Is your dog or cat at its ideal weight?

The practical reference is body condition: in a pet at its ideal weight you should feel the ribs when running your hand along it without pressing, see a waist from above, and see the belly tuck up when viewed from the side. If you have to press to find the ribs or it has lost its waist, it is probably overweight.

Excess weight is not just cosmetic: it raises the risk of osteoarthritis and mobility problems, diabetes, heart and respiratory disease, and shortens life expectancy. In cats it is also linked to urinary and liver problems. It is one of the most correctable health factors.

It is not advisable. Poorly planned (or too fast) weight loss is dangerous, especially in cats, where it can trigger serious liver problems. The right approach is for the vet to rule out medical causes and work out a safe plan, with its own pace and check-ups.

No. It is guidance based on what you can observe at home. The real body condition assessment is made by the vet, feeling the animal and taking into account its breed, age and history. Use it as a starting point for a consultation.