Is my cat's big, hanging belly normal, or is he actually overweight?

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!

Cats can get overweight from eating too much and get a fat belly, but I wouldn't say it's normal. I would say it's unhealthy to have a fat belly. Being overweight can predispose cats to many health issues including joint problems, diabetes, and cardiac disease. I would have Ernie seen by a vet on Monday for a health check. The vet can confirm that he is overweight and can discuss a diet plan for him.

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!

Hi there, Typically this is just their fat pad. Most cats have a fat pad but some have one that is more noticeable than others. I would still have your vet her if she's acting lethargic and to make sure what you're seeing isn't something else. I hope that helps and thanks for using Pet Coach!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A lot of cats have the extra skin that hangs on their belly. Most cats that have this are older than Noushi and have already been spayed or neutered. I think what you are referring to is normal but if you want to post a picture I'd be happy to look. Have a great day!

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's difficult to say for sure from the picture, but it looks like Phoenix has a bigger belly than he should. We assess overweight animals by assessing their body condition and scoring it based on observations. It's a bit vague, but gives a good idea of how much fat needs to be lost. Below is a link to a guide for scoring body condition. It's best to keep them at a 4-5 BCS, because thinner cats tend to be healthier and live longer. https://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/Body%20condition%20score%20chart%20cats.pdf For further information about maintaining an ideal body condition, please read the short article at the link below. http://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/evr_ct_obesity_in_cats_and_what_to_do_about_an_overweight_cat I hope that helps and all is well with Phoenix.