My cat is a fat cat - how can we slim her down without starving her and making h

1. 93

   Diana Grantposted 5 years ago

   My cat is a fat cat - how can we slim her down without starving her and making her miserable?
   
   My cat is overweight but I thought cats were self-regulating with food, so how much food is the right amount? She should weigh about 10lb but weighs 16lbs, aged 5 and neutered.
   
   She has half a packet of of Felix meat or fish in jelly every morning (equal to about 1 tablespoon full), and then eats Go Cat biscuit food (fish or meat) in dribs and drabs thoughout the day, and always asks for more.
   
   

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2. 96

   Theophanesposted 5 years ago

   Your cat might be eating and begging out of boredom. You can try using her food drive to her own advantage. Get one of those treat balls that you put treat or kibble into that they have to swat around in order for the goodies to drop out. This will limit the amount f food she's getting while stimulating her mind and making her less apt to boredom behavior. Also get her some toys and play with her until she's thoroughly worn out at least a few times a week, preferably daily. The exercise will be good for loosing excess weight and tiring her out so that she's not just thinking about food all the time.

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   1. 93

      Diana Grantposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I think she does get  bored.  She was a feral cat until we adopted her when she was about 5 months old, and to start with spent most of her time outside, but now, especially during the exceptionally long cold UK winter she stays  indoors a lot.

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3. 96

   peeplesposted 5 years ago

   There are a few things you can do. Many are uncomfortable with it, but a raw food is the best alternative. Pre made pet foods are like us eating chips and pizza. If you start a raw food diet she will lose weight and be eating more healthy foods. There are tons of great websites out there for this diet. I was very much against the idea until I found out my dog's health was going down the drain and she was miserable. Also you could spend more time getting her to play. Have her chase a string, a mouse on a stick, or a light.
   First though I would take her in to the vet and make sure she doesn't have any issues that are keeping her from being able to maintain a healthy weight.

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   1. 93

      Diana Grantposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      That's another good idea, thanks. 
      I did ask the vet about her overweight (the cat's, not the vet's), and she said it was normal when cats are neutered, but since then, the cat has put on more weight.

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4. 93

   Diana Grantposted 5 years ago

   If anyone can suggest precise quantities of what a normal medium-sized cat should be eating, this would be helpful to add to all the other advice.

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5. 55

   shivagraposted 5 years ago

   you can see this it will definitely help you
   
   http://shivagra.hubpages.com/hub/cats-heath

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6. 72

   Hridyapal-Bhogalposted 5 years ago

   I don't know much about this topic but just dropped in to say that: I really love that look on your cat's face!!!

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7. 0

   sheilamyersposted 5 years ago

   I was told by the vet that the amount of food required for proper nutrition is based on the basic body size of the cat. A large tom cat needs more than a smaller female. He said a good guideline for most adult cats is 3/4 a cup per day. I have a measuring cup and divide up what I feed my cat into three "meals" of 1/4 each. If he doesn't eat all of the food from breakfast, I add less to his bowl when I get home from work. If your cat is used to eating a lot more, she will probably act like she is being starved and drive you crazy with meowing. Ignore the begging and the cat will adjust.

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