Has anyone had success putting their cat on a diet?

[4_Legs_Good]

Hi everyone!

I have a 10 year old indoor only cat who is grossly overweight. She weighs over 20 pounds and she's got grooming problems not to mention that I think it's starting to affect her health. I also have two other cats, one is her sister who is mildly overweight (but very active and healthy) and a 5 year old who is thin/fit and super active.

I have heard tons of stories of people putting their fat cats on diets, but I've yet to hear a success story. It's especially difficult because of the other two cats.

If anyone has any tips, I'd appreciate hearing about them.

Thanks!!

david

[BlackVelvetElvis]

1. Get her to be active. Play with her.

[Catshrink]

2. Same problem

Here is my Sammy. As you can see, he's a b-i-g boy, about 25 pounds. I've tried the diet cat foods but he just eats more of it. I'm at a loss. I'm anxious to hear what others have to say.

[Noon_Blue_Apples]

3. Give them less!!!

same if you wanted to lose weight.

How can your cat eat more of it unless you give it to him. See your vet, put him on a weight managemet plan (ie: Hill's science diet) and he will lose weight.

and yes, play more

Bill

[4_Legs_Good]

7. But how do I deal with the other two?

One is not overly-overweight, the other is fit/underweight.

They eat high quality cat food (dry only), and it's out most of the time. Does creating actual feeding times work perhaps? Put the food out for 1/2 hour 2x a day and then put it away? I'm afraid though (and I believe I've tried this) that they'll just gorge in that 1/2 hour and then vomit.

Trying to get her more active is a good suggestion, but she's such a lap cat. I guess that's what happens when you eat a lot and then lie in bed all day.

david

[JusticeForAll]

4. Zoey

I have a cat who was incredibly underweight when I adopted her. She was terrified of eating because of attacks from her previous feline companion durring meal times at her old home.

She came to live with me and now is dealing (I almost said suffering, given her attitude shift during her time with me, I'd hardly say she's suffering from anything) with the problem of being overweight, according to my vet.

I've reduced her weight over the past year in the following ways.

1) Playing with her more often (great suggestion...this one I think is most effective). When I got Zoey, she was timid and afraid of her own shadow and spent most of the day hiding/sleeping under my bed. Now she is active and sprite, well, as sprite as her newly-gained pounds would have her be. TOys have been pretty ineffective except for those which have moved on their own in some way and have been able to cause her distraction and entertainment.

2) BUying light formula cat food. I feed my cat dry food, the light kind.

3) Limiting availability of cat food. I have been a failure at this one. Given her mealtime horrors from the last home she lived in, I haven't been able to bring myself to portion her meals. I like the feeling that she is comfortable knowing that there is food available whenever she needs it.

The first two measures have been successful in maintaining and reducing her weight by a couple pounds.

HOpe this helps.

[NewHampster]

5. Please someone post that pic of the Mega Coon Cat

that will make you feel better

[BlackVelvetElvis]

6. My cats favorite toys

They love the "fishing line" with a feather on it. They also love the feather covered mouse that rattles but that toy is played with without my involvement. Playing with them allows me to bond more with them too.

[Onlooker]

8. It's really tough.

I have an adorable lazy cat who has been on a diet for years. In the latest version of the diet, I think he's losing weight. According to my lousy scale, he dropped from 20 to 18 lbs in the last few months. He should way about 12 lb. Here's what he gets.

1/8 cup of Prescription diet M/D at morning and night
1/6 cup of Prescription diet M/D soft food in when I get home from work and a couple hours later
1 medium shrimp, cut into very small pieces sometime in the evening
Absolutely no other treats, unless I cut back something else.

He adores the shrimp, so I make him jump from a chair to the sofa about 3 times per piece or a total of 18 times. (This has really helped him. He now jumps via chair up to the window sill or into bed. For awhile, he would only get above 1 foot if someone lifted him.)

The only thing Max likes to play with is long blades of grass, which you can buy at a florist. They're really great because he's a lazy cat. He simply lies on the floor and pats his paw or reaches with it for the blade. I move the blade around and if I tickle his butt with it, he actually will sit up (in a shlumpy position). It's a good game because you can keep your eyes fixed to the tv or book while he plays.

He used to enjoy crumpled up newspaper, so if a blade of grass doesn't work, try that.

He's now 14 years old, but several years ago, he was on Prescription diet R/D, and lost a few pounds That stopped working after awhile.