Can a Cat’s Weight Fluctuate? (+ How To Weigh Them)
If you are concerned, or just interested in your cat’s weight. You may be wondering if this can fluctuate from time to time…
Can a cat’s weight fluctuate?
A cat’s weight can easily fluctuate. This is because they may over or undereat at different points in their life. Also, their activity level plays a big part in this as well. Meaning, if they are not active and eating more their is a good chance their weight will increase.
What you will need to measure your cat’s weight
Description | Image | My Rating |
01. Bykazaty Pet Scale (Best choice) Click here for the price on Amazon |
![]() |
|
02. MomMed Pet Scale Click here for the price on Amazon |
![]() |
|
03. Beurer Pet Scale Click here for the price on Amazon |
![]() |
So, now you know. But, what is the ideal weight for your cat? When should you worry about your cat’s weight? How can you weigh your cat? Keep reading for these answers, and much more…
What is the ideal weight for a cat?
An average-sized cat may weigh 10-12pounds. But, this weight largely depends on the breed of the cat. For example Main Coons are classed as big cats and they can be over 20 pounds, no problem.
On the opposite side, you can have a Singapura cat breed, and they can grow up to approx 8 pounds in weight and that’s classed as the top weight for them. So, there is a big difference between breeds.
How can you control a cat’s weight?
There are several ways to control a cats weight such as the following:
- Switch them from free-feeding to a meal schedule.
- Offer them a food puzzle
- Increase their activity
- Let your cat outside for some exercise
Some of these may be easy for you to try. While others may make you wince with concern, for example letting your cat outside. Some cat owners are not keen on this for some reason. But, try one or a few and measure the difference (more on measuring later.
When should I worry about my cat’s weight?
The best way to gauge your cat’s weight, without weighing is to look at it and feel them. Meaning, is their belly hanging down? Then, it could well be overweight. Or, if you feel its body and there is a small layer of weight over its ribs, this could mean it’s a good weight.
These methods are, unfortunately, an indication. There is no real way to be 100% certain, without weighing it.
Why did my cat lose weight so fast?
Your cat could lose weight fast if it is not eating as much as usual. And, this can be triggered by several issues such as anxiety, stressed out, etc.
Small things, like a local cat harassing it, could cause it to get anxious and may affect its appetite. if you fear this is the case you need to monitor its weight (more on its later) and work out a solution to the root cause of the problem.
How to Measure Cat Weight
To weigh your cat you have three options. The best option is to use a dedicated pet scale. This provides the best accuracy. Or, worse case you can use your bathroom scales or luggage scales. But, it is more tricky using the last two options.
Now that you know the best ways to do this. Keep reading to learn the best solution to weigh your cat accurately, where you can get it, why your bathroom scales are not ideal, and much more.
Methods to weigh your cat’s weight

Cat standing on the scales in the garden. Cat Weigh control. Healthy body weight
In this section, I will explain some of the methods that you can use to measure your cat’s weight. Some of them are more accurate than others, so I will explain which one works best in most cases.
- Using pet scales (best option)
- Bathroom scales
- Luggage scales
Using pet scales (best option)
Pet scales are dedicated scales for your cat only. The best ones can also be used for other small animals or even babies, but in your case, you will be using it mainly for your fur baby, right? But, it can’t hurt to have that extra option.
The big benefit of this is its dedicated. In the next sections, I will explain some other options which do work, but it’s hard to get the same accuracy like this. Hence the reason I say it’s the best choice.
Bathroom scales
Many homes have bathroom scales for their weight. Maybe you have some in your bathroom? This can be reused quite easily. But, it will be harder to get an accurate read.
The problem with bathroom scales
Most of these scales will struggle to calculate a cat’s weight because they are so light, in compression to you. So, the best way around this is to stand on it, get your weight, and record it. Now hold your cat in your arms (click here if it keeps hugging it), re-weigh yourself, and calculate your cat’s weight, make sense?
Honestly, it is a bit of a hassle, because your cat is likely to jump around and make it hard to pin down (Click here if your cat is doing this to your other cat) the weight. But, it’s an option if you are on a budget.
Luggage scales
Some people, who travel often have luggage scales. These can also be used in the same manner as your b personal scales.
The issue with luggage scales
Similar to personal scales, it is hard to get an accurate reading. This is because your cat is quite light and will need to be weighed along with some luggage.
