Cat Weight & Growth Chart
Check your cat's ideal weight by breed, age, and gender. Use our interactive calculator with Body Condition Score to assess your cat's health.
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Ribs palpable with slight fat covering. Waist visible behind ribs. Minimal abdominal fat.
Cat Weight Chart by Breed
This table shows the healthy adult weight ranges for 25 popular cat breeds. Male cats are typically heavier than females. Weights are for healthy, adult cats at ideal body condition.
| Breed | Male Weight (kg) | Male Weight (lb) | Female Weight (kg) | Female Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine Coon | 5.9 - 8.2 | 13.0 - 18.1 | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 |
| Persian | 4.1 - 6 | 9.0 - 13.2 | 3.2 - 4.5 | 7.1 - 9.9 |
| Siamese | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 | 2.7 - 4.1 | 6.0 - 9.0 |
| Ragdoll | 5.4 - 9.1 | 11.9 - 20.1 | 3.6 - 6.8 | 7.9 - 15.0 |
| Bengal | 4.5 - 6.8 | 9.9 - 15.0 | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 |
| British Shorthair | 4.1 - 7.7 | 9.0 - 17.0 | 3.2 - 5.4 | 7.1 - 11.9 |
| Abyssinian | 3.6 - 5 | 7.9 - 11.0 | 2.7 - 4.1 | 6.0 - 9.0 |
| Scottish Fold | 4.1 - 6 | 9.0 - 13.2 | 2.7 - 4.1 | 6.0 - 9.0 |
| Sphynx | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 | 2.7 - 4.1 | 6.0 - 9.0 |
| Russian Blue | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 | 2.7 - 4.5 | 6.0 - 9.9 |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | 5.4 - 7.7 | 11.9 - 17.0 | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 |
| Birman | 4.5 - 6.8 | 9.9 - 15.0 | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 |
| Oriental Shorthair | 3.2 - 4.5 | 7.1 - 9.9 | 2.3 - 3.6 | 5.1 - 7.9 |
| Devon Rex | 2.7 - 4.1 | 6.0 - 9.0 | 2.3 - 3.2 | 5.1 - 7.1 |
| Cornish Rex | 2.7 - 4.5 | 6.0 - 9.9 | 2.3 - 3.2 | 5.1 - 7.1 |
| Burmese | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 | 2.7 - 4.1 | 6.0 - 9.0 |
| Tonkinese | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 | 2.7 - 4.1 | 6.0 - 9.0 |
| Domestic Shorthair (Mixed) | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 | 2.7 - 4.5 | 6.0 - 9.9 |
| Domestic Longhair (Mixed) | 3.6 - 6.4 | 7.9 - 14.1 | 2.7 - 5 | 6.0 - 11.0 |
| Turkish Angora | 3.6 - 5 | 7.9 - 11.0 | 2.7 - 4.1 | 6.0 - 9.0 |
| Somali | 3.6 - 5.4 | 7.9 - 11.9 | 2.7 - 4.1 | 6.0 - 9.0 |
| American Shorthair | 4.5 - 6.8 | 9.9 - 15.0 | 3.2 - 5.4 | 7.1 - 11.9 |
| Exotic Shorthair | 4.5 - 6.8 | 9.9 - 15.0 | 3.2 - 5 | 7.1 - 11.0 |
| Singapura | 2.3 - 3.2 | 5.1 - 7.1 | 1.8 - 2.7 | 4.0 - 6.0 |
| Manx | 4.5 - 5.9 | 9.9 - 13.0 | 3.6 - 5 | 7.9 - 11.0 |
Kitten Weight Chart
Track your kitten's growth from birth to 12 months. Kittens grow rapidly, gaining most of their adult weight in the first six months. These ranges represent averages across breeds. Larger breeds will exceed these numbers.
