20th February 2026
Obesity in cats and dogs
We all love to spoil our furry friends, but sometimes those extra treats can lead to a bigger problem – obesity.
Obesity in pets can be defined as excessive body fat which can put our pets at risk of serious health problems and impact their quality of life. Sadly, pet obesity is an extremely common but preventable problem, with vets confirming that 51% of dogs and 44% of cats are now overweight (according to the UK Pet Food report in October 2024).
But don’t panic! With the right knowledge and a few simple changes, you can help your cat or dog maintain a healthy weight and live their happiest, healthiest life.
In this guide:
- What causes obesity in pets?
- How can I tell if my pet is overweight?
- How much should a cat or dog weigh?
- What are the risks of obesity in pets?
- How can I prevent obesity in my pet?
- How is pet obesity treated?
What causes obesity in pets?
There are several causes of obesity in cats and dogs, but it’s most commonly caused by an imbalance between energy intake and usage. Simply put, it means our pets are eating more calories than they need or are able to burn.
However, several factors can contribute to pet weight gain, including:
- Overfeeding: Too much food, too many treats, or too-generous portion sizes
Lack of exercise: Pets that don't get enough physical activity are more likely to gain weight - Age: Older pets tend to be less active and may need fewer calories
- Neutering or spaying: This can affect metabolism and appetite
- Breed: Some breeds are more prone to weight gain than others
- Medical conditions: Certain health issues and medications can cause weight gain, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes or certain steroids
How can I tell if my pet is overweight?
Have you ever found yourself wondering whether your cat might be overweight or if your dog could be obese? You're not alone. It can be tricky to tell whether your pet is carrying a few extra pounds, especially with fluffier breeds!
There are a few simple signs to look out for if you believe your pet is overweight:
- A layer of fat covering their ribs
- You struggle to see or feel their ribs, spine or waistline
- Their tummy bulges out and sags downwards
- A bigger, rounder face
- A reluctance to go for walks or falling behind when on one
- Excessive panting
- Getting tired easily
- Not wanting to move or play games
- Lack of self-grooming
If you've noticed any of these changes in your pet, it might be time to have a chat with your vet about their weight.
How much should a cat or dog weigh?
The ideal weight for your pet depends on their breed, age and build. While it's tempting to compare your moggy or pooch to others, every animal is different. A healthy weight for a petite Siamese cat will look very different to that of a Maine Coon, just as a Chihuahua's ideal weight won't match a Labrador's. For general reference ranges by breed and size, you can check average weight guidelines within this research by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
As well as focusing on the number on the scales, vets use something called a body condition score to assess whether your pet is at a healthy weight. This takes into account their overall shape, muscle tone and fat coverage.
How to weigh a small pet at home
If you have a kitten or puppy or even a small pet breed, you might be able to weigh them just by using your kitchen or bathroom scales… if they stay still for long enough! If this isn’t an option, you might be able to buy an electronic pet scale online to be able to track their weight.
The vets at Joii suggest using the following process to weigh your pet:
- Place your bathroom scales on the floor
- Weigh yourself and record your weight
- Pick up your pet (if you can) and step on the scales again
- Subtract your weight from your combined weight
- This will give you your pet’s weight
How to weigh a bigger pet at home
If you have a giant dog or a larger breed of cat, you might be better off taking them into a vet practice or pet shop to weigh them safely. If you try to pick up your heavy breed of pet, you might end up hurting yourself or accidentally injuring them in the process so it’s best to use professional scales.
Some practices have large, accurate scales in the reception area and their weight can be passed on to your vet to be added to their record. This can allow them to spot any changes in their weight over time.
How else can I check if my pet is a healthy weight?
Numbers don’t always tell the full story. You could give your pet a quick check over at home by using a body conditioning score which involves looking at and feeling the ribs and waist of your pet.
You can give your pet a body conditioning check at home by:
- Looking from above: Your pet should have a visible waist that curves inward behind their ribs
- Looking from the side: Their tummy should tuck upwards, not hang down or bulge
- Feeling their sides: You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard, with only a thin layer of fat covering them
- Checking their spine and hips: These should be easy to feel but not sticking out prominently
If you're unsure whether your pet is at a healthy weight, your vet can provide a professional assessment during their routine check-up. Or, for extra guidance, you can download and follow the step-by-step body condition check PDFs available on our main pet obesity hub. These visual resources can help you assess your pet more accurately at home.
