The vets says they need to get under 13 pounds or they're at risk for type-2 diabetes. I value her opinion, but I'd like y'all's too!
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Just what exactly is considered overweight?
- Thread starter redhairedgirl
- Start Date
The vets says they need to get under 13 pounds or they're at risk for type-2 diabetes. I value her opinion, but I'd like y'all's too!
Here's a chart to help evaluate your cat's weight: http://www.placervillevet.com/feline...0condition.htm
If the vet has seen them and thinks they are at risk for diabetes, I would take it seriously and start trying to get some weight off them. It might be as simple as reducing the amount of food they get from 2/3 cup to 1/2 cup per day.
If the vet has seen them and thinks they are at risk for diabetes, I would take it seriously and start trying to get some weight off them. It might be as simple as reducing the amount of food they get from 2/3 cup to 1/2 cup per day.
Is the 2/3 cup dry food? My males weigh around 11 or 12 I think. the youngest (2) is probably less cause he has not filled out yet. My guys are well built and solid, so I think 3 more pounds on them probably would be overweight.
The way I understand it, is the dry food is concentrated, and contains a lot of calories. they would probably slim down easily if you gave them wet food instead. Each one of mine get 2/3rd of wet a day, and a half a handful of kibble in the same dish. They share one can of wet, with a few kibble twice a day, they are hungry when it is time to eat, and complete all their food within an hour or less.
If I leave kibble out, I notice they will eat that, and then no eat their wet, which is better for them. So we don't snack between meals, unless I am in the kitchen and someone comes in crying for food, then they will get a few kibbles (I mean like ten pieces) to hold over till dinner, but that rarely happens. I also watch during meals to make sure they get their. Fang will walk away after a few bites, and likes to come back when the other are finished(they scarf it down) so I will pick his dish up, because Spike will leave his to finish Fang's.
anyway, whatever. I would try to follow the vet's recommendation. I'm sure you don't have to do anything drastic, and they don't have to slim down overnight, She was probably giving you a heads up to not overfeed. Do you have a laser pointer? that will get them more exercises, and they love it.
I would not change to diet foods, or withhold food from them if they are hungry. But I would switch from all dry to a combination of wet and dry, and get them some exercise.
The way I understand it, is the dry food is concentrated, and contains a lot of calories. they would probably slim down easily if you gave them wet food instead. Each one of mine get 2/3rd of wet a day, and a half a handful of kibble in the same dish. They share one can of wet, with a few kibble twice a day, they are hungry when it is time to eat, and complete all their food within an hour or less.
If I leave kibble out, I notice they will eat that, and then no eat their wet, which is better for them. So we don't snack between meals, unless I am in the kitchen and someone comes in crying for food, then they will get a few kibbles (I mean like ten pieces) to hold over till dinner, but that rarely happens. I also watch during meals to make sure they get their. Fang will walk away after a few bites, and likes to come back when the other are finished(they scarf it down) so I will pick his dish up, because Spike will leave his to finish Fang's.
anyway, whatever. I would try to follow the vet's recommendation. I'm sure you don't have to do anything drastic, and they don't have to slim down overnight, She was probably giving you a heads up to not overfeed. Do you have a laser pointer? that will get them more exercises, and they love it.
I would not change to diet foods, or withhold food from them if they are hungry. But I would switch from all dry to a combination of wet and dry, and get them some exercise.
I can relate. I was recently told by two different vets that my cat is overweight- not grossly obese, thank goodness, but he should lose a few pounds. He has a large frame and long legs, so he "wears" the weight very well. He's very spry and active (well, as active as he can be in our little apartment), so I hadn't thought his weight was a problem. But when his vet told me he needed to lose weight, I took it seriously. I cut back on the dry food and added some wet- overall he's getting less calories and carbs, but more protein. Dry food is laden with carbs which aren't efficiently metabolized by cats, and tend to get them fat. Anyway, Wally is losing weight verrry slowly (as cats should).
As for your kitties, it's hard to assess their condition just based on their poundage and what you feed. I say you should trust your vet, or visit another vet for a second professional opinion if you feel unsure.
