Why Are Tabby Cats Fat? How Big Do Tabby Cats Get?

It’s critical to keep track of your tabby cat’s weight. Their weight not only tells you about their health, but it’s also something that every cat owner should be aware of.

Of course, some cats are born with a small amount of extra weight.

We’ll concentrate on tabby cats in this post because they’re the most prevalent home pet.

Tabby cats aren’t necessarily chubby. A cat’s weight is determined by their nutrition and the quantity of daily exercise they get. A cat’s weight might also be affected by underlying health conditions. A cat’s weight can be better balanced with a healthy mix of food, activity, and medical appointments.

While tabby cats are not usually overweight, it is essential to provide proper care for your cat.

We’ll look at different methods for keeping track of your cat’s weight, as well as which breeds are more prone to obesity.

It’s simple to keep your cat healthy with the correct food plan in place and a little effort.

Are Tabby Cats Prone To Obesity?

Tabby cats are the most popular in homes; therefore it’s natural to link them with being overweight.

Tabby, on the other hand, solely relates to the coat pattern, hence the obesity prevalence is more specific to the cat breed.

Cats with tabbies are no more prone to obesity than cats with other coat patterns. Obesity, on the other hand, might be an issue when it comes to domestic cats in general.

This is partly related to how much their owners feed them and how poorly their nutrition is regulated. Domestic cats that aren’t able to get enough exercise might gain a lot of weight.

Below is a list of domestic cat breeds that are known for putting on weight more than others.

• Persian
• Burmese
• Siberian
• Ragamuffin
• Bengal
• Turkish Van
• Sphynx
• Birman
• American Shorthair
• Manx

How Big Can Tabby Cats Get?

It is mostly determined by the breeds to which they belong. Their size differs depending on their gender. Tabby cats may reach a height of 8-16 inches, depending on the breed.

It’s tough to say how big a tabby can grow up to be because the tabby is only a coat pattern present on a number of cat breeds.

To be at its healthiest, an adult tabby cat should weigh roughly 10 pounds.

Some breeds with a smaller frame, on the other hand, tend to weigh less than the recommended weight.

Depending on the breed, they weigh anywhere from 6 to 12 pounds. In the majority of situations, the female is 2-3 pounds lighter than the male.

Also, check out why are orange tabby cats so affectionate

What’s The Average Weight For A Tabby Cat?

The average domestic tabby cat weighs between 6 and 10 pounds.

The top end of the scale is 10 pounds, while the lower end is 6 pounds, which is connected with younger, smaller cats. Domestic cats can grow to be as large as 15–20 pounds, depending on the breed.

Because tabby cats are continually developing, the healthy weight for a tabby cat is not always steady. An adult tabby cat’s healthy weight is normally about 10 pounds.

The healthy weight of a tabby cat, however, may vary depending on the breed.

A tabby cat may be as little as 5 pounds, whereas a Maine Coon can be as large as 25 pounds and still be healthy.

In most circumstances, a healthy weight for a female tabby cat is between 6 and 10 pounds.

Why Do Tabby Cats Eat So Much?

Tabby cats are often highly energetic cats who like playing. Because they don’t sit around all day, they become hungry regularly.

They can eat everything edible that is placed in front of them. If given the opportunity, these cats have the capability to consume nearly their whole body weight in food.

If the owner does not place any restrictions on the amount of food provided, the tabby cats can consume a lot of it.

They also have a tendency to binge eat when left alone for most of the day since they are easily bored.

In rare circumstances, however, the cat may be overeating due to a variety of issues, such as the presence of tapeworms in their stomach from foraging in the mud.

Overeating in tabby cats might also be due to depression.

It might also be caused by conditions such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, both of which require prompt medical treatment.

You will also like to read about how long do tabby cats live

What Causes Tabby Cats To Get Fat?

Tabby cats are commonly adopted by people who live in small apartments. The cat is frequently compelled to stay motionless all day due to a lack of space to roam about.

They don’t receive the frequent exercise they need to keep healthy if they don’t have access to appropriate locations. As a result, it’s critical to leave some room for the cat to walk around the house, as this aid in weight loss.

Being overweight in a tabby cat is never a good indication. Tabby Cats who gain too much weight might suffer major health concerns.

They may develop arthritis and other health issues as a result of carrying too much weight on their limbs.

It’s not always easy to figure out what causes a cat to gain weight, especially if you don’t keep track of them all the time.

Here are a few factors that contribute to a cat’s weight gain.

• Lack of physical activity
• Allowing the cat to self-feed is a good idea.
• Changing Your Diet and Treats
• Sickness & Lethargic
• Old Age

The good news is that most of the concerns may be resolved with a simple modification in your cat’s schedule and diet.

Depression and old age, for example, are more difficult to overcome.

When it comes to sickness, you’ll need a veterinarian to assist you to figure out what’s causing it and put them on medicine to help them lose weight.

Next, we’ll go over each of these regions in depth and discuss weight-loss options for your cat.

Tabby cats have a strong need to eat. If they are permitted to, they may consume a huge amount of food. It also enjoys practically any type of food, including practically all human and cat meals.

