The norm of the weight of cats by age. normal weight for a cat

The weight of an animal is one of the important indicators for determining its health. Obesity can be a problem not only for humans, but also for animals. As well as lack of weight is often the cause of a serious illness.

What is the normal weight for cats

Among all in the world, the Australian representative of this species is recognized as the heaviest - its weight was 21 kilograms. But according to Mr. Peebles, the cat was recognized as the lightest - 1 kg 300 g. Of course, the standard indicators are very different from the record ones.

Simple domestic cat weight can range from two to seven kilograms. Basically, both the size of the animal and its weight directly depend on what its breed is. So, representatives of the Angora and Siamese are distinguished by lightness and harmony.

Persian and cats are more heavy - some of them are able to amaze with their size. And the Maine Coon often weighs more than eleven kilograms.

As a rule, the solid weight of a pet is a direct result of the owners' ardent love for him, which is expressed in overfeeding the animal. Usually overweight cats are in poor health.

Obesity and its accompanying health problems will help to avoid careful attention to the diet, a carefully selected drinking regimen. Regular weighing will help with weight control. If the cat does not want to be weighed, you can keep him in place in the following way. The owner takes the animal in his arms, weighs himself with him, and then weighs himself alone. The second value is subtracted from the first value obtained - the result will be the weight of the cat.

How to determine if a cat's weight is normal

The main parameter that determines the normal weight healthy cat maybe his breed. Britons, Maine Coons, Norwegians without a single sign of obesity can be more than eight kilograms. small breeds like Singaporeans weighing three kilos can be considered overweight. The average weight for a cat, depending on the structure of the skeleton and size, can be considered a range of 3.5-5.5 kg.

In veterinary clinics, you can familiarize yourself with leaflets that will help you approximately determine whether a particular cat is of sufficient weight. With a lack of weight, the pelvic bones, chest joints, and ribs protrude and are very noticeable both to the touch and visually. The fat layer on the chest is not palpable. At overweight with a cat or

A special role in the development of a kitten is played by a period of active growth and weight gain. Determining the weight of a kitten at each stage of its development is necessary in order to notice deviations in the direction of underweight or overweight in time, and take action. In order to control the weight of a kitten by months, you can use a special table.

It is based on the average increase for each month in the period from 1 to 12. However, when using the data in the table, it should be borne in mind that the weight of different breeds at the same age may differ slightly. For example, Maine Coon cubs already weigh significantly more at birth than British breed cubs. Also, several other factors affect the weight and size of a kitten:

• Floor. At birth, boys and girls usually do not differ much in weight, but after a few months this difference becomes noticeable;
• The number of individuals in the litter. It is known that the more individuals were born in one litter, the greater the deviation they have towards underweight from the average statistical norm;
• Proper nutrition of a cat during the period of gestation and feeding. If during pregnancy and feeding the cat received all the substances necessary for her body, then the probability of harmoniously developing offspring becomes higher;
• A balanced diet for a baby after weaning it from a cat is one of the factors that are significant in terms of the degree of influence on the normal weight of a kitten;
• Animal health status. Violation of the general state of health can adversely affect the development of the individual and normal weight gain.

Kitten weight at birth

A newly born kitten usually weighs no more than 120 grams. At this age, he still does not see anything and practically does not move. The main task of the baby is to eat, sleep and grow. In this mode, he adds 10 to 15 grams per day.

After about a week, the eyes of the babies open, they react to sounds and extraneous odors, and begin to show more activity in movements. Thanks to enhanced nutrition, they already weigh 200-250 grams and become more mobile every day.

By the end of the fourth week, the kittens are already actively playing and moving freely throughout the territory allotted to them. At this time, the kitten should weigh 300-500 grams.

Approximate weight in the first four weeks looks like this:

• A newly born cat weighs between 70 and 130g
• At the age of 3-6 days - from 85 to 200g
• At the age of 1 week - from 140 to 285g
• At two weeks of age - from 225 to 400g
• At the age of 3 weeks - from 285 to 500g

The most active period of kitten development and maximum weight gain is the period from 1 to 6 months, when babies gradually move from milk feeding to more varied foods. The weight of a kitten in the first half of the year is as follows:

At 1 month old, it already weighs from 500 to 700 grams, actively moves, can drink water on its own and try dairy products. At this stage, preparations begin for the transition from sucking milk to self-feeding.

A kitten at 2 months already begins to behave like an adult. During this period, the cat is less and less likely to feed the kittens with milk, as they are fully mature in order to eat on their own. It is at this age that breeders recommend transferring babies into the hands of new owners in order to start instilling in pets the rules of behavior in a new home as early as possible. Weight in 2 months reaches 1000-1400 grams.

