Fat or Fluffy? How to Tell if Your Maine Coon is Overweight#

“He’s not fat, he’s just big-boned!” I hear this constantly. And yes, Maine Coons are big-boned. But they are also prone to obesity.

Because they are so fluffy, you cannot “see” the fat. You can have a clinically obese 25lb cat that looks exactly like a healthy 20lb cat because the fur hides the belly. But the hips know the difference.

Obesity is the #1 preventable health issue in this breed. Here is how to check if your Gentle Giant is actually a Gentle Chonk.

The “Touch Test” (Body Condition Score)#

You cannot use a scale alone. A 20lb male might be skinny, and a 15lb female might be obese. You have to use your hands.

The Rib Check: Run your hands along their sides.
- Healthy: You can feel the ribs easily (like pencils in a pocket).
- Overweight: You have to press hard to find the ribs.
- Obese: What ribs? It feels like a mattress.
The Spine: You should be able to feel the bumps of the spine, but they shouldn’t stick out.
The Waist: Look from above (smooth the hair down). There should be a slight “hourglass” dip behind the ribs.

Diagram showing how to check the body condition score of a fluffy Maine Coon — Don't trust your eyes—trust your hands. You must feel through the fur to judge their weight.

The “Primordial Pouch” Confusion#

Maine Coons (like Bengals and other natural breeds) have a “Primordial Pouch.” This is a loose flap of skin on the belly that swings when they run.

This is NOT fat. It is protection for a fight.
The Difference: The pouch is loose skin (thin). Fat is a hard or semi-soft pad under the skin.

How to “De-Chonk” a Maine Coon#

If your vet says they need to lose weight:

Stop Free Feeding: Pick up the kibble bowl.
Wet Food: Switch to a high-moisture, high-protein canned diet. It fills them up with fewer calories.
Exercise: Use wand toys or leash walking. They need to move.

Conclusion#

A 25lb fat cat is not a “flex.” It is a tragedy waiting to happen. Excess weight destroys their joints and shortens their lifespan. Keep them lean to keep them around longer.

Resources & Further Reading#

WSAVA: Global Nutrition Committee - Body Condition Score Charts.
Cornell University: Feline Obesity Risks.