I know my cat needs to have diet food but I am not sure which is the best and the most affordable. Any suggestions?
2007-01-26 14:38:46 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I just put my 9 yr old chubby kitty on a diet. I first tried cutting his food portions down and increasing walking times. That helped but not much. So, last Saturday I went to Petco and bought some Iams Weight Control cat canned food. The first two days I mixed a litte of his old cat food with 1/4 can of the Iams. He didn't like it at first but I refused to give him anything else. But he would eventually go back to his bowl and eat what's in it. Now, a week later, he is eating his Iams (1 can a day divided into 4 servings and each serving is mixed with 3 tsp water). After 2 days of this, I noticed that my cat's bulging belly was noticeably smaller and that he has become more kittenish. Now a week later, I swear he's lost a few ounces already since he is looking a lot sleeker. He is also a LOT more playful. In fact, I was joking with my daughter about Iams - that maybe I should eat some and get energy to do the housework!
Whatever you decide, don't feed your kitty primarily dry cat food becuase even if it says "weight management" or something, fact is, all dry cat food contain grain fillers which are carbohydrates. Unused carbs turn into fat, as you know. Instead, feed your kitty on a diet primarily of high protein wet canned cat food and give him just a handful of dry kibble in between meals for his teeth.
2007-01-26 15:56:32 · answer #1 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Indoor Cat Formula" foods are good for cats that don't do a lot of running around.
Also look for "Weight Management" on the labels.
As far as affordable goes, I would recommend buying a quality brand at a place like Walmart or Target over buying a cheap brand.
Read the labels and feed your cat according to his or her weight requirements.
Don't make any drastic changes; it's best to introduce new foods gradually to avoid upsetting the cat's digestive system.
If your cat is extremely obese, or excessively hungry, please take him/her to the vet to rule out things like a hypo- or hyperthyroid condition. If left untreated, they can shorten a cat's life.
Good luck to you and your kitty, and I hope this helps! :)
2007-01-26 14:50:57 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's where you can learn more than you ever thought there was to know about feeding your cat:
http://www.catinfo.org
Read this and your questions will be answered, and you'll know more about feline nutrition than most vets!
As you'll see, cats that are fed a good, species-specific diet and likely to maintain a healthy weight without dieting, and they'll be a lot healthier in other ways, too. What you learn at this site will help you to help kitty live a long and healthy life.
2007-01-26 14:48:50 · answer #3 · answered by Mick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just don't give him/her so much food. The bowl should be empty for a little while during the day. Some people fill their cats' bowl so full that it never empties. Then they just eat and eat and eat.
http://www.2ndchance.info/catfood.htm
Feeding Your Cat - Cat Foods
Check out this website for the amount of food your cat should eat during the day.
2007-01-26 19:14:17 · answer #4 · answered by Princess 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Iwhen my cat had to go on a diet we gave him Science Diet..it's just a little expensive but it works and it comes in big bags so you wont have to get more that often. Also I know this because my best friends mom is a vet and thats the only kind of food she selles at her clinic
2007-01-26 14:52:23 · answer #5 · answered by Dancerchicka 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My cat is on a diet I cut back every month until she is eating a more reasonable amount and give her tuna instead of cat food often. Your vet can give you a plan as well.
2007-01-26 14:46:21 · answer #6 · answered by ♫ Think happy thoughts ♪ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How much are you giving him now. To start off with, try just cutting back on the food he's used to, and if that's not working then talk to your vet. They can help you with a plan on how to get your pet to his ideal weight.
2007-01-26 14:43:06 · answer #7 · answered by missknightride 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is iams multi cat it helps skinny cats bulk up and fat cats loose weight.it helps my friend cat loose.
its about $25 for a really big bag.
2007-01-26 16:08:58 · answer #8 · answered by moonwalk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catnip and a strobe light will get him exercising. If you spray him with EnDust you will also get your place cleaned as a bonus.
2007-01-26 14:53:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feed canned instead of dry. It has a lot less carbs.
2007-01-26 16:17:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