Then re-calculate the weight of your cat. Like I mentioned above. And, this tends to be difficult, because the form on the scales is limited and your kitty will inevitably jump around.
My best pet scales to measure your cat’s weight
As described earlier pet scales are the best option. Therefore, in this section, I will share with you there of my best pet scales for you to consider. For each one, I will explain what I like and dislike to help you see if its the one for you.
01. Bykazaty Pet Scale (Best choice)
Click here for the price on Amazon
Pros:
- Nice big LCD display
- Difference weighing modes (Pounds, kilos & ounces)
- Height measurement tray provided
- Tape measure (for larger animals)
- Batteries included
Cons:
- The scale only reads to one decimal place
- No locking feature (More hassle for active cats)
What I like about this Bykazaty Pet Scale
These pet scales are ideal for any cat owner that is after an accurate weight measurement for their kitty. Firstly, it comes with a nice large LCD display, so you are not squinting your eyes to see the reading is if you are like me.
It comes with a selection of weighing modes such as kilos, pounds, and ounces. This is useful because sometimes you need a specific weighing metric other than pounds. Or, for people that reside in Europe, kilos is usually the main metric used.
If you want to monitor your cat’s height, as well as her weight, you are in for a treat. Because this comes with a tray that will measure her height. And, for those cats that may outgrow this tray, they have supplied a measuring tape for this.
And, it’s also nice to see it comes with batteries. As simple as this is, these days it’s rare to see.
In summary, If you are looking for some pet scales that come with a tape measure, accurate reading, and batteries provided, then this one is for you.
What I dislike about this Bykazaty Pet Scale
if you are after some real accuracy, I mean to the hundredth, then this scale may annoy you. This is because it only displays to one decimal place. Also, there is no locking feature to display her weight even if she keeps moving, are you with me?
02. MomMed Pet Scale
Click here for the price on Amazon
Pros:
- Multi-use: Can be used for cats, babies even adults
- Large LCD display
- Swivel lock (Stabilizes the tray)
- Batteries included
- Hold function (Keeps the weight display, even with movement)
Cons:
- Won’t measure to the hundreds of pounds or ounces (only Kg)
- The measuring tray only displays centimeters (not inches)
What I love about this MomMed Pet Scale
This scale is a great choice for cat owners that want a simple and accurate measurement for their kitty. It’s good because you can use it for your kitty as well as babies or even adults.
It has a large display to make it easy to record her weight. If you are concerned about her balancing on the tray, don’t worry because it comes with a swivel lock. It comes with batteries, which, as discussed earlier is appreciated, especially for electronic devices today.
It’s also lovely to see that this has a hold function. This displays a constant weight even if your fur baby is moving all over the place, are you with me?
What I do not love about this MomMed Pet Scale
If you are is a fan of pounds and ounces and also want accuracy to the hundredths, this will upset you. Why? Because it will only display this in kilos, not in pounds and ounces.
Also, the tray is great for measuring, but, it is a shame that it only displays measurements in centimeters.
In summary, if you are looking for a scale that can be used for your cat, baby, or even yourself, then this will please you.
03. Beurer Pet Scale
Click here for the price on Amazon
Pros:
- Cute curved weighing tray
- Large LCD display
- Non-slip rubber feet
- Tare function: Exclude irrelevant objects, e.g. cat collar
- Auto & manual lock (Displays weight, even when your cat is moving about)
Cons:
- Will not weigh in ounces (only Kg or pounds)
- No carry bag for the scale provided
What I appreciate about this Beurer Pet Scale
This scale looks cool, I love the simple curved weighing tray. It just screams “well designed”, are you with me? Apart from this, it has a large LCD display. Meaning, it makes life easier when reading the weight.
If you are concerned about her slipping and sliding while she is on the scales, don’t worry. This is because it comes with rubber feet that reduce the chances of this happening.
It comes with a tare function. This feature allows you to remove irrelevant objects from the weight calculation, for example, if your cat is wearing a heavy collar, make sense?
If you are sick of the digits jumping around while you get a reading because your kitty won’t sit still then breathe a sigh of relief because it has a manual and automatic locking feature to get around this.
In summary, if you are looking for a pet scale that will display a stable reading, non-slip feet, and a cute curved look, then this one is for you.
What I do not appreciate about this Beurer Pet Scale
This scale will not weigh in ounces. For some people, this is a real annoyance. Also, more of a knit-pick to be fair is the fact that it does not come with a carry bag for the scale.