How much should my cat weigh?
Most adult cats weigh 8 to 12 pounds, about 10 on average, but breed and frame change what's healthy. Check the cat weight chart below, then check body condition with your hands.
Cat weight chart by breed
| Breed | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic shorthair | 8–12 lb, averaging 10 lb | |
| Maine Coon | 12–20+ lb | 10–14 lb |
| Persian | 9–14 lb | 7–11 lb |
| Siamese | 8–12 lb | 5–8 lb |
| Abyssinian | 7–10 lb | 6–8 lb |
| Bengal | 9–15 lb | 6–12 lb |
Average weights from PetMD (Liz Bales, VMD). Most household cats are domestic shorthairs or mixes.
Kitten weight chart
Kittens grow fast: the ASPCA says normal kittens gain 7 to 15 g a day in their first 8 weeks. Its chart gives these ranges:
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | 70–190 g 2.5–6.7 oz |
| Week 2 | 149–295 g 5.3–10.4 oz |
| Week 4 | 247–505 g 8.7–17.8 oz |
| Week 6 | 345–715 g 12.2–25.2 oz |
| Week 8 | 443–925 g 15.6–32.6 oz |
From the ASPCA Kitten Age & Weight Chart; every week, with teeth and eyes, is on the kitten age chart. PetMD notes growth slows between 6 and 12 months, and cats reach maturity at about 1 year.
Check your cat's body condition
Because frame size and muscle vary, vets judge weight with a body condition score from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (severely obese). PetMD puts the ideal at 4 to 5; Cornell's Feline Health Center, at 4.5 to 5. You can do a rough check at home, as PetMD describes:
- Feel the ribs. Run your hands over the rib cage: you should feel the ribs without searching through a layer of fat.
- Look from above. The body should have a slight hourglass shape, tucking in a little behind the ribs.
- Look from the side. The belly should only just tuck up behind the ribs, with a very small fat pad.
Cornell describes obesity as 20% or more above normal weight. Ask your vet to confirm the score, especially before changing your cat's food.
Weighing your cat at home
PetMD suggests a baby or pet scale with a soft mat on it, or a bathroom scale: weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your cat, and take the difference. Weigh every two to four weeks, keep a log of the weight and body condition score, and take photos from above and the side to compare.
Why a cat's weight changes
After spaying or neutering, a cat's appetite rises; PetMD says most cats then need about 30% fewer calories. Overfeeding, free-choice feeding, extra treats and too little play add pounds. Unplanned weight loss is a concern, especially in older cats, and needs a vet visit. To set daily portions for a healthy cat, use the cat food calculator.
Questions owners ask
How much should a cat weigh?
Most healthy adult cats weigh 8 to 12 pounds, with most around 10 (PetMD). Breed and frame matter: a petite Abyssinian can be healthy at 6 to 8 pounds, a male Maine Coon at over 20.
Is 15 pounds overweight for a cat?
For an average domestic shorthair it is well above the usual 8–12 pounds, but for a large breed such as a male Maine Coon it can be normal. The body condition check below, and your vet, tell you more than the number.
How much should a kitten weigh?
On the ASPCA's chart a kitten weighs 70–190 g in its first week and 443–925 g (about 1–2 lb) by week 8; normal kittens gain 7–15 g a day. Growth slows between 6 and 12 months, and cats reach their adult size at about 1 year (PetMD).
Do male cats weigh more than females?
They tend to be larger, PetMD says, especially if a male matures before being neutered. In several breeds the male average is a few pounds higher.
How often should I weigh my cat?
PetMD suggests weighing your cat every two to four weeks, at home or at the vet's, and keeping a log of the weight and body condition score.