I put my cat down, and I really regret it. What should I do?

Question

Earlier today I noticed she was getting a bit of a paunch.

"Sophie," I said, "you're getting a wee bit pudgy around the middle."

I don't know if it's my fault for buying the really good kinds of cat food, or my fiancé's, for feeding her too many cat treats.

Anyway, now she's curled up in the tiniest ball I've ever seen her curled up in. I've obviously made her all self-conscious, and I feel awful about it.

"Look," I said, "I've got a little extra around the middle too. It's no big deal." Nope; still trying to wedge part of herself between the sofa cushion, hanging her head down.

I tried to tell her she was fine -- not fat at all, really, and we already have some "for less active indoor cats" food here to set out, but maybe I could've just shut my mouth and set it out.

How can I reassure her? I feel awful.

Now she's asking me if getting high (on catnip, she says, but who knows?) will help her lose weight. Earlier, she refused to play with the fake mice on strings. Teen-agers, always looking for the easy way out...!!

Now she's asking me if getting high (on catnip, she says, but who knows?) will help her lose weight. Earlier, she refused to play with the fake mice on strings. Teen-agers, always looking for the easy way out...!!

Answer 1

OHMIGOSH!! You have to be REALLY careful about how you word your questions in these forums!!! LOL! I thought you euthanized her!!!

Anyway, your question made me laugh...twice! I've laughed at my cat before when he's done something really goofy or clumsy. And boy does he know it! He gets embarrassed and holds grudges. And I feel so bad that I couldn't help laughing. So what I do is I OVERcompensate with TONS and TONS of superlatives. Telling him how gorgeous he is does wonders for his ego. I stroke him and say, "Oh Tiggy, your coat is soooo shiny! And those eyes! What's GORGEOUS green eyes! I know gals who'd KILL for that eye color! You are just sooooo handsome! I don't think I've ever seen a cat more beautiful than you!" It really does work. They never really forget that you insulted them, but they certainly forgive with lots and lots of buttering up!

Answer 2

You had me sacred for a minute that you put her to sleep! I think you are treating her a little too much like a spoiled person. Sorry, not trying to be rude, but maybe cut back a little on the treats and cat food, maybe get her some weight control cat food? You should try and play with her with a shoestring or a toy of somekind so she can get some excersise. She will still love you, next time, just try to keep your mouth shut a teensy bit more.

p.s. You should cuddle with her tonight, just so she can forgive you.

Answer 3

AWww so nice too see that you care soo much about your cat . what you r doing sounds just right and how about excepting the cat just the way she is .I had a big house cat and he just died and he was 18 years old so a little weight on a cat is okay and they also change as they get older... just keep loving that cat and maybe go buy her a bag of wiskas temptations they just luuuv this treat... good luck

Answer 4

Like others I too thought you meant have her put to sleep.
Just be careful what you say I have a fat cat but I never use the word fat because I swear she knows it is a put down.. Just love your kitty. You have a wonderful sense of humor.

Answer 5

I thought you meant ending her life, too!! What a relief.

I have a Maltese who I dressed up in a Hawaiian shirt and hat. He looked so adorable and was posing for photos. Someone laughed at him and it was all over. All he would do was lay on the sofa and look sad. Absolutely refused to pose for any more photos.

They really do have feelings, don't they?

You'll have to be nice to your kitty and let her get over her pout! And, no more insults, please!! LOL

Answer 6

Hello KMENNIE,

I think you should find a new hobby like working out at the gymnasium or matriculating yourself at a Pilates class.

I initially thought you were concerned about putting your cat to "sleep", when I read your question.

Good Luck.

Answer 7

When you said you put your cat down, I thought you meant you had her put to sleep. You mean you let your cat down. Man, you need to get a hobby. You are way to worried about what an inanimate object thinks about you. Don't get me wrong, we have a cat too, but I don't spend 1 second thinking about if the cat is upset with me. Hello??

Answer 8

It's okay. I get angry to my cat too. Cats hold grudges for nine generations, I must tell you, but she'll always love you. Belive me, my cat and I are best friends and we fight almost every day. Lol. You'll be just fine.

Answer 9

Give her food and say 'I don't care if you are a big fat bloater'

My cat is called 'Fin' - we call her Fat Cat Fin....
or Lardarse
or Fatso
or HunkaChunka
and lots of less flattering or polite ones amongst the normal 'Gorgeous, fluffy, snookums' types......

she is not exaclty small, or slim, or agile, but we love her and she knows it. she eats very little food but still stays..... erm, massive.

all cats get a little paunchy at a certain age - just don't let them worry about it - and don't tell them to their face!

She'll get over it - especially if you give her something of yours. (cats like presents - that's why they give us them too.)

Answer 10

Hmm... okay, a cat.... Well, just make sure you pay her extra attention and do whatever you can to make a human feel better. Maybe it's not your putdown though, maybe your cat is sick. You may want to take her to a vet.