Feeding Multiple Cats (New mommy here!)
Re: Feeding Multiple Cats (New mommy here!)
they are both eating science diet adult.
our vet reccommended that cooper should eat appx 1/2 cup day.
we are also planning on trying to get cooper on the perscription m/d..
we were waiting until the uri's settled down before doing any diet changes..
but now that they are eating each others food whenever..not sure how the diet food will work out.
our vet reccommended that cooper should eat appx 1/2 cup day.
we are also planning on trying to get cooper on the perscription m/d..
we were waiting until the uri's settled down before doing any diet changes..
but now that they are eating each others food whenever..not sure how the diet food will work out.
Re: Feeding Multiple Cats (New mommy here!)
If Cooper is NOT severely overweight, you can try adding more exercise and activity/playtime to his routine...choose activities that allow him to stretch, jump, run, etc. Even 10-15 minutes twice a day would be good for him.
If on the otherhand, your vet is concerned he is truly overweight, then you'll have to ration his food as your vet suggested. Feed the rationed amount for him, but divided about two or three times a day. At those times, feed Zoey her regular amount in another room. The same will probably have to be applied if/when you switch Cooper to the M/D.
In the meantime, ask your vet for low-fat treats you can give Cooper at other times in the day when he seems hungry.
If on the otherhand, your vet is concerned he is truly overweight, then you'll have to ration his food as your vet suggested. Feed the rationed amount for him, but divided about two or three times a day. At those times, feed Zoey her regular amount in another room. The same will probably have to be applied if/when you switch Cooper to the M/D.
In the meantime, ask your vet for low-fat treats you can give Cooper at other times in the day when he seems hungry.
..........Traci
Re: Feeding Multiple Cats (New mommy here!)
thanks traci!
we were thinking along the same lines. having a young kitten in the house has already gotten him more active then he was before! because we spend time playing with the kitten we have been including him in the playtime too..
our vet didn't seem concerned that he was severly overweight..just said its something we should keep an eye on and get him down a few pounds.
he did reccommend the diet food though. my worry is that zooey will start eating the diet food and cooper will eat her food and there will be no point to the whole thing!
we will keep up with the excercise for both cats..and if all else fails try feeding them along your suggestions..
thanks again!
we were thinking along the same lines. having a young kitten in the house has already gotten him more active then he was before! because we spend time playing with the kitten we have been including him in the playtime too..
our vet didn't seem concerned that he was severly overweight..just said its something we should keep an eye on and get him down a few pounds.
he did reccommend the diet food though. my worry is that zooey will start eating the diet food and cooper will eat her food and there will be no point to the whole thing!
we will keep up with the excercise for both cats..and if all else fails try feeding them along your suggestions..
thanks again!
Re: Feeding Multiple Cats (New mommy here!)
Hopefully, the added activity and exercise will help (be diligent about this). A good way to monitor his weight is to take him in once a month from here on in, your vet wouldn't charge you for a weight check. If the weight is increasing at that time, then she'll discuss with you about the M/D. If it comes to that, you will probably need to feed them seperately.
..........Traci
Re: Feeding Multiple Cats (New mommy here!)
Good news!
Malbie came out for dinner last night - for the first time ever! I was so proud of her. I know it was only one day, but it's progress. I'm trying to be patient, and any little thing like this gets me so excited.
I also placed their dishes further apart, and made sure to give them a little dry food after they ate the wet, so that when they wandered in later on there would be something for them.
And they are getting more active during playtime! My girls are coming out of their shells!
Thanks for your help, everyone!
EJ
Malbie came out for dinner last night - for the first time ever! I was so proud of her. I know it was only one day, but it's progress. I'm trying to be patient, and any little thing like this gets me so excited.
I also placed their dishes further apart, and made sure to give them a little dry food after they ate the wet, so that when they wandered in later on there would be something for them.
And they are getting more active during playtime! My girls are coming out of their shells!
Thanks for your help, everyone!
EJ
New Parents to Sydney & Malbec - 1 year old sisters.