My cat looks obese, what should I do?

Question

My big boy cat, Pumpkin eats and sleeps, im v. worried about him.
Wat should i do?
he is really fat, is he depressed coz i got a new kitten?

Answer 1

Sounds like Pumpkin needs to see a Vet to make sure there's no medical reason that he's gaining weight.
If he has a "Pot Bellied" look about him he may have worms.
I don't think he would be over eating because of the new kitten, in fact it's been my experiance that they may STOP eating for a few days after a new kitten is brought into the family.

The Vet will be able to rule out medical reasons for the weight gain and will probably tell you to change his food so that he can loose the extra weight.

If he does tell you to change food, do so very slowly...doing it to quickly can cause loose stools.

Answer 2

It isn't unusual for cats to put on some weight and become more lethargic during the winter months. A thick winter coat can also add to the illusion of extra weight, but if he's truly fat, you should put him on a good diet food. Iams and Science Diet make reasonably priced diet formulas that are nutritionally sound. Alos, make sure your cat has a lot of toys and opportunities for activity, especially if he is kept indoors. The new kitten can provide him with play opportunities when he gets used to the idea of a new friend. He may be a little put off by the new kitten at first, but if he isn't downright hostile he will likely develop a bond with the little guy in time. Just don't force it, and make sure you spend as much time fawning over him as you do with your new kitten. Cats are very jealous.

Answer 3

Take him to vet for a check up to make sure there's no medical reason for his weight gain. If he's otherwise healthy you can discuss diet changes with your vet.

A few things I have learned ... #1 Do NOT let your cat lose weight too quickly, it must go very slowly or they are at risk for developing fatty liver disease, which is life threatening. #2 If you are free feeding your cat, stop, you need to find out how much he is supposed to be eating and feed him the appropriate ammount at established meal times. #3 Take a look at the food you are feeding him. The vast majority of cat food at the grocery and big box stores is full of fillers like grain which is not good for carnivores, it leads to obesity and diabetes in cats. Consider switching to a higher quality food that is meat based and has fewer grains or no grain at all. I have seen huge improvement in my cats since starting Nature's Variety Raw Instinct, which is a grain free kibble. It seems more expensive per pound, but you will find that your cats don't need to eat nearly as much of it, they will be healthier, have a silkier coat, develop better muscle tone and have a less stinky litter box. Some other good brands are California's Natural, Natural Balance, Felidae, Wysong and Wellness. Also, feeding a canned or raw diet is healthy and promotes weight loss in cats because it is a meat based diet, it also promotes better health and prevents urine crystals because it puts more water into the cats diet (most cats don't drink enough water on their own). And don't let anyone tell you that a canned or raw diet is bad for their teeth, this is a myth that unfortunately a lot of people and even some vets believe. No matter what food you feed, your cat is going to need dental care. Because of the way that cats eat their food, tartar control treats and foods do not scrape tartar off the cats teeth as their manufacturers claim, in fact these carbohydrate and sugar rich products often do more harm than good for feline teeth. The only thing that can remove plaque and tartar is a dental cleaning.

If you do change your cat's food, do it slowly, over the course of two weeks, by gradually adding the new food to the old until you have them completely transitioned. This will save your cat from GI upset and you from having to clean up after it :)

Also, make sure you play with your cat for at least 20-30 minutes a day. Toy's like the cat dancer and laser pointers will keep them moving. Having a sturdy vertical scratching post willl also help your cat tone some muscles.

Answer 4

He feels like a huge boned boy notwithstanding that's demanding to inform with all that fur! he's really attractive, by technique of ways! a strong thanks to inform is to puppy him status over him. As his hair lays flat from the petting, see if he has a waist in any respect. yet another strong way is to puppy his abdomen at the same time as he's status, if he allow you to, and word in case you may't experience somewhat 'more advantageous luggage' putting merely earlier his decrease back legs, kinda like that pounch some human beings get on our decrease abdomen. If he does, or in case you may't see any signal of a waist, you would possibly want to wish to think about a eating routine. also, call your vet, having merely been there, and word if (s)he'd recommend a eating routine. in case you bypass with a eating routine, that's mandatory to blend the recent and previous food jointly, gradually reducing the quantity of his present day food till that's all eating routine food. wish this has helped!

Answer 5

Ask a vet what the ideal weight should be and they can put him on a special diet if necessary.

Answer 6

Put it on a diet

Answer 7

Take him to the vet if you are so worried.

Answer 8

Roast him over charcoal embers. Serve with a side salad and red wine, not white. Delicious!