I have 3 indoor cats. The oldest is about 9 and is very large. I feed them a purina indoor formula, and fill all three dishes as per the directions. Problem is, the fat one just gets fatter...I know he is eating some of the other cats' food, too. In fact, if his dish is empty, he'll even eat my dog's food. Any suggestions? I don't want him to be unhealth - especially with his age.
2006-09-06 09:37:44 · 11 answers · asked by Shaken Not Stirred 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
You are right to be concerned, older cats that are overweight frequently develop diabetes and that not something fun to deal with.
Purina is across the board, whatever -- indoor cat food, hairball cat food, senior cat food whatever is atrocious and inappropriate food for cats. The reason is that their food (Science Diet too) are 2/3 corn. Corn is used to fatten slaughter animals who live usually less than two years.
Read the label on the cat food bag. Two of the first two ingredients will be corn. Corn gives calories and zero nutrition for a cat.
The premium foods you will find in a small, owner operated pet store will have "fillers" such as corn, pea, oats or tapioca. There are lots of good ones and they are more expensive, simply because they contain better ingredients --higher % of protein and no corn. There is CA Natural, Natural Balance, Nature's Variety (Prairie) are all good and there are others.
These foods are excellent for all your cats. The trim ones will stay trim and be better nourished, your fat cat will stop GAINING weight and gradually lose some over six months or a year.
Do not "free feed" your cats. Portion out a morning and evening meal and take up their bowls after twenty minutes.
If you click on my name at the icon you will find the correct procedure for switching dry foods with your cats.
Here's to a svelte and healthy life for all your cats!
2006-09-06 10:14:26 · answer #1 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one suggestion we give clients here is try placing your lighter cats food in much higher places. If your fat cat can't jump then he can't get on there to eat the other cats food. Also, don't give your cats, or just the fat cat, more than 2/3 of a cup per day. 1/3 of a cup is more than enough to sustain him. If he loses some weight, but stops before reaching his goal move down to a 1/3 of a cup in the AM then 1/4 cup at night. Hope that helps!
2006-09-06 09:53:57 · answer #2 · answered by cherrydevil119 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You HAVE to keep him out of the others' food. If this means feeding them in different areas and removing bowls once everyone's done eating, then so be it. Free-feeding should be eliminated in the house (meaning don't leave dry food just laying about for anyone to snack on).
Make sure he's checked out well by a vet. At his age, diabetes isn't uncommon, but he could also be suffering from low thyroid function.
2006-09-06 09:48:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get him to eat in a different area. Once he has been fed then make sure you keep him away from the other animals food. If you have to put him in a different room then do it. At that age and being overweight he could get urinary tract infection and then he'll have to be put on diet cat food. Just keep him away from the other dishes until the other animals have been fed. When they look like they are done, remove the dish, but leave the water dish.
2006-09-06 09:46:12 · answer #4 · answered by peg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you spoken with your vet? He/she may be able to give some educated advice. I have 2 indoor cats that are on prescription food. Of course, one of them is diabetic and must be on a controlled diet so we put both of them on the same diet. It has worked well and we limit the amount of food they get per feeding and don't allow ANY snacks in between.
2006-09-06 09:50:29 · answer #5 · answered by DragonL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of my kitties is on a perscription diet, so I have to feed him in the bathroom until everyone is done. I only feed them what they can eat in one sitting without over indulging. They don't miss being free fed, but they definitely know when it's time for dinner and make sure to remind me.
2006-09-06 09:52:04 · answer #6 · answered by myaddictiontofire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a fat cat and my 16 year old cat is now a diabetic. I give shots to daily ( easiest thing I ever had to do . ) BUT ask your vet. Your one cat may be diabetic... But I would limit or even stick the bigger cat in a differnt room when everyone is eating ... My cats teeth have broken off eating DOG FOOD>. Then let your fat cat out to eat... everyones food is gone but his... I have had to do this when my cat would meow at my door to feed her ... after my hubby just did. SHe also meows to get me to give her her shot ???????
2006-09-06 09:51:59 · answer #7 · answered by zachs mom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First don't put your cat on a diet unless the vet tells you. he or she should give you the equipment
2006-09-06 10:05:59 · answer #8 · answered by moemoe66horsegal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have food that is made for weight control. I think that it is the Iam's brand cat food.
2006-09-06 12:57:07 · answer #9 · answered by Kitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try purina one they make a formula for overweight cats you can try it for 30 days go to purinaone.com and they will send you a coupon for a free bag
2006-09-06 09:54:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