How To Weigh Your Cat

Keeping an accurate log of your cat’s weight is extremely important, but to be able to do that you have to know how to weigh your cat correctly. Here are a few things you should know about how to weigh your cat, the types of scales you can use, and the steps you have to go through to make a correct measurement.

Here’s what our Floppycats readers had to say on our Facebook page about weighing their cats.

^{This website uses affiliate links that earn a commission at no additional cost. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.}

What types of scales can you use to weigh your cat?

Depending on how accurate you need the measurement to be, you can use a wide variety of scales to weigh your cat, from regular bathroom scales to baby scales or pet scales. The quality of the device will determine the accuracy of the measurement. Pet scales are more accurate than bathroom scales, but it may not be necessary to make such an expense if you don’t need to keep a close log of your cat’s weight.

3 Top Selling Pet Scales on Amazon:

BYKAZATY Pet Scale with Tape Measure

EatSmart Digital Baby and Pet Weight Scale, 44 Pound Capacity

GreaterGoods Pet Scale

Are veterinary scales any different than regular scales?

The most accurate types of scales are those in veterinary clinics because they are calibrated to be very precise even with lower weights, such as that of a cat or even an animal smaller than that. When you take your cat to the vet, weighing it is part of the routine examination. Your doctor will log the weight of the cat for each visit. The fluctuations in the cat’s weight can point out various health issues, so it is a valuable element of the cat’s monitoring.

How to weigh your cat with a regular bathroom scale

The easiest way to weigh your cat is to use your own bathroom scale, which you already trust. Just follow these easy steps:

• Start your scale
• Weigh yourself holding your cat and note down the weight
• Weigh yourself as you would normally do and note down the weight
• The difference between the two numbers is your cat’s weight

If you want to get a more accurate measurement, weigh yourself three times and calculate the mean numbers. Do the same while holding your cat, and then calculate the mean number of those three measurements. Then calculate the difference to get the cat’s weight.

What do you do if your cat won’t sit still for the measurement?

Weighing yourself is extremely easy, but keep in mind that you hold still during the process. You may find it difficult to weigh your cat because it may not sit still in your arms during the measurement. If this is the case, then there is a simple solution for your problem – use a carrier.

• Start your scale
• Weigh yourself holding the cat carrier with your cat inside.
• Weigh yourself holding the empty cat carrier.
• The difference is your cat’s weight.

In this case, you may need to do the three measurements, especially if your cat is not sitting still in the carrier either. The means number you get will be accurate enough for finding out your cat’s weight.

[bctt tweet=”You may find it difficult to weigh your cat because it may not sit still in your arms during the measurement. If this is the case, then there is a simple solution for your problem – use a carrier.” username=”@floppycats”]

How to weigh your cat with a baby scale:

If your cat is willing to sit still on a baby scale, this should be a very easy option. All you have to do is turn on the scale and place the cat in the baby compartment. The number you get is going to be very accurate because a baby scale is calibrated to measure similar weights to those of cats, which makes it sensitive enough.

Here are a few things that our Floppycats readers said about the types of scales they use.

How to weigh your cat with a luggage scale with a hook:

Scales with hooks are extremely useful for weighing cats because they limit the cat’s movement. However, with these, you need to place your cat in something that can be attached to the hook, which can be a cat carrier, a backpack, or even a steady plastic bag. Using a cat carrier is best because it makes the process very easy.

• Start the scale
• Tare the scale – measure the weight of the empty cat carrier (or backpack) and set the scale to deduct that from what it is about to measure.
• Weigh the cat carrier with your cat inside

When is it time to get a pet scale?

Pet scales are similar to the professional veterinary scales in clinics. The advantage they offer is extra accuracy in the measurement. Also, depending on the type of pet scale you choose, this can be large enough for your cat to lay down on. If your cat does not stay still, then use the carrier, as we have described above for the other types of scales.

It is important to have a pet scale if your cat has a chronic disease and its exact weight must be measured on a regular basis. For example, if your cat has chronic kidney issues, keeping a weekly log of its weight may point out when your cat is in distress because any drop in weight may signal a problem. Your veterinarian will tell you when it is time to pay special attention to your cat’s weight.

You could also use a pet scale if your cat is obese and you want to keep a tight log of its slimming process. Logging the evolution in detail can point out if the diet is working or not.

Why is it important to weigh your cat?

As we have mentioned above, how to weigh your cat is important, it is part of the routine examination at the veterinary office. The first thing it can tell you is if a cat is overweight, underweight, or normal, which may influence the animal’s general state.

Having the cat’s weight logged for a longer period of time can point out changes in weight. Sudden gains or losses in weight can signal serious health issues, so your vet will always compare the cat’s weight to the previous measurements.

By weighing your cat at home, you can notice some of these things by yourself and take your cat to the vet before the issue becomes more serious. If you notice sudden changes in your cat’s weight, make sure to take it to the doctor as soon as possible.