Introduction
Weighing cats at home is an important way to monitor their health and wellbeing. According to veterinary experts at Ecats Veterinary Clinic, “Since cats don’t tell us loud and clear when they are not feeling well, monitoring a weekly weight on older cats can be very useful in monitoring their health.” (source) Gradual weight loss or gain can indicate underlying health issues, so tracking your cat’s weight over time provides valuable insight into their overall condition.
Weighing cats at home is also necessary for accurately administering medications or determining proper dosage for treatments. Many medication dosages are based on the cat’s body weight, so having an accurate weight is crucial. Additionally, monitoring weight helps assess whether prescription diets or therapies are working effectively for weight loss or gain goals.
By investing in a scale and developing a routine for at-home weigh-ins, cat owners can promote their pet’s health, catch problems early, and support treatment plans in collaboration with their veterinarian.
Different Types of Scales
When choosing a scale to weigh your cat at home, there are several options to consider:
Bathroom Scale
A basic bathroom scale can work for weighing cats, but may not be ideal. These scales are designed for humans and often don’t have the precision needed for small weights like cats. However, if it’s all you have available, make sure to choose one with a lower weight capacity (around 200 lbs) for better accuracy at low weights. Place a towel or blanket on top to provide a non-slip surface for your cat.
Kitchen Scale
Many digital kitchen scales are accurate enough for weighing cats, especially those that measure in smaller increments like grams. Look for one that goes up to at least 10 lbs capacity. Make sure it has a smooth, flat weighing platform that’s easy to clean. Tare the scale before each use to account for any bowls or blankets.
Pet Scale
Scales designed specifically for pets will offer features tailored for weighing small animals like cats. These include better precision, low weight capacities, and often a padded platform for comfort and traction. Top pet scales will store multiple weight readings for tracking.
Baby Scale
Baby scales are another option, as they are made to handle small weights. Seek digital models that measure in increments of ounces or grams for best accuracy. Make sure the weighing tray is large enough for an adult cat.
Considerations when Choosing a Scale
When selecting a scale to weigh your cat at home, there are a few key factors to consider:
Accuracy
You’ll want a scale that provides precise, consistent measurements. Look for one that measures in increments of 0.1 lbs or 0.5 oz for the most accurate readings. Scales that only measure in 1 lb increments may not pick up on smaller weight fluctuations.
Capacity
Make sure to choose a scale with an upper weight limit well above your cat’s current or expected weight. For most cats, a 5-20 lb capacity will suffice, but larger breeds may require a scale with a 50 lb or higher capacity.
Ease of Use
Opt for a scale that’s easy to transport, position, and clean. Digital scales that have a detachable display panel provide flexibility. avoid scales with extremely small platforms or digital panels, which can be tricky to use with cats.
Recommended Scale Features
When choosing a scale for weighing cats at home, there are several key features to look for:
The scale should have a tare or zero function that allows you to reset the weight to zero while your cat remains on the scale. This ensures you are only measuring the weight of the cat, without including the weight of a bowl or other object (Best 4 Pet Scale For Cats: Large & Small Breed Cats).
Scales designed for cats typically have a low capacity of 10-20 lbs. This level of precision is ideal for tracking small changes in weight for cats (FAQ).
The scale surface and display should be easy to clean so you can maintain good hygiene while weighing (How To Weigh on a CAT Scale – YouTube).
Many scales have a data tracking function to store your cat’s weight history over time. This allows you to monitor weight trends and share records with your veterinarian if needed.
Overall, look for a durable scale designed for pets that makes weighing cats at home simple and accurate.
Budget vs High-End Scales
When it comes to choosing a scale for your cat, there is a wide range of options from basic mechanical models to high-tech smart scales. Basic mechanical scales tend to be more affordable, usually between $10-30, but lack some of the features of pricier digital models. However, they can still provide accurate weight readings.
Digital scales offer more precision and come packed with helpful features like automatic unit conversion, memory recalls, and weight tracking over time. Smart scales connect to apps on your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to give you detailed graphs and metrics. Expect to pay anywhere from $40-150 for a high quality digital/smart scale.
According to a discussion on Reddit, cheaper scales may have some quirks but can work fine for getting a general idea of your cat’s weight if you recalibrate them often. However, many cat owners recommend investing in a sturdier, veterinarian-grade scale for more accurate and consistent readings over time (source).
The most important factors are finding a scale with adequate capacity for your cat’s size and ensuring it measures in precise enough increments for tracking small weight changes. While basic scales work for occasional weighing, pet owners who need to closely monitor their cat’s weight will benefit from the detailed tracking of a high-end smart scale.
Top 5 Scales for Cats
When choosing a scale for your cat, you’ll want one that is accurate, easy to use, and fits your budget. Here are 5 of the top-rated scales for weighing cats at home:
1. PetSmart Self-Locking Pet Scale
This basic mechanical scale is very affordable and gets excellent reviews for accuracy. The bottom is anti-slip and it has a caged top so kitty feels secure. Max weight is 25 lbs. Easy to wipe clean. A great budget choice (Source: PetSmart).