How much should a 3 month old kitten weigh? It is recommended to feed the pet during this period at least 5 times a day, offering each time a fresh portion of food. Also at this age, it is desirable to decide how you plan to feed the animal, natural or industrial feed. If the baby develops harmoniously, then its weight is approximately 1700-2300 grams.

A kitten at 4 months old is already able to lead a completely independent lifestyle, eat solid food, go to the tray, and contact other pets. The average weight of a four-month-old cat should be between 2500-3600 grams.

At the age of five months, kittens undergo small changes in their diet. They keep on leading active image life, but now the breaks in food are getting longer, and the mass of one portion eaten is greater. In this regard, in individuals of some breeds, sharp jumps in body weight in one direction or another can be observed. The usual weight of a kitten at 5 months is 2900-3900 grams.

Kitten from 6 months to a year

By six months, the kitten already looks like an adult cat and is sexually mature. The growth rate of the animal slows down slightly, and kittens of some breeds even reach maximum values. At the age of 6 months, cats may begin the first molt, but their physique cannot yet be called formed, since the growth period muscle mass not completed yet. The average weight of a six-month-old baby is 3200-4100 grams.

In the period from six months to a year, the kitten gradually gains 100-150 grams in weight every month, and by the year it is approximately 4500-7500 grams.

At this age, the muscle mass is already fully formed, and several other factors begin to affect the state of the cat's weight:

• Balanced diet. If a kitten's diet meets its needs, weight problems are unlikely;
• Outdoor games. Lack of mobility in cats can lead to excess weight;
• Healthy sleep is beneficial for general state health;
• The presence of irritants. The presence of any irritants in the house can reduce appetite and lead to weight loss.

For speed and convenience, there is a table of kitten weight by months for each breed, which is easy to find on the Internet.

Exceeding the norm

In a city apartment, cats are most at risk of obesity, and if we add to this not yet proper nutrition, then problems with excess weight will not be long in coming.

In an overweight cat, the waist is completely absent, and the stomach bulges in both directions. Watch the cat, if it is difficult for her to lick and raise her paws, then there is a reason for this.

Take the cat in your arms and try to feel for the ribs, they should be easy to feel, but not stick out. In the case of obesity, it will be problematic to feel the ribs, as they are covered with a layer of fat.

In most cases, overweight problems in pets are regulated by dietary adjustments, but sometimes obesity can be a symptom of other diseases, so it is best to seek the advice of a veterinarian.

Rate reduction

If, when weighing an animal, you find that the weight of the kitten is below normal, while he is quite healthy appearance and active behavior, then in this case you just need to watch the kitten.

Perhaps he lacks nutrients or growth in body weight does not keep up with size.

In some cases, kittens between the ages of seven and nine months are not gaining weight well, if not losing it altogether. This may be due to the puberty of individuals and changes in the hormonal background of the animal.

Another thing is if, when examining an animal, you find protruding ribs, an uneven coat, and protruding pelvic bones. All of these signs may indicate serious illness in which a visit to the veterinarian should not be postponed.

Owners of purebred cats, including British ones, pay a lot of attention to the health of their pet. The weight of a British kitten by months is an important indicator that allows you to track the correct growth and development of a four-legged friend. There is even a table that lists the standard weight parameters.

In the first days after the birth of a fluffy miracle, you can already see how tightly your pet will be built in the future and what size it will reach. The health of the animal directly affects good nutrition and proper care. All owners are interested in how much a British cat should weigh in the first months of life. Caring owners start a diary of weight indicators, according to which it is convenient to control the development of the animal.

First days

Adult British are quite large, as are newborn kittens. Babies first weigh about 70-130 g, gaining from 110 to 150 g by the second week. This is almost 1.5 times more than after birth. A cat feeding offspring should receive a sufficient amount of vitamins from food, then breast milk will have a complete set of nutrients.

Second week

In the second week of life, the Briton usually reaches 210 g. This average, because according to the standard, he must have a weight of about 420 g. An older pet is more active. Some animals have already opened their eyes by this time. But this is true only for very "early".

Up to a month

Depending on the rate of growth and development of the pet, complementary foods can be introduced into his diet (starting from 3-4 weeks). This is especially needed for babies who receive mother's milk and have many brothers and sisters. It is recommended to give chopped boiled beef or chicken meat, sea fish, canned cat food, cottage cheese and boiled egg yolk. Before the age of 1 month, the furry member of the family gains at least another 250 g.

If it grows quickly and develops well, then it can weigh up to half a kilogram in this period. At the beginning of the fifth week, the pet reaches an average of 600 g. By 2 months, this figure is 700 g - 1.5 kg.

Three months

If the pet receives proper nutrition, then by 3 months it has a weight of more than 1 kg.

