I noticed in a previous post, Traci, that you had mentioned that cats don't need to be on a prescription diet forever.
When my cat Maggie was sick last Friday and I took her to the vet, we also talked about her weight problem. I adopted her and her sibling when they were about 8 weeks old. She's spayed and he's neutered. They're now 6 1/2 years old. Robbie is 8 pounds, short-haired and active. Maggie is long-haired, has had exercise induced asthma (since she was little) and FAT. She's 17 lbs!! They have been on Science Diet Hairball light, dry food. Their bowls are kept separate so she can't eat out of his dish. But she can only exercise for a couple of minutes at a time, she poops out. I'm sure losing some weight will help that) Otherwise, she's bright-eyed, (now that she's over her sickness), does lots of tricks, is playful, etc. I play with her in intervals to not get her too tired. She desperately needs to lose weight.
The vet is having me gradually switch her over to Hill's R/D, weight reduction food til she reaches ideal weight, then change her to W/D and keep her on that. I guess the W/D is a weight maintenance food. My question is, this is also prescription food and am wondering about your opinion on that. I'll do anything to help her out. Thanks!
Another food question
Re: Another food question
First, I had said "shouldn't" be on an Rx diet long term "unless" for a specific condition that requires it (such as liver, kidney, heart disease, diabetes, etc.....weight management can also fall into this category for certain cats).
I like your vet already. He's doing the exact same thing I would do. Start out with the R/D for safe and gradual weight loss, and when she reaches her desired, optimal weight, then maintain on W/D. Sounds like your vet is committed to her weight management, and has probably discussed it thoroughly with you. I would only add that you get her weighed frequently to determine if the diet is working, and to followup on a blood panel at some point in the new future. You typically only want her to lose around a lb a month or so, anything too much or too drastic and sudden can be detrimental to her health. Followup as your vet advises. (and don't feed anything, including treats, outside of her Rx diet, it would defeat the purpose of the weight management program)
I think I would let her play/exercise at her own will and convenience (or as your vet has advised/instructed)......you don't want to risk an asthma attack. At some point in weight management, when she is near a desired weight, you'll probably find that she is more willing and comfortable to play for slightly longer times. Don't ever overdo or force exercise on an asthmatic kitty (you probably already knew that)
I like your vet already. He's doing the exact same thing I would do. Start out with the R/D for safe and gradual weight loss, and when she reaches her desired, optimal weight, then maintain on W/D. Sounds like your vet is committed to her weight management, and has probably discussed it thoroughly with you. I would only add that you get her weighed frequently to determine if the diet is working, and to followup on a blood panel at some point in the new future. You typically only want her to lose around a lb a month or so, anything too much or too drastic and sudden can be detrimental to her health. Followup as your vet advises. (and don't feed anything, including treats, outside of her Rx diet, it would defeat the purpose of the weight management program)
I think I would let her play/exercise at her own will and convenience (or as your vet has advised/instructed)......you don't want to risk an asthma attack. At some point in weight management, when she is near a desired weight, you'll probably find that she is more willing and comfortable to play for slightly longer times. Don't ever overdo or force exercise on an asthmatic kitty (you probably already knew that)
..........Traci
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globug92000
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat Nov 29, 2003 11:07 am
Re: Another food question
Thanks so much for your input. I didn't know that about the pound per month. I plan to take her in next week for bloodwork. She'll be done with her anitbiotics by then.
On the exercise thing, I actually have to monitor her play time because if she had her way, she would eat and play all the time. She'll go get her favorite toy and drop it at my feet and stare at me til I play with her. (It's really quite cute). When I have company, she'll do the same thing, taking the toy from person to person until someone plays with her. So I do in intervals for short periods of time to not wear her out.
I really appreciate your good advice and am so glad I found this message board. Thank you!!
On the exercise thing, I actually have to monitor her play time because if she had her way, she would eat and play all the time. She'll go get her favorite toy and drop it at my feet and stare at me til I play with her. (It's really quite cute). When I have company, she'll do the same thing, taking the toy from person to person until someone plays with her. So I do in intervals for short periods of time to not wear her out.
I really appreciate your good advice and am so glad I found this message board. Thank you!!
Re: Another food question
my rocky does that with toy spiders, i agree...cute.globug92000 wrote:She'll go get her favorite toy and drop it at my feet and stare at me til I play with her. (It's really quite cute).
Heh, so does my Cassidy 
The lb per month is not exact for every cat...in Maggie's case, while you do want her to lose weight, you want the priority to be safely. If you weigh her each month with your vet, he can tell you each time if he feels she's doing great or may need to adjust the diet slightly. It may not be the same drop in weight every month, you just want to ensure it is gradual and not sudden weight loss. He can discuss her individual needs with you so that you understand fully what to expect.
You should be able to get her weight checked for free at your vet's clinic, (which is one reason why I suggest monthly)...however, you do want to schedule a full exam probably every 3-4 months during this initial stage in the weight management program, then your vet can instruct you further, and eventually, your vet visit exams will be less frequent. If at any time you're uncertain about her diet, amounts fed, etc, don't hesitate to consult your vet.
The lb per month is not exact for every cat...in Maggie's case, while you do want her to lose weight, you want the priority to be safely. If you weigh her each month with your vet, he can tell you each time if he feels she's doing great or may need to adjust the diet slightly. It may not be the same drop in weight every month, you just want to ensure it is gradual and not sudden weight loss. He can discuss her individual needs with you so that you understand fully what to expect.
You should be able to get her weight checked for free at your vet's clinic, (which is one reason why I suggest monthly)...however, you do want to schedule a full exam probably every 3-4 months during this initial stage in the weight management program, then your vet can instruct you further, and eventually, your vet visit exams will be less frequent. If at any time you're uncertain about her diet, amounts fed, etc, don't hesitate to consult your vet.
..........Traci