2. GreaterGoods Digital Pet Scale
For a step up in accuracy, this digital scale provides weights in 0.5 oz increments. It has a tempered glass top and auto-off function. The 18″x18″ platform accommodates cats up to 44 lbs. Memory recall shows past weighings. A good mid-range option (Source: GreaterGoods).
3. Smart Weigh Automatic Pet Scale
This high-end digital scale offers precise measurements and automatically locks weight. It has a motion filter to prevent erroneous readings if kitty moves. Stores up to 9 weight readings. Great for multi-pet homes. Can weigh up to 55 lbs (Source: Chewy).
4. Petkit AI Smart Pet Scale
This smart scale connects to an app to track and monitor your cat’s weight, set healthy goals, and get reminders. It recognizes different pets and users. Provides graphs and health analytics. Stores unlimited weight history in the cloud (Source: Petkit).
5. MyPetWeigh XL Pet Scale
With a large 27.5″ x 21.5″ weighing platform, this extra large scale is ideal for big cats or multiple cats. Reads in 0.1 lb increments up to 330 lbs. Sturdy design and rubber mat prevent sliding. A great heavy duty choice (Source: Chewy).
Proper Weighing Technique
When weighing your cat at home, it’s important to follow some basic steps to get an accurate reading:
First, make sure the scale is on a flat, hard surface, not on carpet or uneven flooring. Place the scale in a quiet area of your home to avoid distractions. If your scale has a removable plastic tray or platform, place that on the scale. Turn on the scale and allow it to calibrate to zero.
To prepare your cat, give them a few treats to be in a calm, relaxed state before being handled. Gently pick up your cat and place them in the center of the scale’s platform. Make sure all four paws are fully on the platform. If needed, you can have someone help hold and reassure the cat.
Allow the cat a few moments for the scale reading to stabilize. Once the weight displays and stops fluctuating, that is your cat’s weight. Some scales will lock in the reading, allowing you to remove the cat and record the weight. Avoid excessive handling or repositioning of the cat during weighing, as that can skew the results.
For skittish cats, consider placing a towel or light sheet over the scale, leaving openings just large enough for their paws to stick out. This can provide a sense of security. Reward your cat after with more treats and affection.
Be patient, work quickly, and aim for minimal stress. With practice, your cat will get used to the routine of being weighed at home. Refer to your vet’s guidance on proper technique and handling.
Interpreting Weight Changes
A cat’s weight will naturally fluctuate somewhat over time. According to the CatBandit blog, weight can vary by around 0.5 lb up or down due to changes in hydration, digestive contents, and other normal bodily functions. However, consistent upward or downward trends can indicate an underlying health issue.
Weight loss in cats is especially concerning. According to Animal Wellness magazine, weight loss of more than 1-2% per week or 10% over several months requires a veterinary visit. This could signal conditions like hyperthyroidism, dental disease, cancer, gastrointestinal issues, and other problems. On the other hand, weight gain can also be problematic. Gaining more than 10% of body weight over 2-3 months may indicate an endocrine, metabolic, or mobility disorder.
By tracking your cat’s weight monthly, you can identify abnormal fluctuations early. This allows you to get veterinary help to diagnose and treat any underlying condition. Consistency is key – be sure to use the same scale each time under similar conditions for the most accurate readings over time.
Weight Tracking Over Time
Tracking your cat’s weight over an extended period can help identify concerning trends or patterns. According to research from the University of Guelph, analyzing data on over 19 million cats revealed typical weight gain and loss patterns (https://news.uoguelph.ca/2019/07/u-of-g-researchers-first-to-track-how-cats-weight-changes-over-time/).
There are several methods pet owners can use to monitor their cat’s weight trends:
- Handwritten notes – Recording your cat’s weight after each weighing session allows you to look back on the progress.
- Spreadsheets – Creating a spreadsheet with columns for date, weight, and notes can help identify weight gain or loss patterns.
- Apps – Apps like Purrfect Weight (https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/purrfect-weight-app) and Petivity allow owners to track weights and get alerts on concerning changes.
Monitoring your cat’s weight over time provides insight into their health and can help guide discussions with your veterinarian. Sudden increases or decreases may indicate an underlying issue needing attention.
When to Contact a Vet
Significant or rapid weight loss or gain in cats can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention. According to experts at VCA Hospitals, some signs that warrant contacting your vet include:
– Weight loss or gain of more than 10% over a short period of time (weeks to months) despite no changes in diet or exercise
– Inactive or lethargic cat experiencing unexplained weight loss
– Ravenous appetite but continued weight loss
– Excessive thirst and urination along with weight loss, which may indicate diabetes (VCA Hospitals)
– Vomiting or diarrhea resulting in dehydration and rapid weight loss
– Difficulty eating or mouth/dental issues making it hard for the cat to eat enough
– Presence of lumps, tumors or swelling on the body
– Age 11 or older with sudden weight loss, which may signal hyperthyroidism (Barton Heights Vet)
In addition to rapid weight fluctuations, contact your vet if your notice any other signs of illness or your cat seems generally unwell. Getting an underlying condition treated early can help prevent ongoing unhealthy weight loss in cats.
