How much should my long hair kitty weigh?

[raintyger]

I know her weight, 9.3 pounds. But is she overweight? I can't tell because she's long hair, so I can't see the ribs, and her fur fluffs out, so I don't know exactly what her figure is like. How do I judge?

Poppy got diagnosed with arthritis, so I am trying to make her a comfortable as possible. I don't think she's drastically overweight, but if she's a small framed kitty, then maybe shedding a half pound or so would help.

 

[vball91]

It is harder to tell with long haired kitties. You should be able to feel her ribs though. I know the vet said you should be able to feel most of the organs as well, but I don't think most of us know how to do that. I think your best bet is to ask the vet at the next visit to tell you what Poppy's optimal weight should be. I definitely think that with arthritis you are right that carrying any extra weight is not good on the joints. What a great mommy you are to think of that!

 

[tx_kat]

Our longhair girl weighs 9.6 pounds, and you can feel her ribs, spine and internal organs.  You can see a nice body taper from above, and cannot see a big belly paunch from the side.  If anything, she mght be a little on the skinny side.  Your best bet is to ask your vet if you are concerned.

 

[sivyaleah]

Our longhair was 7.2 when weighed in January.  We, and the vet, agreed she needed to gain a little weight, as she was somewhat underweight.  She now probably is around 8 or so.  You can still feel her organs, and ribs and she hasn't developed visible paunch.  

She isn't quite as longhaired as lets say a Persian so maybe it's easier for us.  She does seem on the petite side overall; her face being rather small. We're trying hard not to let her gain anymore.  

9 doesn't sound too large to me for yours, however, your vet would certainly know better, especially with an underlying health issue.  Depends on the overall size of the cat I'd think - a larger type would be able to carry it better than one known for being slight.

 

[raintyger]

Thanks for the tips, everyone!

The most I get from the vet is that "She's OK," that's why I ask here. They probably don't get a lot of customers that are that exacting about their pet's weight. From the way they're saying it, it sounds like she might be a little pudgy, maybe 5% overweight.