One pound of weight in a cat is equal to about fifteen pounds on a person.

Just like in humans, the average weight of cats is increasing. Cats today are becoming heavier. Twenty years ago, the average cat weighed 8 pounds, now most cats weigh 10 pounds.

Extra weight can contribute to problems such as:
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Increased risk of surgical/anesthetic complications
• Grooming difficulties/poor haircoats

What is an Ideal Weight?

Unlike dogs, there’s not a vast difference between the largest breed of cat and the smallest. Still, knowing the average weights of different breeds helps determine the ideal weight for your cat. Here are some guidelines:
• Small cats, including the Cornish Rex, some Oriental Shorthairs and Siamese, should weigh 6 to 7 pounds.
• Medium cats like the Burmese, and most unpedigreed cats should weigh 8 to 10 pounds.
• Large cats like the Maine Coon and Ragdoll can weigh up to 20 pounds.

No matter what breed of cat you have, if you follow the five steps below, you will have a fitter feline.

Step 1: Schedule an Examination
Body structure and health needs vary. Your veterinarian can help you decide the right weight for your cat. If a cat is too heavy for the doctor to examine the abdomen, weight loss is needed.

Step 2: Get Him Moving
Playing with your cat is a great way to keep him active, and it’s fun for you too. Throw his stuffed mouse across the room for him to get. Use the laser pointer and let him chase it. Encourage your cat to follow you around the house by dragging a string behind you. (Put it in to a drawer when you are done so he does not eat it). Every little bit of exercise helps. Experts suggest at least 20 minutes of play or exercise a day for cats.

Step 3: Choose the Best Diet
Your cat’s nutritional needs depend on his age, activity level and health. Purina OM or Eukanuba Restricted Calorie for Cats is perfect for healthy adult cats that need to lose a few pounds or just maintain their weight. It helps control your cat’s weight because it has fewer calories and less fat than maintenance adult cat foods.

Step 4: Measure the Food
When calculating portions, work from your cat’s goal weight (obtained from your veterinarian) and use the feeding guidelines on the package as a starting point. Never put your cat on a crash diet. This may contribute to hepatic lipidosis, an often serious liver disease that occurs when a cat is forced to metabolize its own body fat rather than energy from food. Measure your cat’s food carefully. That handful you thought was one-third of a cup could be one cup. Do not use feeders that constantly refill the bowl, as most cats will over-eat if given the chance.

Step 5: Be Consistent
When cutting back, you may have to endure some pitiful meows. This should subside as your cat becomes accustomed to its new feeding regime. Remember that feeding the appropriate amount is for your cat's benefit and overall well-being.