now this is a very difficult situation, I have 4 cats and 3 dogs. of the 3 dogs one always eats outside. they are large dogs, 2 pit bulls and one rott.
the 4 cats one is 16 years old and tiny as can possibly be and the other 2 are healthy and of perfect weight. cat #4 is the fat one.
he is a very large rotund ball of fur. he got this way because he loves food. he eats cat food, dog food, things u accidentily drop on the floor while preparing or eating ur food. really its the dog food that got him so heavy. he pushes his way in front of the pits and eats their food till he has had enough or gets kicked out of the area.
I cannot put the other animals on diets too because they are wasting away.
I have the food up high so he has to jump up and down to eat but this doesn't slow him down.
exercise is out of the question as he sits on the floor and naps while the others run around chasing whatever.
I am afraid he will be dead or diabetic before the year is out. any ideas???
thx
2007-05-29 08:55:07 · 13 answers · asked by toaster 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I have the same situation where I have 4 cats, 1 is overweight and the rest are normal weight. You might want to consult your vet and get some prescription diet food. This will help him lose weight the fastest. You might have to feed him seperate from the other cats, your vet would be able to tell you that. Sounds like you should feed the dogs seperate from the cats though! he should not eat dog food! Although you may not be able to walk your cat on a lease, here are some exercises you can do with your cat: http://www.catchannel.com/care/weight/article_5361.aspx
2007-05-29 09:22:26 · answer #1 · answered by Chris 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking about a overweight fat cat versus a healthy cat then No, fat cats have a lot more health problems as they get older then a healthy normal weighted cat. But, if you are talking about breed types, like the difference between a Siamese and a Maincoon, yes, the leaner cats are a lot more active but they are also a lot more affectionate and a lot more fun to have around, unless you just want a cat that will lay around and do nothing then you better stick with one of those big cats like the Maincoons or the Persians, they lack the personality and the loyalty of the leaner cats so they are a good all around couch potato. If you want a lazy large cat breed then a Persian, Maincoon or Himalayan are good but they do require a lot of care for their coats, but those are your most lazy breeds, but as kittens they will also get into mischief a lot so if you do not want a cat like that then get a older cat like one that is about 2-3 years,m then they will be lazy and slow, contact breeders and ask for their retired cats that is usually your best bet to get a older will behaved cat. IF the breeder is a good one and that is where you need to do your homework, and make sure you do it because if not you can end up with a sick or very ill cat and lots of vet bills.
2016-03-13 01:31:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The question with the dog food seems simple as they usually eat at scheduled times. Simply give it to them and put your cat away while they eat. As for the other cats, as cats generally eat bits during the day it seems harder to do. If it's not already the case try to find cat food that is something in the middle of 12-14% of fat, so it won't be too little or too much for either of them. However, there's something you could really try: find a toy that your cat really is crazy about and that motivates him to play. We had a new toy a couple of months ago and our eldest cat that is not fat, but not slim either lost weight with the craziness of playing with it. You definitely have to stimulate him to break that 'laziness/overweight' cycle.
2007-05-29 09:09:56 · answer #3 · answered by bluesyrio 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could maybe put him away while the pit bulls are eating, like place him in a bedroom and shut the door a couple of hours a day while the other animals eat. Everyone gets their food and he is forced to go on the diet.
2007-05-29 08:59:43 · answer #4 · answered by mikeztheman 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're right, that is a tough situation! Something can always be worked out though, but it certainly won't be an easy fix.
The trick, I think, is going to be to have set meal times for your pets. You're certainly going to need to put fat kitty in a separate room with his own food to eat while the others are elsewhere. You won't be able to do this if food is left down at all times, so it's going to have to be set mealtimes.
I always recommend a diet food for overweight animals as it allows them to eat a decent amount but still lose weight. Cutting down the amount of their current food will be hard on them. In your case, the most important thing of course is going to be to stop kitty getting extra food outside of his own food allowance, which means you're going to have to be very tough! Be very careful about his access to your own food - don't let him up on the table or around anyone's plate at all when they're eating. Be firm!
You're right that this kitty is in danger of getting diabetic and/or shortening his lifespan, so it's great that you want to take action. Feel free to email me if you want further advice/support, I'm a veterinary nurse and I run weight clinics, it's like my personal mission in life to slim down as many animals as possible so I'd be happy to help.
Chalice
2007-05-29 09:23:15 · answer #5 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to encourage him to exercise. I know you said he just sleeps all the time, but if you play with him enough he will eventually join in. Buy some jingly toys to excite his interest.
You will also need to control his diet better - keep him away from the other animals' food, and out of the kitchen.
2007-05-29 09:59:45 · answer #6 · answered by Red Rose 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with mikeztheman !! When you feed your other animals put fur ball away he needs to be on a diet there is no other way !! Your cat will continue to eat if you are providing it !! It's up to you !! lol
2007-05-29 09:07:28 · answer #7 · answered by Polar Molar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talk with your vet about feeding him a RX weight loss diet.
you can start by not leaving food out all the time.
you are going to have to place him in a room alone while he eats and the others have their chance to eat then pick up all the food and he can return to the others
2007-05-29 09:04:35 · answer #8 · answered by Jessica H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Switch his diet to iams. Find a specific food for losing weight...
2007-05-29 08:58:44 · answer #9 · answered by Britta Britta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put the #4 in a room alone and leave there until the others are fed and then put the food up.
2007-05-29 09:03:11 · answer #10 · answered by sred 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