Help...I'm worried about my cat!?

Question

My cat is very overweight. She is 2 1/2 years old and weights 21 lbs. I feed her special food for cats that need to diet (and have been feeding this food to her for over a year). I also got a second cat in hopes that this would keep her more active rather than sleeping all day. I play with her with the laser pointer when I can. She just doesn't seem to be losing any weight. Her breathing sounds labored and she snores. What can I do to help her lose weight? I love her and want her to live for as long as possible.

Answer 1

Definitely take her to the vet. If you've changed her diet and aren't giving her a bigger portion (some people change to protein-rich foods with less carbs but then feed the cat more b/c it is hungrier) then she could have a thyroid disorder or something like it.

Don't worry yet; some things that make a tubby cat are easily remedied by a daily or weekly pill. Only your vet can tell you for sure.

Answer 2

Good for you! I've been in the same boat with Miss 25 Pounds (pictured here).

She's lost weight although I don't know how much yet......

I did a lot of research, much of it out here, and found that the key to weight loss is feeding species appropriate food. At the time I hadn't heard about feeding raw, so I choose a good quality canned food.

This was back in October. It took about 2 weeks to get both of them converted, but it finally took and soooooo many other things have improved! I'm just thrilled.

I'll give you all the links that I've collected. There are some good general articles, and some specifically about obesity.

I can tell you that at first it won't look like anything is happening, but it will! Just be patient. And of course you don't want rapid weight loss.

EDIT: I felt compelled to add some more info. Diet cat food is often higher in carbs than regular food, so you're almost making the situation worse! I mentioned species-appropriate food - cats are carnivores who need protein and fat in their diets. Carbs are not good for them. Dry food is loaded with grains/carbs and that will often lead to a weight problem (Poppy being a good case in point).

Think Atkins - but call it Catkins!

One more thing - many vets are not knowledgeable about cat nutrition. It's hard to believe but true. That's why so many will suggest these diet foods which just don't work.

The other great thing about feeding canned to lose weight - your cat will actually get enough to eat! No bugging you for more food because you've had to cut their quantities down!

Answer 3

If you've been free-feeding your cats (leaving their food out for them), then go to only one or two meals a day. Measure out their food so you know exactly how much she eats. Try changing her food to a better quality food because the grains and corn they put in most kibbles can make some cats sick in various ways (bad skin, bad fur, weight gain or weight loss, etc.)

Get her checked at the vet, she might have an underlying condition such as an underactive thyroid that makes her prone to this problem. This is also treatable with medication.

Answer 4

The only way to get your cat to lose weight under the circumstances is to feed her less. At first, her metabolism will slow down to compensate, but, in time, she really will lose weight.. exercise with toys is a great idea..keep that up!!!
Another couple of things you might do is to (1) Give her distilled water to drink (it has no minerals and a balanced ph, both of which are good for the urinary tract) and (2) see if she will drink cranberry juice (also good for the urinary tract).
*note*
Once you start her diet you may notice her acting really hungry when its food time and she may get sick I would not worry about the over sensitive stomach too much. Sometimes when cast scarf down their food too quickly cause they are not used to there food limits and it comes right back up.
good luck

Answer 5

I would definitely consult your vet, but I have six cats and one is real fat. I tried to feed her diet food and it did not work. None of my other cats are fat, I think it's must be biological.

One thing I will add is that when fat cats stop eating they can get liver problems fast and it can be deadly. When mine got sick I had to force feed her for a while before she got better, so if you can get her to loose weight it would be good.

Answer 6

Are you sure your cat just might be pregnant and going through her stage since you got another cat in your home. An I think you need to stop feeding her and give her milk or water only and at other times one cat treat a day.

Answer 7

First, cut down on her food, second, play more. If that still has no results, take her to the vet and explain, since there may be something else at fault there. Good luck!

Answer 8

I know its hard to look at your over grown Kittie, and know she most likely die before her time. We have a similar problem. After years of trying to slim her down, and watching her get frustrated, we have came to the conclusion that it is more important to try to maintain her current weight, and give her a happy and loving life. I know she may be around a little longer if she was slim, but she is one happy cat, and we just love her to pieces. We encourage her to play and exercise, and she does, sometimes. Yes she sleeps allot, but loves to be around us and the other critters in our Zoo. The point here is, maybe you mite want to look at quality, instead of quantity. Its easier to try to maintain the current weight, than to decrease it. They will loose some, but will never be slim enough. Just food for thought.

Answer 9

I would recommend taking her to the vet and have a check-up. There could be other health issues affecting her weight and inablity to lose the weight.

Answer 10

take her to the vet so they can run some tests. she could have a medical problem that is causing her to retain the weight. my cousns cat weighs 19 pounds and they just found out its because of a thyroid problem I suggest you bring her in asap.