Figuring out the ideal weight for your pet is not like putting yourself on the scales.
It is about examining the pet's body and assessing the body fat content. Vets will put your cat on the scales, and get the weight, but with so many breeds, mixed breeds, and health factors there is no exact range for a healthy pet weight. Instead, there is a chart with a body score. The chart shows pictures of cats or dogs, and what to examine in order to determine the ideal body.
Body Score 1
Body score 1 is very thin, where your animal has less than 5% of body fat. The ribs are easily felt with no fat cover. The tail base indicates the bones are raised because there is no fat. A side view shows a severe abdominal tuck, while the overhead view shows a bony hourglass shape. A cat or dog where you can see their ribs and the outline of their bones is at least 20% below the ideal body weight. It is very important to consult with a vet when your cat or dog is in this condition.
Body Score 2
Body score 2 is underweight with 5 to 15 % fat ratio. Your cat or dog in this condition will still have ribs easily felt, with very little fat cover. The tail bone is raised with slight cover, and the side view shows some ribs with an abdominal tuck. The overhead view is also markedly hourglass in shape. Cats or dogs in this physical shape are usually 10% below the ideal weight mark.
Any time you can see a pronounced rib structure, your dog or cat is underweight. If you can stand back and count the ribs, you need to see a vet.
Body Score 3
Body score 3 is the ideal body weight, which is approximately 16 to 25 % body fat. The ribs are still felt, but you are not going to see them from a side or overhead view. You cannot count them just by looking at your cat or dog. You will also see slight contouring from the tail base, but not see the actual bone.
Body Score 4
Body score 4 is 26 to 35 % body fat, and in most pets is considered to be overweight. The ribs are not easy to feel, the tail base is thicker, so there is less contouring, and the side view shows no abdominal tucking. The overhead view shows a wider back end. Most pets are at least 10% over the ideal body weight, and a vet should be seen.
Obese pets are those with 35% body fat or above. The ribs are extremely difficult to feel and the tail base is thickened. The side view shows no waist and the overhead view shows a wide back end. Pets are usually 20% above the ideal body weight at this weight and need a change of diet.
Keep in mind this is just a description of body fat and weight. Your cat may be 20 pounds and still have the ideal body weight for his proportions or your dog may be 50 pounds and be slightly underweight. It all depends on the specific breed.
A male cat, who is very active, more than 1.5 feet in length, and standing six inches off the ground, is going to weigh more than a cat 1 foot in length, only 4 inches off the ground. Muscle weighs more, so as long as the body fat percentage and ideal shape is there, you will have a healthy pet.
Here's a simple pet weighing hack for home:
- Step on a bathroom scale and record your weight.
- Pick up your pet and step back on the scale together.
- Record the combined weight displayed on the scale.
- Subtract your initial weight from the combined weight to find your pet's weight.
This method allows you to weigh your pet at home without the need for a specialized pet scale. Just remember to hold your pet securely and ensure that they are comfortable throughout the process.