| Age | Weight (grams) | Weight (oz/lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 85 - 115g | 3.0 - 4.1 oz |
| 1 Week | 150 - 200g | 5.3 - 7.1 oz |
| 2 Weeks | 200 - 300g | 7.1 - 10.6 oz |
| 3 Weeks | 280 - 380g | 9.9 - 13.4 oz |
| 4 Weeks | 350 - 450g | 12.3 - 15.9 oz |
| 5 Weeks | 430 - 550g | 15.2 - 19.4 oz |
| 6 Weeks | 500 - 650g | 17.6 - 22.9 oz |
| 7 Weeks | 570 - 750g | 20.1 - 26.5 oz |
| 8 Weeks | 650 - 850g | 22.9 - 30.0 oz |
| 3 Months | 1200 - 1600g | 2.6 - 3.5 lb |
| 4 Months | 1600 - 2200g | 3.5 - 4.9 lb |
| 5 Months | 2000 - 2700g | 4.4 - 6.0 lb |
| 6 Months | 2400 - 3200g | 5.3 - 7.1 lb |
| 7 Months | 2700 - 3600g | 6.0 - 7.9 lb |
| 8 Months | 3000 - 3900g | 6.6 - 8.6 lb |
| 9 Months | 3200 - 4200g | 7.1 - 9.3 lb |
| 10 Months | 3400 - 4500g | 7.5 - 9.9 lb |
| 11 Months | 3500 - 4700g | 7.7 - 10.4 lb |
| 12 Months | 3600 - 5000g | 7.9 - 11.0 lb |
Body Condition Score (BCS) Guide
The Body Condition Score is a hands-on assessment used by veterinarians worldwide to evaluate whether a cat is at a healthy weight. Unlike the number on a scale, BCS accounts for body frame and muscle mass. Here is how to assess your cat using the 5-point scale:
Emaciated Dangerously Thin
Ribs, spine, and hip bones are clearly visible and easily felt with no fat covering. Severe loss of muscle mass is evident. The waist and abdominal tuck are extremely pronounced. Cats at BCS 1 require immediate veterinary attention as this level of emaciation can indicate serious illness such as cancer, hyperthyroidism, or chronic kidney disease.
Underweight Below Ideal
Ribs are easily felt with minimal fat covering. The waist is clearly visible when viewed from above. There is an obvious abdominal tuck when viewed from the side. Some muscle wasting may be present. A BCS of 2 often indicates the cat needs more calories or may have an underlying health issue requiring veterinary evaluation.
Ideal Healthy Target
Ribs are palpable with a slight fat covering - you can feel them with gentle pressure but they are not visually prominent. A visible waist exists behind the ribs when viewed from above. There is a slight abdominal tuck. Minimal belly fat pad. This is the ideal body condition for most cats, associated with the longest lifespan and lowest disease risk.
Overweight Above Ideal
Ribs are difficult to feel under a moderate layer of fat. The waist is barely visible or absent when viewed from above. The abdomen appears rounded with a noticeable fat pad. Fat deposits may be present on the back and base of the tail. Overweight cats have increased risk of diabetes, urinary disease, and joint problems. A gradual weight loss plan is recommended.
Obese Health Risk
Ribs cannot be felt under a thick layer of fat. No waist is visible - the body appears rectangular or barrel-shaped from above. The abdomen is distended with a prominent fat pad that may sway when walking. Heavy fat deposits on the back, limbs, and face. Obese cats are at serious risk for diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis, arthritis, and shortened lifespan. Veterinary-supervised weight loss is essential.
Factors Affecting Cat Weight
Breed
Breed is the single biggest determinant of a cat's ideal weight. The Singapura, one of the smallest breeds, typically weighs just 1.8-3.2 kg, while a male Maine Coon can healthily weigh over 8 kg. Mixed-breed cats fall somewhere in between, with their weight depending on their genetic background. Large-framed breeds like the Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat, and British Shorthair will naturally weigh more than slender breeds like the Siamese or Oriental Shorthair.
