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How to tell if my cat is a healthy weight without a scale at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 11 lbs

Kovu has gotten his appetite back and I was wondering if he looks like he is at a good weight. I don’t have a scale. He’s not an outside cat, I sometimes let him in the backyard with me when I let the dogs out.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on August 24th, 2018

He looks a bit skinny, but it is difficult to determine from an image alone.
An adult indoor cat should weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. It should have a layer of fat over the ribs, but you should be able to easily feel them. The hips should not be too prominent or "bony" and he should have a waist when looked at from above.
You should bring him to your veterinary clinic to weigh him. They should allow you to do this for free. You could also buy. A small scale. Most are less than $30. Place him in a carrier or basket and weigh him, then weigh the container andbsubstract it from the total weight.
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