OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE CATS Overweight and obesity (extreme
overweight) is now the most common nutritional disorder
affecting cats. The usual definition of obesity is being 15% -
20% overweight. In Britain, up to a quarter of cats are believed
to be obese. The figure may be much higher in the USA where pet
cats lead a more restricted lifestyle. Severe obesity is easy to
identify. Mild to moderate obesity (usually referred to as
"overweight") is harder to determine. Cats vary greatly in their
sizes and weights. Overweight is therefore assessed using "body
condition scoring". A vet (or experienced owner) uses a
combination of visual inspection and palpation (feeling the
cat). Some guidelines are: None of the above is a single
indicator of overweight. For example many cats have a loose
apron of skin. In some breeds it is genetic; it may also be due
to previous weight loss or to pregnancy. Some obese cats are
unable to let their tail droop - the amount of fat causes it to
curl upwards from the base of the spine. EF