It becomes 100 g heavier every day. The norm determines average weight British cat during this period at the level of 1.5-2 kg, cats - from 1 to 1.5 kg. If the animal is still receiving mother's milk, you should increase the amount of vitamins in it and diversify feeding. From natural products pork, smoked sausages, fatty dairy products are contraindicated, River fish and chicken with bones. Ready-made feeds from EVO, Orijen and Hills have proven themselves to be excellent.

Four months

Standard weight indicators during this period reach 1.7-2.4 kg for a cat and from 2.1 to 3.9 kg for a cat. A four-month-old pet is already more like an adult animal. He gains up to 2 kg, and the mass can vary.

Much depends on the daily diet, as well as hereditary factors. If the baby during this period reaches more than 4 kg, this is a signal for the owner - it is necessary to reduce the amount of food. Sometimes a visit is required veterinary clinic where the specialist prescribes to the furry patient vitamin complex and a special diet.

Five months

It is also interesting how much a pet gains by 4 months. If you check with the norm, then the cat during this period should reach 2.2-2.9 kg, and the cat - from 2.6 to 4.5. That is, body weight is usually about 4.5 kg. Later, the British kitten, before turning into an adult, must gain the same amount.

A two-month-old male has a weight of 1-1.7 kg, a female - from 450 to 900 g. A three-month-old pet should gain 1.5-2.5 kg, and a girl - 1-1.5 kg. A four-month-old boy weighs from 2.1 to 3.9 kg, and a girl - 1.7-2.4 kg. At five months, a cat weighs 2.6-4.3 kg, and a cat weighs 2.2-2.9 kg. Body weight at six months is prescribed within 3-5.4 kg and 2.3-3.6 kg, respectively, at seven months - 3.3-5.6 and 2.4-3.9 kg, at eight months - 3 .5-6 and 2.5-4.1 kg, at nine months - 3.8-6.4 and 2.5-4.3 kg, at ten months - 4.1-6.7 and 2.5 -4.4 kg, at eleven months - 4.3-6.8 and 2.5-4.5 kg.

At 1 year, the male has a body weight in the range of 4.5-7 kg, and the female - from 2.5 to 4.6 kg. The standard provides for the weight of a British cat, which is determined by one year of age, in the range of 2.5-5.5 kg, while an adult male reaches 4.5-8 kg. For castrated and sterilized animals, the parameters are different: the weight of the male is 4.5-9.5 kg, and the female - from 2.5 to 6 kg.

Three and a half kilograms is the normal weight for a domestic outbred cat. But there are cats that weigh more. If a cat has calved at least once, its weight also increases, since hormonal background changes in the cat's body. Cats weigh one and a half to two kilograms more.

Why different weight?

What determines how much a cat should weigh? The weight of cats depends on the physique, and on appetite, and on temperament. If a cat ate a bowl of porridge and fell asleep, and then went to eat again at a leisurely pace, be her fat woman. The tummies of such pussies almost drag along the floor. But if the cat is mobile, then the calories in it do not linger for a long time. And a petite cat, of course, will weigh less.

The easiest way to find out how much a cat weighs is to weigh it either on a floor scale, or even with a steelyard (hand scales with a hook). The animal, carefully, so as not to frighten it, is placed in a strong bag with handles and weighed. If the weight is small, then the cat has lost weight.

Cats lose weight when they are forced to starve or when they lose their appetite, and this happens with helminthic infestations or diseases. internal organs. Sometimes the appetite disappears in very fluffy creatures that lick their fur. Rolled up hair clogs the intestines and looks like a cyst or tumor on ultrasound. In such cases, surgery is indicated. In order not to repeat such troubles, the owners need to regularly carefully comb their furry pets with a thick brush.

Different breeds and weight

Definitely, the question of how much a cat should weigh cannot be answered. For example, the heaviest cat in the world weighs 21 kg, and the lightest adult cat is only 1300 g. The weight of a cat depends on its age, breed, physical condition, and temperament.

The smallest cats are recognized as animals belonging to the Singapura breed, their average weight is only about 2 kg. Grow very large Siberian cats, so, an adult cat can weigh up to 10 kg., And a cat - up to 6 kg. American Bobtails, Bengal cats, Ocicats weigh about the same. Ragdoll cats can reach a weight of 6-7.5 kg. Raccoon cats (Maine Coons), which resemble a lynx or jungle cat, have long been considered the largest in the world: weighing 10-12 kg. they can reach a length of 120 cm. But recently it turned out that the affectionate and sociable domestic cats of the Ashera breed are larger than them. There are only about a hundred of these rare animals in the world so far, since they were recently bred by crossing a wild African serval and an Asian leopard cat. Ashera cats weigh 14-15 kg, and reach a length of one meter. Cats of the Savannah breed, obtained in the USA in the 80s by crossing domestic cat and the African serval, by the age of three they can also gain weight of 15 kg.