If they have the opportunity, they will eat around 4-5 times each day. Because they have a huge appetite and do not feel full even when their food intake exceeds the recommended level, they acquire a lot of weight and fat accumulates in their body.

Food concerns aren’t always to blame for a tabby cat’s weight increase, especially when it’s extreme.

It might be caused by some underlying medical issues, such as diabetes or a gastrointestinal insect infestation.

If you suspect that your cat is becoming overweight owing to medical issues, you should seek expert advice immediately.

Also, check out How Long Do Fat Cats Live? Do Fat Cats Live Shorter Lives?

How To Help Your Tabby Cat Lose Weight?

While cats accumulating too much weight and becoming obese is a typical occurrence, there are several methods like daily training and exercises for dealing with the problem.

Let’s start by talking about how exercise can benefit your cat.

1. Regular Exercise for Your Cat

Lack of exercise is the most common cause of overweight tabby or domestic cats. Cats with little space to wander and explore would never be able to balance their energy production with their food intake.

As a result, you may notice your cat gaining weight and acquiring a large belly.

Playing with your cat for 15 to 20 minutes a day is a simple way to keep them in shape. Tossing plush toys about, using catnip, laser cat toys, and even rushing around the room are all examples of this.

Physical activity does not have to be strenuous, but it should be done on a regular basis. This is a simple way for your cat to lose a few pounds each week.

2. Put a Stop to Your Cat’s Free Feeding

Reduce your cat’s self-feeding consumption as the next step in reducing his or her body fat. When busy owners leave kibble out for their cats, they might easily become bored and consume too much.

If you want your cat to self-feed, make sure you only give him a cup of food a day.

It’s also a good idea to plan your cat’s meals ahead of time. Feeding your cat wet food first thing in the morning is typically a good idea.

You may then give them a tiny bit of dry food to eat on a regular basis and another wet meal at night.

Cats who don’t have a regular feeding schedule will try to eat too quickly and then become hungry again. Our natural tendency is to give them more, which might lead to their gaining weight faster.

3. Avoid Alternating Your Cat’s Diet

Changing your cat’s diet is not a good idea. The bodies of cats might be adversely affected by rapid or frequent dietary changes.

It’s a good idea to talk to your vet about the best food for your cat. If your cat is overweight, there are meals on the market that are specially designed to treat the problem.

If your tabby or domestic cat is overweight, there are a few cat meals specifically designed to help them lose weight.

• Hill’s Science Diet Light Adult Cat Food
• Iams Proactive Health
• Purina ONE Smart Blend
• Purina Pro Plan
• Royal Canin Appetite Control

While food rewards are useful for educating your domestic cat, they are not a substitute for proper nutrition.

Cats that consume an excessive amount of goodies gain weight considerably faster than those who do not.

You might also like to read about are orange cats always male

4. Illness and Despondency

Cats that become sedentary or sad are known to gain a significant amount of weight. It’s really simple for a cat to gain weight after they’ve grown sluggish.

Keep things exciting for your cat at all times. One possibility is to switch up the home’s layout on a regular basis.

Cats are always on the lookout for new methods to investigate things. Condos for cats are also a good idea. They can climb on several of them, and some even have scratching posts.

It’s possible that a cat’s drowsiness is linked to illness. A veterinarian can examine your cat and provide medicines to help them feel better.

A lack of a good diet, fun, and exposure to harsh weather can all contribute to sickness.

5. Getting Older

All cats, not only tabby cats, will reach old age. When a tabby cat reaches the end of its life, it starts to move slowly and loses the vigor it previously had.

As a result of being less active, your cat will begin to acquire weight. Cats can develop a variety of problems as they age.

Arthritis can cause pain in their paws, limiting their ability to play. In addition, cats may require a much more improved diet to supply them with the nourishment they require to remain active in their later years.

It might be difficult to tell if your cat is overweight. Some cats are simple to judge just by looking at them. Others may require the use of a weight scale and a thorough examination by a veterinarian.

If you have a few tools on hand, such as a weight scale, you can determine whether or not your cat is overweight.

Here’s a weight chart that will help you figure out if your cat is overweight. It depicts the average weight of cats according to their breed.

In general, if your cat weighs 10–15 percent more than the weights stated on this chart, they are obese.

It’s crucial to note that a cat’s typical weight is determined by a variety of factors. Each breed is distinct, and a lot relies on your particular cat. The structure of the cat also dictates how much bodyweight it can bear safely.

The gender of the cat, whether male or female, affects the average cat’s weight. Ask your veterinarian for the best advice on your cat and whether they need to go on a diet.

Cat Breed	Average Weight
1) Domestic (Tabby) Cat	6 – 10 lbs
2) Persian	6 – 12 lbs
3) Siamese	5 – 18 lbs
4) Birman	7 – 12 lbs

You might also like to know more about tabby cat personality

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Tabby cats aren’t built to be overweight. These cats gain weight mostly because of their voracious appetites, but they also have the potential to shed excess pounds.

The owner should be aware of their pet’s health issues and, if feasible, maintain track of their weight increase and growth pace.

This would allow them to take the necessary steps to address the tabby cat’s health difficulties, allowing the tabby cat to enjoy a longer life.

Feel free to ask your questions in the comments section below!