuck. ” This means the area just behind their ribs should have a smaller diameter than the chest. Many cats have a saggy bit of flesh that hangs down between their back legs, referred to as the “primordial pouch. " If your cat is otherwise bony, this small pouch of skin is unlikely to indicate a weight problem. [4] X Research source

Also examine the base of your cat’s tail. You should also be able to feel bones near the base of your cat’s tail. Lumps or fat deposits in this areas may be a sign of feline obesity. [6] X Research source Consult a vet if you’re unable to feel these bones due to layers of fat, or are otherwise unsure.

Obesity can affect your cat’s range of motion, as well as increase their risk of arthritis, diabetes, and urinary infections, so it’s important to talk to a veterinarian about your cat’s health. If your cat has any other troublesome symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea, let your vet know. They may want to conduct certain tests or lab work on your cat to rule out an underlying medical problem.

Use a foraging feeder, which is a puzzle-like device a cat must solve to get the food trapped inside, encouraging exercise and weight loss. [9] X Research source Talk to your vet about switching your cat over to canned food more likely to contain the vital amino acid taurine, which promotes your cat’s heart health. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

Hide treats around the house to stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts and offer them a fun, active way to exercise them. [12] X Research source Purchase a cat harness and leash to let your cat safely experience the outdoors. Start small, only wandering a few feet from the house, and let your cat explore naturally, but keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t dash. [13] X Research source