Age
Kittens grow rapidly during their first year, with most breeds reaching adult size by 12-18 months. Large breeds continue growing until age 3-5. Adult cats (3-10 years) are at their most stable weight. Senior cats (11+ years) may gradually lose weight due to decreased muscle mass, reduced appetite, or age-related conditions. A sudden weight change at any age warrants a vet visit.
Gender
Male cats are almost always heavier than females of the same breed, typically by 1-2 kg. This difference is due to sexual dimorphism - males have larger frames, broader heads, and more muscle mass. The weight difference becomes apparent as early as 8-10 weeks of age and is most pronounced in large breeds like the Maine Coon, where males can weigh nearly double the size of females.
Neutering / Spaying
Spaying and neutering changes a cat's metabolism and hormone balance, reducing their resting energy requirements by 20-30%. This means a neutered cat needs fewer calories than an intact cat of the same size. Without adjusting food intake, most neutered cats will gain weight within 6-12 months of surgery. Neutered males are particularly prone to weight gain. Switching to a formula designed for neutered cats and reducing portions helps prevent this.
Diet and Activity Level
Free-feeding (leaving dry food out all day) is one of the most common causes of feline obesity. Portion-controlled meals, high-protein diets, and limiting treats to less than 10% of daily calories help maintain a healthy weight. Indoor cats are more prone to weight gain due to lower activity levels. Interactive play sessions of 15-30 minutes daily, food puzzles, and vertical climbing spaces help keep indoor cats active and lean.
How to Weigh Your Cat at Home
Regular home weigh-ins help you catch weight changes early. Here are three reliable methods to get an accurate weight for your cat:
The Subtraction Method
Step on your bathroom scale alone and note your weight. Then pick up your cat and step on the scale again. Subtract your weight from the combined weight. This method works well for cats that are comfortable being held. Use a digital scale for accuracy - aim for one that reads to 0.1 kg or 0.2 lb.
Kitchen Scale Method
For kittens or small cats, place a box or basket on a kitchen scale and tare (zero) the scale. Gently place your cat in the container. This method is most accurate for cats under 5 kg and essential for tracking kitten growth in grams. Digital kitchen scales that measure to 1g are ideal for kittens.
Baby Scale or Pet Scale
Invest in a baby scale or dedicated pet scale for the most accurate readings. These scales have a flat, stable platform and read to 10g or less. They are especially useful for multi-cat households or cats on a weight management program. Some models have a "hold" feature that locks the reading even if the cat moves.
Pro Tips
- Weigh at the same time of day, ideally before feeding
- Record every measurement in a notebook or phone app
- A change of 200g or more in a month is worth monitoring
- Bring your weight log to vet appointments
When to See a Vet About Weight
While gradual weight changes can be normal, certain patterns should prompt a veterinary visit. Contact your vet if you notice any of the following warning signs:
Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing more than 10% of body weight without dietary changes can indicate hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or dental problems. Even gradual, unintentional weight loss over several months should be evaluated.
Rapid Weight Gain
Sudden weight gain, especially with a distended abdomen, can signal fluid retention (ascites), pregnancy, or hormonal disorders. If your cat's belly appears swollen but their body otherwise seems normal, see a vet promptly.
Appetite Changes
Eating significantly more but losing weight could indicate hyperthyroidism or diabetes. Eating less or refusing food entirely for more than 24 hours is an emergency in cats, as it can trigger hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).
BCS at Extremes (1 or 5)
Cats at BCS 1 (emaciated) or BCS 5 (obese) need veterinary guidance. Extreme thinness may hide serious illness. Severe obesity requires a professionally supervised weight loss program to avoid dangerous complications like hepatic lipidosis.
Weight Changes in Senior Cats
Cats over 11 years old should be weighed monthly. Any unexplained weight change in a senior cat - even as small as 200-300g - warrants bloodwork to screen for kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and other age-related conditions.
