My cat is a bit overweight...any suggestions on how to out him on a diet?

Question

or any food suggestions that others have used that worked?

Thank you!

Answer 1

I adopted a shelter cat and he ate anything we put down. We used Purina One weight control (cheaper than science diet but still less filler than the cheap stuff, and he eats less of it) and he only gets a 1/2 c in the morning (he usually has a little left by the time I get home from work) and a 1/4 c at night (so he doesn't wake me up at 4am). I also make him play 5 minutes 3 times a day (at least). Whatever will get them running is good- balls with bells and milk-caps are my cat's favorites. He's lost 3 pounds (from 17) and isn't as sleepy. Also, it helps if only one person feeds the cat at a certain time every day- that way he knows it won't work to beg food from someone else, and you don't overfeed by accident. Also, no people food!

Cats usually eat a bunch of small meals throughout the day, so it doesn't do them much good if they have to gobble down whatever you put in front of them within ten minutes. They will just eat it all (hungry or not) because they know if they don't they will go hungry.

Answer 2

Lots of good advice, but candi P & barlow_g said no wet food! This isn't good for your cat. He needs both dry AND moist. I put out a bit less than a quarter cup of dry food in the morning. My cat is a "nibbler" & eats all during the day. But if your cat gobbles it all up, then that's that until supper. Exercise is VERY important. If your cat likes interactive play, he'll let you know when he's in the mood. Otherwise, you might as well forget it. Seems someone said something about eating mice? I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. I mean, who knows what disease a mouse might have? My cat is 100% indoor, & will live much longer this way. By the way, cats do put on some weight as they get older, as long as they aren't FAT which I'm sure you know can cause health problems. If you choose a diet food, introduce it slowly.

EDIT: PLEASE NOTE~if you're in this category again, Jack O has cloned me, DRAGON, & now claiming here that I cloned him & pretending to be a nice guy after all the vile things he posted before he was reported (by many). PLEASE! I love cats! Looks like he hasn't gotten to this one yet.

ALERT ALERT ALERT

Well, he got to it now the son of a....We'll see who laughs last. He's only be on since 2/19--& what makes him think I'm a man?

Answer 3

Just cut down on the amount of food you give the cat each day. They don't need an endless supply of food all day long. Just once a day, as much as they can eat in about ten minutes should do the cat just fine. At first the cat won't eat it all right away. But soon enough he or she will. Then leave the food dish empty the rest of the day.

Feeding a good quality food and giving specific amounts can control weight ..... just like with humans.

Also, don't let your cat control/train you. You are the human here. You own the cat. Just because the cat whines or begs .... don't give in. He or she is playing you if that happens.
Kev

Answer 4

When we had a cat we only fed her once a day and let her out at night so she could mouse. If your cat isn't a mouser you could feed him a bit in the morning and a bit at night and then let him have water all throughout the day. Give him hard food (no canned soft stuff) and don't give him milk or anything. This should be just fine for any cat.

Answer 5

the best way to put your pet on a diet is to mix a small amount of his new food in with his old food that way he doesnt get diarrea and gradually give him just his new food. also try science diet its kind of expensive but it works. playing with him alot and getting him to run around the house will also help him to loose weight. also dont feed him wet cat food or any type of people food this will cause more weight gain. lower the amount of food you give to him it will give you a reffrence on the side of the bag. also make sure he has plenty of cat toys the feather but mice are good also the mice on the strings, yarn balls, and kitty condos are excelent for excercize laser lights are good too just dont shine it in there eyes let him chase it up and down the hall way. wih all of this you should see results within a couple of months. also you can call your vet for more information.




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Answer 6

I know exactly what you are going through: we had this problem with our cat. She was a few pounds overweight, so everyday, we would decrease her food at mealtimes. This worked very well. We also exercised her for 10 minutes daily. You just need to play with her with sting or a toy: she just needs to get moving. This is effective in keeping the cats weight down with little effort.

Good Luck!!

Answer 7

Natural Choice
Science Diet
And feed them less then a 1/2. Once in the morning and once around dinner and then just give them some treats or wet food before you go to bed so there arent bothering you in the middle of the night for food.

Answer 8

My vet put my over weight cat on this diet.

1/2 cup of food in the morning

1/4 cup at night

Make sure it is a high quality food, because the lower quailty ones are full of filler that makes cats gain more weight. They'll eat less high quailty food.

Answer 9

Many petstores sell food especially for overweight cats! The foods are less fattening than the original, so you might check those out & feed it to her until she drops a few pounds. Also, try to feed her less & don't make food available to her at all times!

Answer 10

If you have an automatic feeder quit using it. cats will eat just to keep somebody else from getting it, especially if there is more thn one cat in the house., but even if there isn't.
if the cat can go outside let it. the exercise will do it the most good. for indoor cats. find ways to make it climb.....open curtains and a widow bird feeder lots of playtime chasing string, balls and rubber mice.