I have a cat, I don't know how old she is. A few years but definitely under 10. She's overweight. She's very playful, outgoing, sweet, she runs around the house crazy, she's using the litterbox fine, I think she just eats to much. I talked to the vet assistant ( She may have been a technician, I don't know for sure though. ) about it when I brought my dog in to get spayed and she said that the vet suggests feeding an overweight cat 1/8 of a cup of food twice a day. I decided to go to 1/3 of a cup twice a day because 1/8 seemed way to harsh for the start. She seems to be eating fine, and isn't hungry all the time, but I don't know if it's helping much. I think my brother and dad may actually be sneaking her food and just putting it in the dish when it's empty without knowing that she's already been fed. She's spayed also. Just for information that is probably needed.
Are there any exercise things you can do with a cat? She doesn't like harnesses so that wont work on her. Lol. She will chase fake mice, she'll run around playing on her own batting it around the kitchen, living room, and dining room floor like crazy. Any good toys that will get her moving more?
Overweight Cat
Re: Overweight Cat
No one but your VET should be advising you on amounts to feed. Obesity in pets is a serious condition and can ONLY be addressed and treated by your VET. Do not take the word of an assistant or tech who has not seen your cat. Since the cat may be around 10 years of age, she is susceptible to various health conditions, and you CANNOT just simply start feeding less. What happens when you do this, is that the cat can suffer serious liver failure, diabetes or any other major health condition when weight is lost too suddenly or drastically. ALL obese cats must be fully evaluated by the vet so that the vet can take a proper history on the cat, evaluate weight and the specific caloric needs of the cat, and take into account any other underlying health issue BEFORE any weight loss management program is initiated. You should never attempt putting a cat on a diet of any sort without having your vet fully evaluate the cat FIRST and getting bloodwork done FIRST to evaluate major organ function.
..........Traci
Re: Overweight Cat
I said she was definitly UNDER 10 years old. Maybe 5 or 6 years old.
She is a talkative cat. If she is hungry she will let you know.
I wanted to know toys that she can get running after. Playing more.
She is a talkative cat. If she is hungry she will let you know.
I wanted to know toys that she can get running after. Playing more.
Re: Overweight Cat
And I wanted only to warn you about this approach. The tech/assistant doesn't know your cat, has not examined your cat, your vet hasn't done bloodwork prior to a dietary modification, and you are altering the amount of food that is being fed. My point is, is that this is a dangerous approach, as I explained above. You must realize that cats are super-sensitive and cannot tolerate stress, and when weight reduction is too fast, too sudden, then serious health problems occur. NO diet or decrease in the amount of food should be tempted by you UNTIL your vet has fully examined your cat and determined her overall health status. You can't just put an obese cat on a diet and expect them to lose weight like kids or humans, it doesn't work that way in pets.ginnah wrote:she said that the vet suggests feeding an overweight cat 1/8 of a cup of food twice a day. I decided to go to 1/3 of a cup twice a day because 1/8 seemed way to harsh for the start.
As for toys, I strongly recommend you get kitty to your vet for a complete evaluation, weight check, etc.....he can then determine the appropriate amount, appropriate type of food, time frame to expect small, gradual weight loss, etc. and he can also help offer tips to increase her activity level. It is difficult and dangerous to increase exercise and activity in obese cats at first because they are usually uncomfortable, even painful since the weight is bearing on their limbs, etc. Overexhertion is a no-no in obese cats. Your vet can suggest different ways of playtime and activity (stretching, reaching, etc) in which to strengthen her muscles and not lose body mass, which is important in weight management in cats, you cannot risk losing muscle/body mass as opposed to weight loss (extra fat).
..........Traci
Re: Overweight Cat
The thing is, we don't have some sort of insurance that can pay for the vet bills. You don't seem to realize, we cannot afford to bring her in to be told that everything is alright except for her weight. Vet bills are high priced, she is not hurt, she has been fine ever since we adopted her from the humane society. Nothing has changed about how she acts, or what she does, or anything of that sort. If that was the case, yes I'd find a way to get her in, but she's not HIGHLY obese, she's just not thin.
Re: Overweight Cat
If you look around on the forums, you'll find lots of information on obesity in pets, or, you can also look here, Feline Health Awareness, or veterinary sites that will adress common health issues that result from being overweight. Whether she is obese or overweight, in pets, one has to be careful to nip it in the bud before health is risked and before additional weight is put on.
Yes, vet bills are high priced, but it is because vets provide optimal care and services, much like you expect from your own doctor, hospital, etc. And, there is health insurance available for pets.
I often hear from owners who think nothing is wrong with their pets, except that one little thing, but the fact is, that one little thing could turn out to be a bigger problem sooner than you realize. In pets, one thing usually affects another thing, and that's why regular veterinary checkups are necessary, it's preventative medicine, and it helps to keep your cats healthy for life. I do understand about the costs, none of us here are rich by any means, but health care for our pets is a priority, so start saving, do without the luxuries for awhile, and you'll find ways to save here and there for pet health care. Most vets also might accept payment arrangements, or even post-dated checks, etc, but you have to first be an established client with the willingness to pay on time, and the willingness to allow your vet to provide your cats the best care, when they need it.
Yes, vet bills are high priced, but it is because vets provide optimal care and services, much like you expect from your own doctor, hospital, etc. And, there is health insurance available for pets.
I often hear from owners who think nothing is wrong with their pets, except that one little thing, but the fact is, that one little thing could turn out to be a bigger problem sooner than you realize. In pets, one thing usually affects another thing, and that's why regular veterinary checkups are necessary, it's preventative medicine, and it helps to keep your cats healthy for life. I do understand about the costs, none of us here are rich by any means, but health care for our pets is a priority, so start saving, do without the luxuries for awhile, and you'll find ways to save here and there for pet health care. Most vets also might accept payment arrangements, or even post-dated checks, etc, but you have to first be an established client with the willingness to pay on time, and the willingness to allow your vet to provide your cats the best care, when they need it.
..........Traci
Re: Overweight Cat
Do you have an health insurance sites for pets?
Re: Overweight Cat
There are several pet health insurance companies, the two I most recommend: Pet Health Insurance. Please read the tips carefully and if choosing a plan, get in touch with the insurance company to answer questions before you ever apply.
..........Traci