Cat wants to eat us out of house and home.

[ladybugbarb]

We recently adopted a cat that was neglected and was not feed on a daily basis. We also believe he may have been physically abused. He now lives in a safe and loving home with his brother that we have raised since birth (4yrs). They get along really good.
The problem we are having is that our new cat will eat all the food in the dish as soon as it is put out. Like he is afraid that will be the last of his food. We have had him for 8 months and he is getting FAT! Our other cat is in great health and not over weight, he eats all he needs. The new cat eats so much at times he throws up. We have tried to just put a small amount of food in the bowl he eats it all up, we have tried filling the bowl just once a day but by night time he is all over us wanting more food. He also drinks a lot of water. We just aren’t sure what else to do. We have to feed both cats but can’t leave food out all day because Elvis (new cat) will eat it all. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[Traci]

Did Elvis ever recieve a full exam by your vet since you adopted him? If not, now is a good time to do so...you need to rule out potential parasites, which could be causing his hunger. If he drinks an excessive amount of water, you need to get him tested with bloodwork to rule out diabetes, renal disease, etc. DO NOT let these things go unchecked and evaluated by your vet. The weight also needs to be addressed, since overweight cats are prone to diabetes and liver disease.

[gsc4]

I had the same problem. Squirrel is overweight and on a diet. But Schnitz is not overweight and gets to free feed as much as he wants. One of the reasons Squirrel got overweight is she was she was eating her portion and Schnitz's too. The other reason is she was a stray and she behaves like yours - she eats what she sees because she is not confident of her next meal. I have had Squirrel for 2 years now and I'm sure I will always have to control her portions.

So I got creative and give Schnitz an extra bowl that allows him to free feed whenever he wants. His extra bowl is in a place Squirrel cannot get at - Up on top of the refrigerator. Squirrel is kind of clutzy and cannot make it up there. But Schnitz is an athlete and he has no problem getting up there. Problem solved - Schnitz gets his unlimited portion to eat through out the day and Squirrel gets her controlled portions morning and evening.

To be fair, I have always told Squirrel that when she looses enough weight that she can jump up to the top of the frige, she will be welcome to eat up there too. Gotta give a girl some incentive to diet!

Get him double checked by a vet but I guess you may always have to watch his weight. I have a human friend who spent time in an orphanage where he was underfed as a child and he still hoards food 30 yrs later.

[ladybugbarb]

Thanks for the amusing reply. Elvis has been fully checked out when we had him fixed..He is in fine shape cept FAT.I like the idea of the food on top of the fridge cause ole fat cat could never make it up there but Levi can. Thanks again for all you have answered.

[Traci]

I wouldn't take chances....the excessive water intake may be concerning, and the only way to test for diabetes is through urine and blood glucose testing. A simple exam can't determine that and if the exam was 8 months ago, I strongly advise you get him checked. If your vet determines he is overweight, your kitty could then be prone to diabetes and liver disease. Obesity can also cause other health problems, such as heart problems and arthritic conditions. Based on your vet's exam, he can then recommend an appropriate dietary plan and give you tips for feeding both cats.

Get him checked please, best to play it safe.