HOW CAT OBESITY CAN COST AUSSIE OWNERS THOUSANDS

When Sydney local Luyi adopted FG, a playful Manx kitten with a big appetite and a knack for grazing, she didn’t think twice about his slow weight gain.

He looked healthy enough and was carrying just a bit of “extra fluff.” But two years later, that fluff turned into something far more serious and expensive.

First came a $4,113 emergency for a urinary tract blockage. Then, cancer surgery set Luyi back $14,581.

What vets later explained was that FG’s weight (pictured below before and after) had quietly contributed to both issues, a fact that blindsided Luyi and left her with the hard truth many pet owners are now facing: cat obesity is a hidden crisis.

According to new data from PetSure’s 2025 Pet Health Monitor, 53% of middle-aged cats in Australia (aged 7 to 8) are overweight or obese.

Yet only 24% of owners recognise their cat’s weight as a problem.

That gap has real consequences. Excess weight in pets isn’t just cosmetic; it dramatically increases the risk of chronic and painful conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and urinary tract disease. Some obesity-related illnesses have resulted in vet bills topping $38,000.

The challenge? Weight gain in pets happens slowly. Many cats are experts at hiding discomfort, and without regular vet visits or home weigh-ins, subtle shifts in their body condition can go unnoticed.

Then there’s lifestyle. Indoor cats may be safer, but they’re also typically less active. Many are “free-fed,” with kibble left out all day, a setup that makes overconsumption almost guaranteed.

And solo pets in urban apartments? They don’t always get the kind of stimulation or exercise they need to burn energy.

By the time something’s clearly wrong, it’s often a full-blown health emergency.

But here’s the good news: pet obesity is preventable and reversible. Controlled portion feeding, regular play, vet check-ups and early intervention can dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness.

FG, now on a structured feeding plan, is slowly losing weight under the care of his vet and recovering well.

The 2025 Pet Health Monitor has detailed data on the top conditions affecting Australian pets. For cat owners, it might be the nudge needed to take a closer look, before the next vet visit comes with a five-figure price tag.