Average Cat Weight
The average healthy domestic cat weighs about 10 pounds, with most falling in the 8–12 lb range — but a Maine Coon can be healthy at 18 lb and a petite Siamese at 6. Body condition beats the raw number.
The average cat weight is about 10 lb (healthy range 8–12 lb for a typical domestic cat). About 61% of U.S. cats are overweight or obese.
- Typical healthy weight~10 lb
- Common healthy range8–12 lb
- Overweight/obese share (U.S.)61%
- Better metricBody-condition score 4–5 / 9
Sources: PetMD (vet-reviewed); Cornell Feline Health Center; APOP 2022 survey.
Healthy weight by breed
| Breed / type | Healthy range |
|---|---|
| Maine Coon (male) | 12–20+ lb |
| Domestic shorthair | 8–12 lb |
| Abyssinian | 6–10 lb |
| Siamese (female) | 5–8 lb |
Vets don’t judge by pounds alone — they use a 9-point body condition score: ribs easily felt but not seen, visible waist from above. 4–5 is ideal; Cornell flags 20%+ over normal weight as obese. With 61% of U.S. cats overweight, an “average-looking” cat is often already heavy.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a cat weigh?
Most healthy domestic cats fall between 8–12 pounds, averaging about 10. Large breeds run well above that; ask your vet to score body condition rather than fixating on one number.
Is a 15-pound cat overweight?
For most domestic shorthairs, yes — 15 lb is 25%+ above the typical healthy range. For a large-framed Maine Coon it can be normal. Ribs and waistline tell you more than the scale.
What percent of cats are overweight?
61% of U.S. cats were classified overweight or obese in the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention's survey.
How can I help my cat lose weight?
Measured meals instead of free-feeding, gradual food transitions, play sessions, and a vet-set target — cats must lose weight slowly, as crash dieting risks hepatic lipidosis.
Sources & methodology
Sources: PetMD (vet-reviewed) — average cat weight · Cornell Feline Health Center — obesity · Association for Pet Obesity Prevention 2022 survey.
Weight ranges are veterinarian-authored (PetMD) since Cornell and AVMA publish condition-score guidance rather than universal pound ranges.