SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cat-obesity-ribs

How do you tell if a cat may be obese, per iCatCare?

A thick fat layer makes the ribs hard to feel.

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  1. Ribs are easy to see
  2. A thick fat layer makes ribs hard to feel ✔
  3. The tail is long

Why: Run your hands over the ribs. An obese cat has fat covering the ribs and bony areas, plus a hanging belly 'skirt' and no waist. Your vet can score body condition.

Huh, didn't know that: iCatCare scores body condition from 1 to 5, with 5 as obese.

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What did the cat say to the dog? Meowt of my way!
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References

Answer: A thick fat layer makes ribs hard to feel. Run your hands over the ribs. An obese cat has fat covering the ribs and bony areas, plus a hanging belly 'skirt' and no waist. Your vet can score body condition.

  1. iCatCare, Obesity in cats icatcare.org/articles/obesity-in-cats
    An obese cat has a thick layer of fat covering their ribs, making them hard to feel.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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