Fat cat

My 6 year old kitty Sneaky Pie has a weight problem. We went to the vet yesterday, she's 14 lbs. She's got a small body frame, and the vet said she could stand to lose a couple of pounds.

We have tried other strategies. My older kitty (he's 15) free-feeds. And since he's had a time keeping weight on ever since he became a "senior citizen" I feed him whenever he wants. Sneaky is supposed to only eat 2x a day. Trouble is, when he eats, Sneaky is right there behind him, waiting to gobble up anything he leaves behind (Ok, I know, but it is kind of funny) And she knows the sound the food makes in the bowl, and the sound of the pantry door opening (that's where the food is).

The vet said something about a prescription diet being the only thing that worked for him to get his cats to lose weight. Anyone use this? Is it worth the price of the food ($25 for a 10 lb bag). And, the other thing is, the older cat doesn't need to lose any weight, how do I keep him from eating her food, and her from eating his food?

She really does love to play, and I do get the kids to throw her bouncy ball around the house so she can chase it. Not enough though.

My girls are on Science Diet R/D (Reduction Diet), it doesn't help them lose weight, they are still pudgy . The only thing I find that works is smaller portions and no treats, but my girls (both 12) have big appetites.
I like your cats name, are you a fan of the Sneaky Pie Mystery series?

<<I like your cats name, are you a fan of the Sneaky Pie Mystery series?>>

Uh-huh. Cute series. We named her Sneaky Pie b/c when we got her (she was a stray at my mil's house) she said she was grey and black tabby, just like Mrs. Murphy. Well, when they brought her here, she was more torbie than grey tabby. But the kids had it in their heads that her name was to be Sneaky Pie, and it stuck. But with her weight problem, she should be named Pewter- not Sneaky

The other one's name is Mistoflees. At one time, he was "black from his ears to the tip of his tail". He's got a lot of white on him now. I don't know if it's just his color, or if a cat turns grey like a dog when they get old.

I don't feed her treats. She'd eat the whole can in one day if I let her.

What brand of food do you feed your cats?

Have you attempted putting your older cat on scheduled feedings?

14 lbs doesnt sound too bad, compared to my 22 lb fatty
i cant even remember when she was 14 lbs

im callin' jenny craig!

This is what I've found to work the best for my two pudgies.

No free feeding, use set eating times.
Controlled portions with a set amount of food limit.
Exercise.

Remember, you're feeding the cat, not the bowl. The biggest problem I had was learning it was OK to tell my cat, "It's not time for you to eat. Let's go play." I had to retrain myself as well as my kitties. You will find that when they eat less, they are more playful and more mischievious, so be prepared!!

Stephanie

I think most pet food companies have it backwards. Their weight control diets are low in fat and lower in protein and have more carbohydrates. For weight control a cat should eat a diet that is high in protein, moderate in fat with a lower calorie ratio. Wet food provides this kind of nutrition really well. Royal Canin Beauty and Fit is also designed to do this which is why I've chosen this dry food for my cats while I'm trying to get them to lose weight. It has 37% protein and 15% fat. Of course wet food is more effective. High protein percentages help your cats keep more muscle mass. It's just better for the metabolism.

i found that wet food is better than prescription dry, my foster didn't lose anythign on prescription dry, and managed to lose weight on wet food - I dont free feed though, and I had 6 cats in the house most of the time, yet managed to get him to lose over 2kg (although am struggling with the new overweight foster, as she isn't as interested in playing as he was!!). Hiding food, making them play more and can't think of anymore off hand.

Jean44 is completely right. That prescription food, since it is sold only through a veterinarian and not at a pet store, makes even the veterinarians themselves think it is higher quality, when they really don't know much about it at all.

My eyes were just opened to the benefits of a wet food diet. I am going to get some Wellness or Evo dry to supplement, but their primary source of food is wet. I too used the Hill's prescription diet for the longest time, and just gave up when I saw no results or opposite results. I am very hopeful now that I am feeding wet food, which is most like what they eat in nature.