I have an obese cat..HELP?

Question

My cats name is nemo. he is a sweet kitty cat. I JUST GOT HIM this summer from a couple. he was overweght when I got him but still a cool cat. since then I have been trying to feed him healthy catfood. he is only 3 years old and neuterd. I know netured cats seem to gain weight. but how can I help him lose weght? I want him to live a long as possible. Is my cat being obese effect the way how long his life is? he is not SUPER fat but pretty big. I don't have money to go to the vet.( I See no point to either cause he seems pretty healthy). the only problem I have is he is fat. help my fat feline please!

Answer 1

You will eventually need to get a vet, because he needs an exam every single year, even if he stays inside. But as for losing weight, you can start that without the help of a vet at this point.

First off, you need to measure the amount of food that you are giving him. If he is an only cat, this is a snap. Just measure out 1/2- 3/4 cup of dry food, and feed him that once daily. When it is gone, do not refill the bowl until the same time the next day.

You can also add canned food, because it is a good thing for cats, but remember to figure that into the total amount of calories that he is eating, and reduce the dry food accordingly.

Next, NO treats. EVER! Ok, so there are some really low fat treats that you can give him, but only sparingly.

Then you can make sure that 10 minutes a day, you play with him, making him do something active. Start slow with this, especially if he is tired quick. He needs to gradually get into an exercise program, just like anyone.

Weigh him weekly on the same scale. You may have to hold him and weigh yourself with him, then weigh yourself without him. It is really important to do this. You will notice if he is losing, and how fast. You don't want him to lose weight too fast. That is really dangerous.

And yes, being overweight will make his life shorter, so be strong. He cannot get to the food himself, so you can really help him.

Good luck, and don't get discouraged.

Answer 2

I also despair with a beautiful fat cat. She is 5 and I want her to live as long as she can, she also has a heart murmur and is a scardy cat that leaps at shadows! We said, when we move out of the flat she'll lose weight. So we move into a huge house, her two brothers get slim running down the massive hallways while she lays in bed. We move to an even BIGGER house, saying, this time she'll lose weight, and still shes in bed! If I feed smaller portions, she steals food, even when I play with her she lays down! Ive given up on her losing weight, I just love her, encourage her to exercise as much as possible and try and control how much she eats. On the upside, I have the only cat anyone has ever seen that can throw and CATCH a tennis ball! There are advantages to being huge in the cat world - its a mark of honour! Shes also the queen of the household, no one dares challenge a lady thats bulging with what could be muscle!
But if you get any weight loss tricks, Id be happy to hear them!

Answer 3

i have 2 advice for u.
Firstly, u can have a diet change for nemo. U can reduce the calories given to him. u can feed a weight reduction diet. This allows u to feed the usual amount of food but not too much, but feed less fats and calories.
If u feed your cat too often, ur cat also get hungry too and might get used to the habit of eating alot.\

secondly, if u cant reduce the amount of calories, then u have to increase the calories used. taking ur cat out to a walk might be a good idea. try buying some new toys that night aroused the interest of the cat. The new toy might keep ur cat's focus away from the food bowl and towards the new toy.

Answer 4

Espically becuase you just got him, he should be going to the vet at least just for a check up. It's hard to tell if a cat is healthy or not by just looking at them.

Depending on the breed, your cat may actually not be overweight. It could just be muscle. We have a Russian Blue who is pretty large, a person with little cat knowlege would say that she is fat, and she has gotten made fun of by friends and family that she is fat, it's sad but shes not at all.

So your cat may not be overweight, there are some cats who are large or muscluar becuase of there breed. Just to be sure put him on a diet cat formula until you can get him to the vet, just for a check up to make sure hes healthy and all.

Answer 5

Well first off, don't feed him cheap off brand cat food. Get a special diet formulated cat food for him. And be careful because even though he's "just a cat," obesity can give him health issues just as it does humans. And you may want to take him to the vet, despite not having the money for it. In the long run, you want to make sure he's healthy right?

Answer 6

If I were you, I would switch him to those healthy system cat food-I think its by purina, not sure. I had to feed my cat the senior formula that's gentle on intestines, because she started to get sick on the other catfoods. Also, play with him-get him scratching posts, toys, etc. My cat loves to play with a piece of yarn or string-Just run around with him for about 10 min a day and gradually increase time limit.

Answer 7

Cat toys. Lots of cat toys. The feathers on strings are the best... also laser pointers. Only way to make a cat exercise.

Answer 8

keep him active by playing with him more and invest in Science Diet cat food. It is a really great blend that helps get ur cat back on track and, dont leave food out all day, feed them twice, and thats it, morning and nite. occasionally 3 times when he acts fussy towards u to keep the friendship

Answer 9

Lots of playtime! Ask the vet for the food reccommendations. Don't feed him table scraps.
Yep, neutered Toms get pudgy. But they sure are fun.

Answer 10

i looove fat cats. my cat is super fat and super awesomeandrad. just put him on a kitty diet. don't feed him as much. don't give him cookies.