I have two kittens, 8 months old, spayed and neutered. They are littermates. According to the body condition chart they are 3--Ideal; however they both have developed an abdominal pooch that hangs down. The female, Pixie, is 8.5 lbs. and the male, Max, is 11 lbs.
They have been getting Science Diet kitten since I brought them home at 9 weeks old. They used to get wet and dry, but after a couple of months I switched them to dry only. I was free-choice feeding them until recently when I noticed their flabby-bellies. Since then I have been giving them the recommended amount on the label, which they don't even eat all of in a given day. In the past few days I have begun feeding even less than the recommended amount, and there are still leftovers the next day.
They are both very active and chase each other and play vigorously several times a day, in addition to playtime with me. They have a cat tree that they climb up and down constantly.
As they get older and near adulthood I know their caloric needs are starting to slow down. Would it be okay to begin switching them to an adult maintenance formula sooner than 1 year old?
(Also want to add that I will be switching them to Eukanuba when this bag of Science Diet is almost gone--I like the ingredients in Euk. better, and my vet also recommends it).
Overweight kittens?
Are you sure their bellies are just flabby and not bloated? Have they been tested and/or treated for worms.
If it just appears to be skin and fur, it may just be something we call the belly swagger at my house. Someone once told me this was because they are indoor cats and don't get the same kind of exercise an outdoor cat would. I don't know how much I believe that though. Like you, we have a cat tree and plenty of other make shift obstacle courses around the home.
I just re-read your post and 11 pounds is a bit much for an 8 month old kitten. Do not cut back on their food or try to diet them on your own. If your vet feels they need a caloric restriction, he will provide the proper diet for it. Kitten food provides necessary nutrients for their developing needs. I didn't switch my kittens over to adult food until they were at least 12 months old.
Best, however, to rule out any other health problems (worms) by the vet if this hasn't been done already.
If it just appears to be skin and fur, it may just be something we call the belly swagger at my house. Someone once told me this was because they are indoor cats and don't get the same kind of exercise an outdoor cat would. I don't know how much I believe that though. Like you, we have a cat tree and plenty of other make shift obstacle courses around the home.
I just re-read your post and 11 pounds is a bit much for an 8 month old kitten. Do not cut back on their food or try to diet them on your own. If your vet feels they need a caloric restriction, he will provide the proper diet for it. Kitten food provides necessary nutrients for their developing needs. I didn't switch my kittens over to adult food until they were at least 12 months old.
Best, however, to rule out any other health problems (worms) by the vet if this hasn't been done already.
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pixiemaxiris
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Apr 01, 2006 3:13 am
Re: Overweight kittens?
Thanks for your reply Cleo.
They were both tested for worms when they were kittens--the rescue I adopted them from had that done at their vet. They've been indoor-only kitties so I doubt that it is worms. It's definitely flab and not bloat.
However I think I will take them in to the vet to get her opinion, just to be safe.
Thanks again!
They were both tested for worms when they were kittens--the rescue I adopted them from had that done at their vet. They've been indoor-only kitties so I doubt that it is worms. It's definitely flab and not bloat.
However I think I will take them in to the vet to get her opinion, just to be safe.
Thanks again!
Re: Overweight kittens?
It really would be better if they were checked by your vet, he can then weigh them to determine if your home scale might be off, as well as determine their muscle mass as opposed to fat and body structure.
Ideally, normal healthy kittens can be fed kitten food until at least one year of age, however they can be graduated onto an adult maintenance at 8 months or so.
The feeding labels are only "recommendations", and should not be inferred to mean they are a one-size-fits all approach. Every kitten/cat has different needs, especially energy needs, so one kitten may require more than another. In any event, get them examined by your vet, he can then recommend if they should be graduated onto an adult food.
Ideally, normal healthy kittens can be fed kitten food until at least one year of age, however they can be graduated onto an adult maintenance at 8 months or so.
The feeding labels are only "recommendations", and should not be inferred to mean they are a one-size-fits all approach. Every kitten/cat has different needs, especially energy needs, so one kitten may require more than another. In any event, get them examined by your vet, he can then recommend if they should be graduated onto an adult food.
..........Traci