Can someone tell me how to put my 18lb. Maine Coon cat on a diet. She's gonna eat herself to death.?

Question

What's the "normal" wt. in oz. of cat food I should give her daily?

Answer 1

The veterinarian I work with has recently been to a seminar that suggests that cats are not really designed to eat a dry food diet. They are inherently carnivores, and don't really process carbohydrates found in dry foods.

She suggests feeding them a 100% canned food diet. She has several overweight patients that she had their owners change to all canned food, and they have lost weight, become more active and their coats are healthier. It would also appear that this type of diet may help cats that are diabetic, or with other health problems.

She says you don't have to buy any particularly expensive brand of canned food, just check the label to make sure there are no carbohydrates. It may be worth a try! As far as how much to feed, most cat foods have feeding charts on the label that are pretty accurate.

I had a Maine Coon and they do get very big, mine was up to 16 lbs in his day!

Answer 2

You do realize that Maine Coon's are HUGE cats, right? I have a Maine Coon female that I'm thrilled she finally got to 13 lbs. She was so skinny when I got her. She could stand to gain a couple pounds before I feel she is at her optimum weight. Shes still on the slender side.
How old is she? Maine Coons get their full growth at about 3-5 years. Males typically get to 13-18 lbs, and females are typically 9-12 lbs. This does not mean however, that a larger or smaller than average cat is not in the normal range.
Have you talked to your vet about her size and eating habits? The back of cat food bags is a good place to start on how much you should feed. My cats have free choice, and none of them are overweight. Does she have competition eating, and she feels like she needs to wolf down her food?
What kind of food are you feeding her. The cheaper the food, normally, the worse the food is. More expensive food has better nutrients and they eat less of it.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me.

Answer 3

Cats are supposed to be allowed constant access to water and dry food. Only half a can of wet food in the morning to absorb the dry food. Honestly, 18 lbs isn't bad for a Maine Coone, but if you're nervous, consult your vet.

Answer 4

ask ur vet 2 see wht he says. I have a Maine Coon 2 and he is 15lbs. If u r rly worried about her try giving her a and small dish with cat food in it. She only needs to be fed once a day. and leave down plenty of water.

Answer 5

Maine Coons are suppose to be big but if you are really worried about her weight check with your vet before putting her on a diet.
I have a Maine Coon mix that weighs about the same as yours.

Answer 6

18lbs isn't really that big for a Maine coon my Spanky is huge but none of it is fat they are just big cats but if you are still concerned they make reduced calorie cat food for overweight cats

Answer 7

switch to a Lo Calorie or Indoor formula of food. look at the bag of food you're giving her and feed what they recomend for a 10 pound cat. never free feed your cat, always measure a specific amount...also a little exersize wouldn't hurt. i recomend a laser pointer. cats love to chase it and you don't hardly have to move at all! lol! its what im doing right now to get my tubby kitty slimmed down! if reducing the food doesn;t help talk to a vet because she may need a prescription diet. good for you wanting to get her thin! don't leave her fat to get diabieties!

Answer 8

You give her a set amount daily. Like try a cup divided into two meals. Then that is the end of the food!!!!!!

Answer 9

try to feed dry food. 1/2 cup daily should be plenty. the cat will tell you shes starving don't believe her.

Answer 10

FEED HIM AUSTRALIAN LOBSTER ONLY!