depends on the cat and where they put the muscling and fat, as well as age of the cat.
This is how to test fatness in most animals: you should easily be able to feel each rib of the cat without pressing too hard. If you can see the ribs when he is standing still (if a short haired breed) too skinny. If you can feel a large gap in between each rib and can really get your fingers down deep between them (over 1/2 the bone width) too skinny.
For reference, if you know you are in shape, feel between your ribs- it should be roughly the same as your cat.
Even when my cat was overweight, I could easily find his backbone. But the best thing to do is weigh him now and then do so again in a few weeks. As long as he's not losing any weight and acts healthy and active, he's probably fine.
A little skinny is way more healthy than a little fat since cat's easily get high blood pressure and that can cause all kinds of health problems including blindness and seizures.
You should not feel your cats backbone at any time. Leave cat food in its bowl at all times. Cats will not over eat like some dogs will. If your cat is not eating then you should take it to a vet because sometimes they are upset and not eating or peeing or pooping on your floor is theire way of saying, "Mom, HELP!"
some cats are just thin. if you aren't able to visibly see the back bone and other bones (rib cage) then it's okay. if he's an active, healthy cat and he's eating well then there's nothing to worry about.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
depends on the cat and where they put the muscling and fat, as well as age of the cat.
This is how to test fatness in most animals: you should easily be able to feel each rib of the cat without pressing too hard. If you can see the ribs when he is standing still (if a short haired breed) too skinny. If you can feel a large gap in between each rib and can really get your fingers down deep between them (over 1/2 the bone width) too skinny.
For reference, if you know you are in shape, feel between your ribs- it should be roughly the same as your cat.
Even when my cat was overweight, I could easily find his backbone. But the best thing to do is weigh him now and then do so again in a few weeks. As long as he's not losing any weight and acts healthy and active, he's probably fine.
A little skinny is way more healthy than a little fat since cat's easily get high blood pressure and that can cause all kinds of health problems including blindness and seizures.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You should not feel your cats backbone at any time. Leave cat food in its bowl at all times. Cats will not over eat like some dogs will. If your cat is not eating then you should take it to a vet because sometimes they are upset and not eating or peeing or pooping on your floor is theire way of saying, "Mom, HELP!"
some cats are just thin. if you aren't able to visibly see the back bone and other bones (rib cage) then it's okay. if he's an active, healthy cat and he's eating well then there's nothing to worry about.