(It's the weight that's stubborn, not the cat!) We have 2 cats. Frances came to us at the age of 5, already overweight. We think it was a combination of genetics and poor-quality diet before we adopted her. Our other cat Maggie is elderly and kind of thin, although she has access to all the food she chooses to eat.
Our problem is that we can't realistically feed our cats in 2 separate rooms or at 2 separate times (our home is small). For now, we have both cats on a low-calorie, quality food (Innova) that they both seem to like. But Frances has not lost any weight, and at the same time, we don't think it's a good idea to restrict Maggie's food. Is this the best we can do? Any other ideas for us out there? Thanks
2007-07-16 08:06:55 · 37 answers · asked by Leslie D 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
If you're feeding dry food, you're better off switching to canned. In many cases, that's all it takes! See the Obesity links, why cats need canned food and what to feed links for more info.
You don't mention how much time has passed. You may already know that cats need to lose weight slowly - about 1 pound per month. Have you had her on this new diet for a longer period of time and are you eyeballing her or do you actually have a scale and know that she hasn't lost?
You could try her on a different canned food (see the what to feed link again for suggestions, or try By Nature Organics canned food. This food is grainless and it claims 150 calories per can. That's damned good! I'm planning to switch my two to this brand, along with Nature's Variety Instincts.
You could try restricting her intake slightly too. I vary feeding 2/3 - 1 full can of food per day per cat.
Lastly, you can try adding L-Carnitine to her food. Buy it in capsule form and you can simply mix it in with her food. You can give her 250-500 mg per day. I would start at the lower end of the scale to ensure that no side effects occur.
I read about this in one or more of my obesity links, and even gave it to Poppy for a time (with NO ill effects).
2007-07-16 08:20:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to get Frances' weight down is to remove access to food all the time. I know that's hard to do with an underweight cat, but it's reality. It's hard to get cats to lose weight anyway, and this is the problem. Can you feed Maggie something richer twice a day separated from Frances (such as full-strength Innova canned?) and pick up the dry food that is available all the time? Also, try and get Frances some exercise through play.
2007-07-16 08:13:40 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really don't know why the cat stopped using the litter box, if there was no change in environment. Certainly NOT A GOOD IDEA to put the poor thing in a shed or bathroom!!!!!! That cat is very lucky to have someone like you to take it in. You're doing a very good thing. As for the re-training, here's what I'd do: Every time the cat has a meal, put it in the litter box straight after. It should soon realize what it's for. Make sure the litter box is clean at all times. If the cat "goes" in the house, bring it straight over to the litter box to show it where it should have gone. As for the male cat, it may try to mate with the female, but will not get her pregnant if she is spayed. It's good that she gets along with your other pets. If she liked it there as much as you said she did before, it shouldn't be a problem taking her in permanently. As I said before, you are doing a very good thing. Good luck!!! Hope this helps!! Xxxxx
2016-05-19 03:20:23 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can't separate the cats, I'm afraid you're in a pickle. The key to controlling the fat cat's weight is to restrict that cat's access to food. Figure out the ideal amount of food for that cat to eat during the day, and that is ALL the food that cat gets. There are diet foods out there that are available, and it also helps to feed smaller portions more than once a day, rather than a larger portion once. But in the end, fat cat needs to only be eating its own food, and its own food only. That is the to weight loss. If you can't do this, then maybe you have the wrong cat for your situation. Sorry!
2007-07-16 08:20:48 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try making your pet food. It is actually cheaper then the pet food you are currently buying. There are many recipes online, just be sure to add taurine to the food (for the eyes). Other than that, they don't really need a lot of veggies (think the amount they would eat in a bird's stomache). My cats have never been healthier and their coats are wonderful!! The only vet trips we make are for their shots.
I have 5 cats and this works for us. They get fed at the same time and I can portion out who gets what. I have a couple of big boys who think they are starving!
Hope it helps!
2007-07-16 08:20:41 · answer #5 · answered by burbam2001 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you free feeding the cats? Maybe that is the problem. Try just feeding a certain amount in separate bowls twice a day, smaller amount or low cal in the heavier cat's bowl, geriatric formula in older cat's bowl. You will have to monitor their eating to make sure the heavier cat is not bullying the older cat to get to both bowls.When the older cat seems finished or loses interest, remove the bowls. good luck
2007-07-16 08:15:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
increase your non workout activity levels
2017-04-03 11:21:59 · answer #7 · answered by Patricia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having less than 1 200 calories a day may slow down your metabolism
2015-12-20 17:00:01 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Add extra 10 or 15 mins to your cardio routine
2016-01-19 21:00:15 · answer #9 · answered by Janie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
drink 3 cups of green tea in 24 hours researchers say it can increase energy expenditure by 106 calories
2016-01-03 15:09:52 · answer #10 · answered by Rima 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