A Vet Reveals 5 Signs Your Cat May Be Overfed-One Easy To Miss

Pet parents may one day notice their feline has put on a few extra pounds and wonder how it happened, but they are often overfeeding their cats without realizing it.

Veterinarian Ruth MacPete, author of the children’s book Lisette the Vet and Her Dog Jett, told Newsweek that several subtle signs can indicate a cat is eating more than they should, along with common feeding habits that often contribute to weight gain and obesity.

“Overweight pets may be cute, but they are not healthy,” MacPete said.

She explained that obesity increases the risk of serious health conditions, including arthritis, diabetes and liver disease. The good news is that cats often show subtle clues before excess weight becomes a bigger health concern-if owners know what to look for.

1. You Leave Food Out All Day

Between free feeding and a few extra treats throughout the day, it’s easy for owners to overlook how many calories their cats are consuming.

Many cat parents “free feed” their cats, leaving food available throughout the day so they can eat whenever they choose. While this approach is convenient and works well for some felines, MacPete said it isn’t the right fit for every cat.

“Some cats eat too much when given unlimited access to food,” she said.

Treats can quietly add to the problem as well. While giving treats is a common way for owners to show affection, those extra calories can quickly add up.

Ideally, treats should make up no more than 5 to 10 percent of a cat’s daily calorie intake, with the remaining 90 to 95 percent coming from a complete and balanced cat food.

2. Gradual Weight Gain

“Since we see our cats every day, gradual weight gain isn't always easy to notice,” MacPete said.

Rather than relying on the scale alone, owners should turn to veterinarians for help assessing whether their cat is at a healthy weight. A veterinarian won’t simply weigh your cat-they’ll also determine your cat’s body condition score, a nine-point scale based on how your cat looks and feels. A score of 5 out of 9 is considered ideal, while higher scores indicate excess body fat.

MacPete said the score ranges from 1 to 9, with 1 being very thin, 9 being obese, and 5 being considered ideal.

Your vet will examine your cat from above and from the side while also feeling their ribs, spine and other bony areas to determine whether they’re carrying extra weight. If your cat is overweight, your veterinarian will help you develop a diet plan.

3. They’re Struggling to Jump

Extra weight doesn’t just show up on the scale-it can also affect how your cat moves.

MacPete said overweight cats may have trouble jumping on beds, counters or their favorite perch, which can be a sign they are carrying more weight than they should.

Because cats are naturally active and often enjoy climbing and jumping, changes in mobility may be worth discussing with your veterinarian.

4. Grooming Has Become More Difficult

A cat’s grooming routine can also offer clues about their weight.

According to MacPete, overweight cats may have difficulty grooming their back end because carrying extra weight can make it harder to comfortably reach certain areas.

A cat that stops grooming properly may develop a dirty or matted coat, and in some cases, skin problems can occur when fur and debris build up.

5. They Don’t Want to Play as Much

Another subtle sign of excess weight is a reluctance to play.

A cat that once chased toys around the house but now spends most of the day resting could simply be getting older, but reduced activity can also be linked to excess weight.

As carrying additional pounds becomes more physically demanding, some overweight cats become increasingly reluctant to move, creating a cycle where less exercise contributes to even more weight gain.

Helping Cats Lose Weight

While weight gain may happen gradually, MacPete said owners should work with a veterinarian to create a safe plan to shed the pounds, while also keeping an eye on these subtle signs.

The primary treatment for feline obesity is reducing calorie intake while increasing physical activity. However, owners should not dramatically cut back on food without veterinary guidance.

“Losing weight too quickly can be dangerous and can lead to hepatic lipidosis, a potentially fatal liver disease,” MacPete said.

MacPete recommends that cats receive veterinary checkups at least once a year, while cats over the age of 7 should be seen every six months. Regular visits can help owners catch weight changes early and keep their cats on a healthy path.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Rebecca Flood and Gray R. Thomas

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This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 5:55 PM.