Cat weight chart by breed
| Breed | Healthy adult weight (lb) | Healthy adult weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Shorthair / Longhair | 8-11 lb | 3.6-5 kg |
| Maine Coon | 10-25 lb | 4.5-11.3 kg |
| Ragdoll | 10-20 lb | 4.5-9.1 kg |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | 9-16 lb | 4.1-7.3 kg |
| Siberian | 8-17 lb | 3.6-7.7 kg |
| British Shorthair | 7-17 lb | 3.2-7.7 kg |
| Bengal | 8-15 lb | 3.6-6.8 kg |
| American Shorthair | 7-15 lb | 3.2-6.8 kg |
| Persian | 7-12 lb | 3.2-5.4 kg |
| Exotic Shorthair | 7-14 lb | 3.2-6.4 kg |
| Scottish Fold | 6-13 lb | 2.7-5.9 kg |
| Russian Blue | 7-15 lb | 3.2-6.8 kg |
| Siamese | 6-14 lb | 2.7-6.4 kg |
| Birman | 7-12 lb | 3.2-5.4 kg |
| Burmese | 6-12 lb | 2.7-5.4 kg |
| Abyssinian | 6-10 lb | 2.7-4.5 kg |
| Sphynx | 6-12 lb | 2.7-5.4 kg |
| Devon Rex | 5-10 lb | 2.3-4.5 kg |
| Cornish Rex | 6-10 lb | 2.7-4.5 kg |
| Savannah | 12-25 lb | 5.4-11.3 kg |
Ranges span typical females (lower end) to males (upper end). Breed averages vary between registries; your cat's frame and body condition matter more than the number.
Cat body condition score chart
Vets judge weight with a 9-point body condition score (BCS). A score of 5 is ideal. Each point above 5 means roughly 10% extra body weight.
| Score | What you see and feel | Weight vs ideal |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 (thin) | Ribs, spine and hip bones easily visible; no fat on belly | 10-40% under |
| 4-5 (ideal) | Ribs easy to feel under a thin fat layer; waist visible from above; small belly fat pad | Ideal |
| 6-7 (overweight) | Ribs hard to feel; waist barely visible or absent | 10-20% over |
| 8-9 (obese) | Ribs not felt under heavy fat; no waist; large hanging belly | 30-40%+ over |
How to check your cat's body condition
- Ribs: run your hands along the sides. You should feel the ribs easily, like the back of your hand.
- Waist: look from above. There should be a slight waist behind the ribs.
- Belly: look from the side. A small fat pad is normal; a large, swinging belly is not.
Why weight matters for cats
Overweight cats have a higher risk of diabetes, arthritis, urinary problems and liver disease. Weight loss in cats must be slow (about 0.5-1% of body weight per week): crash dieting can cause a dangerous liver condition called hepatic lipidosis. Work with your vet and use the cat food calculator's weight-loss setting.
Also see: kitten growth chart · cat age calculator
Frequently asked questions
How much should my cat weigh?
Most domestic cats are healthy at about 8-11 lb (3.6-5 kg). Large breeds such as Maine Coons can be 15-25 lb. Body condition (ribs easy to feel, visible waist) is a better guide than a number.
Is 12 lb overweight for a cat?
For a typical domestic cat, often yes, but not for a large-framed cat or a big breed. Check the body condition score: if the ribs are hard to feel and there is no waist, your cat is likely overweight.
How fast should an overweight cat lose weight?
Slowly: about 0.5-1% of body weight per week, under veterinary supervision. Rapid weight loss can cause hepatic lipidosis.