Why does my male cat have a big belly? Is it normal or a health issue?

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.

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.

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, 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

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 and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to say what the cause of the rounded abdomen may be without examining Binx first. If she is not spayed and has interacted with a male cat, she may be pregnant. Other options include a parasitic infection, mass or tumor, or abdominal fluid due to Feline Infectious Peritonitis or another cause. A good exam with Binx's veterinarian is needed soon in order to determine the cause of the rounded abdomen. It is good to hear she appears normal otherwise, but I would take her in to see her vet to have her evaluated.

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.