Obesity in cats
Also known as Overweight, Fat cat.
More than 20 % above ideal weight. It affects almost half of pet cats and opens the door to diabetes, osteoarthritis, cystitis and hepatic lipidosis.
- System
- Hormones and metabolism
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Consultation and plan, €40–80; veterinary diet, €25–60 a month.
Symptoms
- You cannot feel its ribs
- Hanging belly and no waist
- Struggles to groom its back
- Jumps less
Causes
Eating more than it burns: neutering without adjusting the portion, dry food left out all day, treats and too little play.
How it is diagnosed
Weight and body condition score at the clinic, plus blood tests to rule out associated diseases.
Treatment
A slow weight-loss plan with food weighed to the gram, often a veterinary diet, and more play. Never sudden fasting.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Very good if the family gets involved; losing weight lengthens the cat’s life.
Prevention
Weigh the food, adjust portions after neutering and play every day.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
What causes obesity?
Eating more than it burns: neutering without adjusting the portion, dry food left out all day, treats and too little play.
Can obesity be cured?
Very good if the family gets involved; losing weight lengthens the cat’s life. A slow weight-loss plan with food weighed to the gram, often a veterinary diet, and more play. Never sudden fasting.
How much does it cost to treat obesity?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Consultation and plan, €40–80; veterinary diet, €25–60 a month. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Persian and European Shorthair. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in hormones and metabolism
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.