Between 33% and 46% of UK cats are estimated to be overweight. Most of their owners do not know. This is not a judgement, the signs are subtle and the causes are usually systemic, not personal.
A cat carrying extra weight is not simply a cosmetic concern. Excess weight in cats is associated with significantly higher risk of diabetes, joint deterioration, urinary problems, and a shortened lifespan.1 What makes this harder is that chubby cats are often described as cute, and the culture around it can obscure a real health issue.
How to Assess Your Cat at Home
Vets use a Body Condition Score (BCS) scale from 1 to 9.2 At an ideal weight — around 4 to 5 — you should be able to feel your cat's ribs without pressing hard, but not see them clearly. Their waist, viewed from above, should be visible. Their abdomen, viewed from the side, should tuck upward slightly.
Ribs clearly visible and prominent — likely underweight
Ribs easily felt with light pressure, visible waist — ideal
Ribs felt only with firm pressure, little or no waist — overweight
Ribs not felt even with pressure, rounded abdomen — obese
The Feeding Habits that Quietly Contribute
Free feeding or leaving dry food out all day is one of the most common contributors to feline obesity in the UK.1 Cats graze, often past hunger, especially when food is always available. Portion-controlled meals, ideally twice a day with wet food as the main component, are what most feline nutritionists now recommend.3
"The most loving thing you can do is not give your cat more food when they ask. It is give them the right food, in the right amount, at the right time." — Nine Lives Club
Treats matter more than most people think. A small cat needs very few extra calories. The brands we carry have honest portion guidance and real ingredients, which makes the maths simpler.
On adjusting portions: If you are concerned about your cat's weight, your first call should always be your vet. High-protein, grain-free nutrition creates more satiety at lower calorie loads than carbohydrate-heavy alternatives, which makes weight management easier.4
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