"Is my cat overweight?" You might be asking that question after noticing your beloved Fluffy is looking a little, well, fluffy. Weight gain is a common issue with cats, especially as they get older and their metabolism slows down. In fact, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that nearly 60 percent of cats in the United States are overweight. Excess weight can cause and exacerbate health problems in your cat, so it's important to be able to recognize when your kitty is getting chubby so that you can take steps to reduce the impact on her health. Keep reading to learn how to tell if your cat is overweight.

Is My Cat Overweight?

One method to tell if your cat is overweight is to feel along her rib cage. For a healthy cat, the padding shouldn't feel any thicker than the padding over the back of your hand, says the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. If you have to press firmly in order to feel her ribs, then she may be overweight. If you can't feel her ribs at all, then your kitty may actually be obese.

Another way to tell is to use the 1-5 body condition score. Stand over and look down at your cat while she's standing. If she's a healthy weight, you should see a slight indentation over the hips that resembles a waist, although this might be hard to see if your kitty has long hair. If her sides bulge out instead, then your cat may be on the tubby side. If you try these methods and you're still wondering, "Is my cat overweight?" then you should take her to see your veterinarian, who can weigh her and examine her overall body condition. Asking her doctor is the most reliable way to ascertain whether your cat needs to lose weight.

How Excess Weight Impacts Your Cat

Being overweight has a psychological effect on humans, and it's no different with cats. While cats don't spend time looking in the mirror wishing they could look better in a bathing suit, overweight cats might refrain from engaging in normal cat activities like play and personal hygiene. This can not only lead to skin problems and possible urinary tract infections, warns Catster, it can also be a sign your kitty is feeling depressed or anxious. A study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior reported by The Telegraph concludes that cats and dogs can sometimes overeat to combat stress or negative feelings. Not only that, but overweight cats are also more prone to diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, and joint pain, the Cummings Center points out. The Cummings Center also notes that excess weight can cause chronic inflammation, a condition that negatively impacts the overall health of pets in ways vets and pet parents are only beginning to discover.

Causes of Cat Weight Gain

The most common causes of cat weight gain are overfeeding and not enough exercise, says Wag!. This sometimes happens without pet parents realizing it, especially as cats get older and their metabolisms and their activity levels slow down. An older cat has different nutritional needs than when she was younger, and continuing to feed her the same amount and type of food you always have once she reaches middle age is a recipe for weight gain. This is another reason why it's a good idea to visit your vet if you notice that your cat has gained weight.

Cats at Risk of Gaining Weight

Some cats are at higher risk of becoming overweight or obese, says the Cummings Center. Neutered male cats have the highest likelihood of becoming overweight. Indoor cats are at risk, as are cats who are less active for other reasons. Cats who are free-choice fed — that is, allowed to graze on a bowl of kibble throughout the day — are also more likely to be overweight.