I tried him on a vets diet and he was miserable and his character change and he became aggressive and he began to hunt for food. anyone got any successful suggestions.
PS he is a house cat
2007-03-06 06:49:59 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
If the cat can't stand the dry diet food, see if there is a wet version of the same. When my cat first started his diet, he outright refused to eat the dry food, but once I got him used to the taste in the wet version, he gradually got used to the taste and ate the dry.
Just as important, make sure you dedicate a sufficient amount of time every day to playing with him. Get him a tennis or golf ball to play with, and drag a ribbon around for him to chase. It will make him both happier and healthier.
2007-03-06 06:59:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Reduce the amount of feed very slowly so that he doesn't feel hungry. At least if he is a house cat now then he cannot hunt for food anymore.
Then he needs to exercise, and this is where it gets fun. You just need to play with him everyday. How great is that! Start off for just 5mins 2 or 3 times a day and slowly build it up to as much as you have time for (a total of 1-2 hours would be great if at all possible). Use things like string with feathers and things tied to the end, those balls with bells in, and anything else you can think of.
Have fun, and hope you see improvements soon.
2007-03-06 09:36:23 · answer #2 · answered by Fred 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From my own experiences, sometimes you just have to stick it out and wait for them to accept the fact that the only food they're getting is whatever you give them. I've also heard that you can try setting food out only at certain times of the day (EX: 1 cup in the morning and 1 cup in the evening.). Not only does it limit the cat's food intake but they seem to become much more active. Also play with him more, even if it's something as simple as dragging a piece of string around the room for 10 minutes it will help. Don't worry too much, some cats are just naturally big and require a little extra activity to keep their weight down.
2007-03-06 07:15:01 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The sad truth is that many vets don't know ANYTHING about cat nutrition. It sounds likely that your vet recommended some expensive DRY food and told you to feed your poor cat a tiny amount per day.
That's what happened to me. We were both miserable. Poppy was starving and I hated being the one doing it to her.
Thank SOMETHING for Answers! It was out here that I first learned about cat nutrition and the proper way to get cats to lose weight.
In short, stop feeding dry food. Accept the fact that your vet DOESN'T necessarily know best. Start feeding your cat a good quality canned food (see list below for the very best brands). If you switch to one of these, you can feed pretty much a full can (5.5-6 oz) per day and STILL your cat will lose weight.
2007-03-06 10:40:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cats age and sex will have an impact on my answer, but i'll hazard to guess this is an adult, possibly neutered cat you speak of.
Most every time I have had an overweight cat it was because of a thyroid condition since most cats dont overeat.
If you do have one of the rare ones that do gorge. feed 5 or 6 smaller portions at varying times during the day scaling back on the amounts as time goes by,and use only dry foods.
Canned stuff is chock full of calories and is the top cause of fat cats.
Exercise is also important.encourage your feline friend to play a few times a day.
2007-03-06 07:04:16 · answer #5 · answered by taranheart 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Up his physical exercise! My Mother-in-laws indoor cats are the chunkiest cats out, and they don't exercise at all. She has food out for them all the time too, and I can see that they're just comfort eating.
Can you play "chase strings or laser dot" a few times a day?
I wonder if a kitten would give him more interest.
2007-03-06 18:58:29 · answer #6 · answered by nikki 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if there are no obvious medical issues, perhaps a room mate is in order? that thinned my cat down! they played together and before i knew it, i had a regular weight healthy cat again!
you wouldn't have to get a kitten, there are plenty of cats out there that need homes too!
2007-03-06 07:00:13 · answer #7 · answered by bearfox_traders 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had a cat like that, The cat went out for short strolls, after putting a note on the collar found that it was being fed by three other people? Does it leave the house at all.
2007-03-06 06:55:24 · answer #8 · answered by LAURENCE B 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
try playing with your cat a little more and see if it loeses weight if not it could have a genitic problem or the mother and father of the cat is fat also i had a over weight cat and all i did is play with it a little more and give it less food but more water
2007-03-06 07:44:31 · answer #9 · answered by slipknothatchet 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a VERY large house cat as well. Besides changing the diet, have you had your cat tested for diabetes? Sometimes older, heavier cats develop diabetes and need medication. If it drinks lots of water, definitely have the cat tested.
2007-03-06 06:55:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