My cat has a fat belly. Is it normal, or should I see a vet?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. He will need to see a veterinarian to determine if he is overweight or if he is experiencing a medical problem such as parasites or fluid pooling in his abdomen. His veterinarian will examine him and feel his belly. Depending on his exam findings, x-rays may be recommended. I hope this information helps!

I see what you mean about the fur loss. I'm wondering if his belly getting fat is because he doesn't go outside anymore. When he was outside, he would have been more active, burning more calories. Because he lives indoors now, he won't be as active, so he won't be burning as many calories, leading him to gain weight. You should speak to his vet about cutting back his food to help him lose weight. The fur loss may be normal, my cat's belly looks just like that as well but I'd still have it checked out by a vet to be safe. I hope this helps.

She is most definitely overweight (fat pad can be clearly seen in front of the back legs / below the abdomen). If she has any additional clinical signs I would recommend a blood test to help determine if the obesity is triggered by any medical condition or even if it has caused any problems such as liver issues. I strongly recommend you start a weight management programme such as hills metabolic or royal canin satiety to help reduce the weight (and with it risks of obesity, joint and inflammatory conditions linked with excess weight)

Hi there. Without being able to examine him, it's hard to say if this is a problem or not. I can tell you that it's normal for cats to have a fat pad that dangles down from their abdomen, between their rear legs - so if this sounds like what you're seeing, then it's likely not a problem but he would need an exam to know for sure. If you're seeing something different, then I don't know what it would be, and would definitely recommend having him checked by a veterinarian when you are able to.

It is common for larger/overweight cats to develop a large fat pad in this area; this can occasionally become damaged/infected and painful. I recommend you ask your vet tech to check the area and advise if any further tests or biopsy s required. If he is overweight for his size, they can also advise on wiehgt management options to prevent further complications such as joint disease and diabetes

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The extra skin that hangs from the bellies of cats is VERY common! I swear it happens to most cats after they are spayed or neutered. Even lean cats have a little bit. But yes it can be a sign of being overweight. Based on your photo, maybe Luka is a little overweight. But even having him lose weight won't change the skin that hangs! Just poke it for fun!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Timmy is super cute! The extra hang on the belly of cats is normal and we are not sure why it forms. I have had cats with perfect body condition still have the skin hang. Timmy doesn't appear too overweight. I've attached a body condition chart. If Timmy is overweight I would discuss a prescription weight loss diet with your Vet (Purina OM, Hill's Metabolic, etc). I hope this helps! https://oregonvma.org/files/Purina-Cat-Condition-Chart.pdf