How many times have we heard, “That’s a big cat—what have you been feeding him, steak?” It’s a comment often expected from those unfamiliar with feline care. But surprisingly, it’s also something we hear from self-proclaimed “cat people.”
Let’s take a step back
When we see a large dog, we don’t question it in the same way. We don’t expect a Chihuahua to weigh the same as a Great Dane, nor do we compare a Beagle to a German Shepherd without considering bone structure, breed, and natural size differences. So why do we expect all cats to fit into one narrow standard?
The commonly cited “average” weight for a cat falls between 8–11 pounds. While that may apply to many domestic cats, it fails to account for naturally larger breeds. A Maine Coon, for example, can weigh up to 22 pounds and still be perfectly healthy—not overweight. The same consideration applies to breeds like Ragdolls, which are known for their larger frames.
Yes, cats are not as selectively bred as dogs, and many are mixed breed. However, purebred cats—such as Siamese, Persian, and Maine Coon—still exist, each with distinct body types and weight ranges. This is why a one-size-fits-all approach to feline weight simply doesn’t work.
At Totally Feline™, we’ve even encountered instances where cats are expected to conform to a universal weight standard—sometimes even within veterinary settings. While well-intentioned, this approach overlooks a fundamental truth: healthy weight is not defined by a number alone.
That said, this is not to dismiss the reality that many cats today are overweight. In fact, the average indoor cat often exceeds a healthy weight range—including some of our own. Maintaining a proper diet can be especially challenging in multi-cat households, where feeding routines and portion control become more complex.
Totally Feline™ fully supports keeping your cat at a healthy weight—but that weight should reflect the individual cat, not a generalized chart.
Research suggests that most adult cats fall within an 8–12 pound range. However, when we factor in body frame and breed, the picture becomes much clearer:
Small-framed cats: typically 5–8 pounds
Medium domestic cats: generally 8–12 pounds
Large breeds (Maine Coon, Ragdoll, etc.): can range from 12–25 pounds
The issue lies in how often research and guidelines default to that 8–12 pound “average,” labeling cats above this range—such as a 17-pound cat—as overweight without considering body structure. This can lead to misclassification, particularly for larger, naturally heavier cats.
At Totally Feline™, we strongly advocate for evaluating each cat based on bone structure, breed, and overall body condition, rather than relying solely on a number on the scale.
Because at the end of the day, your cat’s health isn’t about fitting into a category—it’s about thriving in their own unique form.
In the words of Roberta Snowshoe from Totally Feline™ Whiskers and Wings:“Sweet honeysuckle petunias, darlin’—my cat is the perfect weight for his bone size.”
Join the journey.Follow along as we explore life’s lessons through the eyes of 7 cats and 1 bird in the Totally Feline™ Whiskers and Wings Series.
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DisclaimerThe information and product recommendations provided by Totally Feline™ are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet’s care.
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