British

Find out how much it weighs British cat. An adult cat will pull 5-8 kg., A cat - 4-6. Sterilized animals weigh much more due to hormonal failure: cats - up to 12, cats - up to 8 kg. And if the British have a tendency to gain excess weight, then Maine Coon cats with even more weight (8-10 kg in cats and 4-7 kg in cats) are not prone to obesity. The bodies of cats of this breed are strongly elongated in length (up to 1 m) and have well-developed muscles and skeleton.

Experts believe that excess weight in cats, it is detrimental to overall health. Obesity can lead to heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. It is difficult for such cats to move, they have shortness of breath, their life span is reduced by a third.

How to determine the physical form of a cat?

The condition of a cat can be assessed both by looking at it and by feeling the calf. There are several types of physical form.

• With a lack of weight in a cat, the ribs, pelvic bones and spine are clearly visible, there is little muscle mass. The fat layer on chest missing.
• At the lower limit of normal weight in a cat, the pelvic bones, ribs, spine and sternocostal joints are visible, the waist is clearly visible. A thin layer of fat is palpable on the chest, almost no fat on the abdomen.
• At ideal weight, the cat has good proportions. The joints, ribs and spine are invisible, but well palpable. The waist is noticeable, on the chest and abdomen - a thin layer of fat.
• With an excess of weight, the ribs and spine of a cat are difficult to feel, and the waist is hardly noticeable. On the back, chest and abdomen, fat is well palpable.
• With obesity, the bones are not palpable; on the chest, back and abdomen, a layer of fat is very clearly palpable, the abdomen is rather enlarged.

A very fat cat is put on a diet, but this must be approached very carefully so as not to harm the animal, and it is better to consult a veterinarian to make sure that obesity does not indicate some kind of disease. Kittens do not need diets, and you should not limit their diet - they grow!

Do not forget that sterilized animals are always heavier. Their metabolism changes, so their normal weight is several kilograms more than average.

If the cat does not want to stand on the floor scales, then you can put it in a bag and weigh it with a crane scale or stand with it on the floor scales, and then subtract your weight from the resulting figure. Kittens from birth to 4 weeks grow very fast, adding an average of 15-20 g per day. Up to 6 months there is an active weight gain, from 6 months to a year - the formation of body architecture depending on gender. At the age of 1 year, growth almost completely stops, and the kitten begins to be considered an adult.

British breed cats gain their final weight at the age of 3 years. Monochromatic Britons are larger than spotted ones - for example, a classic blue Briton is heavier than a chocolate-spotted one. Among other things, the physical condition is influenced by lifestyle and gender. After all, pets that are released into the street are burned large quantity calories, so they are slimmer than homemade. Do not forget that cats are always more massive than cats, which means that their mass is greater.

Age	Purebred cat, g	Purebred cat, g	British cat, g	British cat, g	Maine Coon cat, g	Maine coon cat, g
Newborn	70–100	80–130	60–140	70–140	100–140	120–160
1 month	350–600	400–700	250–600	520–750	570–670	640–760
2 months	800 –1300	1100–1500	450-900	1000–1700	1100–1400	1200–1600
4 months	2200–2800	2300–3200	1700–2500	2100–3900	2700–3600	3000–3800
6 months	2100–3300	2700–3800	2300–3600	3000–5400	3200–4000	3800–4500g
8 months	2300–3700	2800–4000	2500–4100	3500–6000	3800–4900	4500–6100g
10 months	2400–4000	3100–4400	2800–4400	4100–6700	4300–6500	4800–7200
1 year (average adult weight)	2500–4500	3500–5000	3100–4600	4500–7000	4500–8300	5400–8800

Rumors that adult Maine Coons can reach 20 and even 25 kg are unfounded. On the this moment No such cat has been recorded. In fact, their mass rarely exceeds 10 kg. And the average weight of a Maine Coon cat sometimes reaches 8 kg. Maine Coons look very massive due to their fluffy coat, large head and heavy paws.

Do not forget that cats, like people, are individual in themselves, and their performance varies depending on their own characteristics. Therefore, if a deviation from generally accepted standards is detected, you do not need to immediately panic and fatten the cat, or even put him on a diet. First, it is better to visit a veterinarian who will tell you if the pet is normal. If necessary, he will recommend suitable food for the cat.

But it is better not to allow either underweight or obesity. With obesity, a pet develops such serious deviations, how cardiovascular diseases, pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, arthritis, and the life expectancy of the animal is reduced by a third.