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My spayed cat is skinny but has a big, hard stomach. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 8 lbs

I'm worried about my cat she's really skinny except after we spayed her she started gaining weight but only in her stomach. Sometimes her stomach is really hard and sometimes it isn't, could she just be fat?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 9th, 2017

Hi there. It is common for females that are spayed to gain extra fat in their abdominal region. If the belly is very hard or she seems uncomfortable I would take her in. Otherwise just remember she doesn't have the extra hormone production she used to-changes are normal. Hope this helps

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on October 6th, 2019
She is a bit tubby (but still adorable!) Weight gain can happen after a spay as the hormones change in your cat's body, so keeping on her diet if your vet said she was otherwise healthy is a good idea. A high-fiber weight loss diet is usually best as it will help your cat feel fuller on less food to help. Increasing exercise, be it chasing a feather or laser pointer for a few minutes in the hall daily, adding in a kitty treadmill or climbing post, etc can also help with weight loss. You shouldn't expect pounds off right away because if you think about it, 1 pound in a 12 pound cat is 8% of their body weight which is a LOT! (That's like a human losing 10 pounds)

If she seems to be feeling unwell, shows any new symptoms of illness such as vomiting or diarrhea, or the abdomen is painful or worsens, then an additional checkup to rule out any other issues is always best.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 26th, 2018
Your vet is actually right on this one. She likely just has a saggy belly, which can come about after being spayed. This is normal and shouldn't be anything to worry about. I experienced this with my own female cat! : )
Just keep her active daily to keep her from becoming overweight. As long as she is eating, drinking, urinating and defecating normally, she is likely just fine.
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and take care of that fur baby!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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