What are the risks of obesity in pets?
Unfortunately, being an overweight dog or cat can result in some dermatological issues that can affect their skin, nails and coats.
Pets that carry some extra weight might not be able to groom themselves as adequately as they could when they were thinner, meaning they could become prone to skin infections and irritation in skin and fat folds, as well as matted fur.
Skin Conditions
Unfortunately, being an overweight dog or cat can result in some dermatological issues; how it effects their skin, nails and coats.
Pets that carry some extra weight might not be able to groom themselves as adequately as they could when they were thinner, meaning they could become prone to skin infections in skin and fat folds.
Diabetes
Obesity can cause cells in your pet’s body to become more resistant to insulin, meaning they’re at an increased risk of developing diabetes in dogs or diabetes in cats.
Diabetes is a condition that needs long term management, so you and your pet will need regular visits to the vet so they can receive ongoing treatment.
Once a pet has diabetes, they are more prone to some other conditions like cataracts and urinary tract infections, which will mean more vet visits and a decreased quality of life.
Joint and bone problems
Being overweight or living with obesity is a big contributing factor to our pet’s bone and joint problems, including arthritis, hip dysplasia and other musculoskeletal issues.
Your cat or dog's bones, joints, muscles and ligaments all work together to help them move smoothly, and when they're forced to support extra weight, these structures become strained and damaged. This leads to pain, reduced mobility and even slipped discs in some dog breeds.
Heart disease and high blood pressure
Unfortunately, weight gain can cause heart disease and high blood pressure in our pets. This is because their heart has to work a lot harder pumping additional blood to excess tissues around the body and can have serious long-term consequences for their health.
Breathing difficulties
Extra fat around the chest and abdomen can restrict your pet's lungs, making it harder for them to breathe properly. This is particularly concerning if your pet ever needs surgery, as it can lead to complications with anaesthesia.
How can I prevent obesity in my pet?
Luckily, obesity can be easily prevented by ensuring your pet maintains a healthy diet and gets plenty of exercise. For more detailed lifestyle adjustment tips, check out our guide to 5 ways to keep your pet's weight under control.
Look at their food
Your pet's nutritional needs change throughout their life, so it's important to feed them age-appropriate food in the right quantities. Avoid giving your pet scraps from the table and cut down on the treats you give them to help them stay slim.
If you are confused about the type of diet your pet needs or the correct portion sizes, then don’t hesitate to speak to your vet. You can also explore our dog food and diet advice or cat food and diet advice for more guidance.
Keep up their exercise
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight in pets. For dogs, this means daily walks and playtime. For cats, it might be interactive toys, climbing frames or simply chasing a feather wand around the living room. Even small bursts of activity throughout the day can make a real difference.
How is pet obesity treated?
If your pet is already carrying extra weight, don't worry. With the right approach, they can slim down safely. Prevention is better than the cure, but obesity is usually managed with gradual weight loss by reducing caloric intake and increasing activity levels.
Every pet is different, so what works for one might not work for another. The best approach will depend on your pet's breed, age and any existing health conditions. That's why it's so important to speak to your vet before starting any animal weight loss programme. Crash diets can be just as harmful for pets as they are for us!
Your vet can help you create a tailored plan that's safe and sustainable for your furry friend. If you're worried about your dog or cat's weight, don't hesitate to get in touch with them.
For more information and resources, visit our pet obesity hub.
Conclusion
Whether you're worried your cat is overweight or wondering if your dog might be obese, the most important thing is that you're paying attention. Recognising the signs of pet obesity early gives your furry friend the best chance of avoiding serious health problems down the line.
Remember, a healthy weight looks different for every pet. What matters is that they're active, comfortable and enjoying life to the full. With the right balance of nutritious food, regular exercise and plenty of love (minus a few too many treats!), you can help your cat or dog stay in tip-top shape for years to come.
If you're ever unsure about your pet's weight or need a bit of guidance, your vet is always there to help. Keeping our pets healthy and happy is what it's all about.
Related Resources
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