Kitten Not Gaining Weight
Kittens should gain weight steadily every week. If a kitten fails to gain weight for more than 2-3 days, or loses weight at any point, it could signal parasites, infection, congenital issues, or inadequate nutrition. Young kittens can deteriorate quickly, so early intervention is critical.
Sources: Body Condition Score chart from WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines (2020). Breed-specific ideal weight ranges from Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Weight management principles per 2014 AAHA Weight Management Guidelines. Ideal weight varies by individual — consult your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average domestic cat weighs between 3.6 kg (8 lb) and 4.5 kg (10 lb). However, healthy weight varies significantly by breed, gender, and body frame. Large breeds like Maine Coons can weigh up to 8+ kg, while smaller breeds like the Singapura may weigh as little as 2 kg. Male cats typically weigh 1-2 kg more than females of the same breed.
Use the Body Condition Score (BCS) system to assess your cat: feel their ribs - you should be able to feel them with light pressure under a thin layer of fat. View your cat from above - there should be a visible waist behind the ribs. From the side, the belly should tuck up slightly. If the ribs are hard to feel, there's no visible waist, or the belly hangs down, your cat is likely overweight. About 60% of domestic cats are overweight or obese.
Male Maine Coons typically weigh 5.9-8.2 kg (13-18 lb), while females weigh 3.6-5.4 kg (8-12 lb). Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds and are notably slow to mature, not reaching full size until 3-5 years of age. Their heavy bone structure and long, fluffy coat can make them appear even larger than their actual weight.
Most cats reach their full adult size between 12-18 months of age. However, larger breeds like Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Norwegian Forest Cats continue growing until age 3-5. Kittens experience the most rapid growth in their first 6 months, gaining about 75% of their adult weight during this period. Growth rate varies significantly by breed and nutrition.
Healthy kittens typically gain 50-100 grams (about 1.75-3.5 oz) per week during their first 6 months. Newborn kittens should double their birth weight within the first 1-2 weeks. Weight gain varies by breed - larger breeds gain faster. If a kitten fails to gain weight or loses weight for more than 24 hours, consult a veterinarian immediately as this can indicate serious health issues.
Body Condition Score is a standardized system used by veterinarians to assess body fat in cats. The most common version uses a 5-point scale: 1 (emaciated), 2 (underweight), 3 (ideal), 4 (overweight), and 5 (obese). It evaluates three areas: rib coverage (how easily you can feel the ribs), waist visibility from above, and abdominal tuck from the side. BCS is more reliable than weight alone because it accounts for variations in body frame and muscle mass.
Yes, neutered and spayed cats tend to gain weight because the procedure reduces their metabolic rate by approximately 20-30% and can increase appetite. Without dietary adjustments, neutered cats often become overweight within 6 months of surgery. Veterinarians recommend reducing calorie intake by 20-30% after neutering and increasing exercise. Switching to a specially formulated neutered-cat food can help manage weight.
Male Siamese cats typically weigh 3.6-5.4 kg (8-12 lb), while females weigh 2.7-4.1 kg (6-9 lb). Siamese cats have a naturally slender, tubular body type and should appear lean and muscular rather than bulky. They are one of the longer-lived breeds (15-20 years), and maintaining a healthy weight is especially important for their overall longevity.
Yes, rapid weight loss in cats is extremely dangerous and can cause hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), a potentially fatal condition where fat overwhelms the liver. Cats should lose no more than 1-2% of their body weight per week, which works out to roughly 0.5 kg (1 lb) per month for an average cat. Never put a cat on a crash diet. Always work with your veterinarian to create a safe, gradual weight loss plan.
Weigh your adult cat at least once a month at home. For cats on a weight management program, weekly weigh-ins at the same time of day are ideal. Kittens should be weighed weekly during their first 6 months to ensure proper growth. Use a kitchen scale for kittens (in grams) and a bathroom scale for adults (weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the cat, and subtract). Always record weights so you can track trends and share with your veterinarian.
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