To live a good life, kitties must maintain an appropriate weight range, which is determined by factors like age, height, and body size.
Keep a check on your furry companion’s weight, but consider being equipped with pet insurance for cats so you have a medical financial backup to lean on to address particular health issues that can accompany excess weight, accidental injuries, and medical emergencies.
Contemplate purchasing cheap pet insurance in the least so that your furball can avail of timely medical care with little economic implications during unplanned vet visits. In the meantime, read this article to learn how to weigh your furry beloved and assess its body condition.
How to compute your kitty’s weight?
Regularly weighing your kitty at home can be achieved using a scale. However, if this method proves challenging due to your pet’s unwillingness to sit on a scale, you can employ a straightforward alternative approach. Hold your pet in your arms while you stand on a scale, take note of your combined weight, and then measure your weight without carrying your cat. By subtracting the two values, you can accurately determine your pet’s weight.
Besides monitoring your kitty pie’s weight, evaluating its body condition can provide valuable insights. Even if you are unable to weigh your cat between veterinary check-ups, you can still inspect its body condition to gauge whether your furry precious is at an optimal weight or if adjustments are needed, such as gaining or losing a few kgs.
How to assess your kitty’s body condition?
This is typically rated on a scale from 1 to 9, with 1 indicating severe underweight and 9 representing significant overweight. The optimal score falls around the middle, typically around 5.
Assessing your feline companion’s body condition score needs no tools. Visual and physical inspection of your kitty’s body at home allows you to determine the score. This method also enables you to easily monitor changes in your pet’s body as it ages. You can promptly take action if you observe any concerns that require veterinary attention.
1.Underweight
An underweight cat typically falls within the score range of 1 through 4. This indicates that the cat’s body condition is below the ideal weight (score of 5), and measures may need to be taken to address the issue and help it achieve a healthier weight.
The cat’s ribs will be prominently visible or felt, particularly if the cat has short fur, and there will be a lack of noticeable fat deposits on the body.
2.Ideal weight
When a cat maintains a score of 5, its body will exhibit proper proportions. If you can discern a waistline behind the ribs on gently stroking your cat, then there is little to worry about. Ribs can be felt. However, there will be a healthy layer of fat covering them. Also, you might notice a natural, modest amount of fat on its abdomen and the presence of the primordial pouch, a characteristic cat feature.
3.Overweight
An overweight cat will have a score typically within the range of 6 through 9. This indicates that the cat’s body condition is above the ideal weight, and it might be carrying excess fat.
A higher score suggests that there might be visible signs of being overweight and difficulty feeling the ribs due to an accumulation of fat and a lack of a well-defined waistline. It is vital to address this issue as soon as possible.
Excessive food indulgences, too little activity, and a sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on your four paws’ health. Being overweight and obese can lead to several physical health issues that hamper your fluffy friend’s quality of life, which is why you should consider being equipped with pet insurance for cats.
Contemplate purchasing cheap pet insurance at least so your furry feline gets the medical care it deserves during testing times of health.
