Hi Bertie aka Chunky is our 12th BSH so yes we are aware of optimum weight. 7-8kg is not uncommon in fully mature (2yrs) BSH and acceptable by our vets for BSH whereas 4-5ish Ok for Domestic SH (moggy).
He is just ‘solid’ and a ‘big cat’ as the vet said a couple of weeks ago at a routine check-up.
It will be an interesting experiment to see how all 3 kittens progress, they are the first of our mob to be raw feed (another contentious issue in some circles)
I got a BSH when I was 10 and never been without one all my life. 5 decades of no other pets except a BSH. So I’m very aware of the ideal weight for them and the downsides of being overweight. Kidney failure and heart problems are increased by being overweight and with cancer, are the biggest enemy of BSH. Also, fat causes issues with veterinary treatments.
My current Mo is 5kg. Not the biggest cat, but in perfect health. Probably the healthiest cat I’ve had, which is amazing since he started out with FIP. Heaviest cat I’ve had was 6.5kg and always classed as overweight until he got to about 14, then started losing it due to kidney problem. I put it down to the food I was feeding him and not just ‘he’s a big cat’.
Not a fan of raw food. It’s not ideal, but there again, finding the ideal food is probably impossible.