weight loss

Tipsy is on a diet. Has been for a few months but its only been the last month that I have officially checked his weight. In the past month he has put on 700g's. He is on the Iam's weight control diet and is actually on less than the recommended quantity.

He has been an indoor cat for the past 6 months. Until then he was indoor/outdoor cat. Something has made him petrified to go outside so he prefers to stay indoors (no lecture on indoors/outdoor cats please). Its winter here in Australia so I know that less activity occurs (and the fact he is now indoors only) but I would of thought that he would of at least stayed the same weight (or close too), not put on 700g's

any other food someone would recommend?

On advise of the vet nurse we are giving in another 2 weeks and will have him weighed again. They recommended the Eukanuba but considering its the same company I am hesitant. We don't have a whole range of products available here in Australia

what am I missing? I have my girls on 'exercise' patrol and they are providing Tipsy with as much exercise as he will put up with. Is there something physical that I should get checked out by the vet?

Thanks!

Is this wet or dry food you are giving him? IMO "diet" dry is not going to do much to have your cat loose weight.

Can you feed canned? When I switched my cats onto wet, everyone lost weight.

its dry.

good wet food is pretty rare to buy here in Australia (i have never seen it for sale but have been told if you wish to buy it online you can but its highly expensive) so the only ones readily available would be supermarket type ones.

Hi Dan...
it is alway nice to see you and your beautiful girls.

So Tipsy has become a little plump?
Although not easy, you are smart to begin the task of modifying his diet before added weight affects his health.
How old is Tipsy now Dan?

My observation is that a cat food company's recommended daily amount is usually way to much food for the average cat.

If you can, feed canned wet too. Begin to change the ratio of wet to dry.
Going that direction will be healthier for Tipsy regardless of the weight issue.
The goal, if possible, is to have as little dry as possible.

Has Tipsy had a full blood panel and urine labs since the weight gain to rule out a health problem?

Because you have limited food options were you live....
can you list the main brands available to you?

We have some members here who know a lot more about how to get a cat to lose weight in a healthy way.
Hopefully they will give you some useful feedback to help Tipsey.

Weight loss is always a long term challenge...
please keep us updated. Maybe you will find a way to do this that will help us all.

Lei, thankyou you always say such nice things xoxoxo I really should update that signature of mine because both girls look completely different now!

Tipsy (who is now 7) is actually VERY plump
He actually refused to eat dry food when he was younger so we had him on supermarket type ones (yes yes, bad I know) but then Cedar had ALOT of problems with urinary infections so I was advised to put him on dry (this was about 2 years a go) Therefore, Tipsy had to be on dry as well, so I switched to a better (non supermarket) product.

He hasnt had a full blood panel done or anything like that and was wondering if that was the road I should go down. I will actually be making an appointment with the vet next week (when the next 2 weeks is up) to discuss things further with her rather than just through the vet nurses (whom, although are fantastic, I would prefer to speak to the vet herself)

I will do some research as to what foods are readily available. The vet stocks Iam's & eukanuba (dry only) and have never seen the wet food available, although in my quick Google search, I did find something online but it was highly expensive. Pet stores stock the same. But I will do some research tomorrow and see what I can find.

I am more than happy to tackle this as a long term challenge considering he is still young but of course, the increase of 700g's in a month is concerning. Even the vet nurses (3 of them) were stumped by it. (guess thats why they told me to trial it for another 2 weeks). And he is on less than the recommended quantity and has been since I started a few months a go. He does vomit his food up a bit (not often, maybe once every 2 weeks, probably longer) but he has been doing that for years and health issues (at the time it started) were ruled out but maybe thats something important?
He used to vomit up more when he was going outside but that was usually because of the grass he was eating I think.

Thanks for your reply darl xoxo

It is thought by many that a lesser quality of wet food is almost always better than a dry food.

You can research wet vs. dry this this forum....
I am still learning about this subject but am now convinced that in many cases, feeding dry food long term, is at the root of many feline health issues.

When you can, make a list of all the wet food available to you, in grocery stores, pet stores etc.
We can help you research the ingredient list once you post that.

I still feed some kibble but am trying to work towards all wet...

Some of my cats are incredibly picky on wet food, so I feed "junky" stuff like friskies, fancy feast, etc. IMO, any wet food is better than no wet food at all.

I feed Friskies. I am a subscriber to the saying, "the lowest end wet is better than the highest end dry".

I have to feed Friskies (certain flavors only) as I have a diabetic cat and that is what yourdiabeticcat.com recommended. Knock on wood, but he is doing wonderfully. Consequently, they all get the same as he does. Just easier than seperating him out all the time.

So, yea, it is supermarket brand, but I will not feed dry. Just too many potential probs down the road.

Good luck with your cat.

I am so enlightened, I have always heard that dry was better for cats.

Is dry bad due to the constantly filled bowl and a can is eaten and no seconds? Or does the wet have better nutrition?

Originally Posted by zohdee

I am so enlightened, I have always heard that dry was better for cats.

Click to expand...

me too!

okay, I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow afternoon (so in about 16 hours time).

I have a list of the wet food avaliable from the supermarket and would appreciate anyones thoughts.

VIP Cat food Mince Gourmet
VIP Fussy cat food prime steak mince
VIP Fussy cat food prime steak mince with chicken
WIP Fussy cat mince tender fish

KiteKat Cat Food with Beef in Gravy
KiteKat Cat Food with Chicken in Gravy
KiteKat Cat Food with Minced Beef
KiteKat Cat Food with with Minced Chicken
KiteKat Food Krunch Sardine, Turkey & Chicken


Purr Cat Food chicken & seafood medley in Jelly
Purr Cat Food Chicken Breast
Purr Cat Food Chicken, egg & vegetables in Gravy
Purr Cat Food Chicken, Salmon & Rice in Gravy
Purr Cat Food Tuna Flake Salmon Jelly
Purr Cat Food Tuna in Jelly
Purr Cat Food Tuna with Chicken Liver in Jelly
Purr Cat Food Tuna with Whitebait in Gravy
Purr Cat Food Tuna, Prawns & Calamari

Whiskas 8 Plus Cat Food Beef & Chicken Casserole
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Casserole with Chicken & Veal
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Casserole with with Chicken & Vegetables
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Fish Ocean Fish Platter Loaf Style
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Fish with Pilchard & Whiting Loaf Style
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Fish with Salmon & Chicken Loaf Style
Whiskas Adult Cat Food with Sardine & Tuna
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Loaf Style with Chicken & Beef
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat Jellymeat Loaf Style
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Chicken & Turkey
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Chicken Mince
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Lamb & Kidney Loaf Style
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Lamb & Turkey Casserole
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Lamb, Turkey & Vegetables Mince
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Sardin, Salmon, Chicken & Vegetable Casserole
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Mince with Beef
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Mince with Chicken

Originally Posted by farleyv

Is this wet or dry food you are giving him? IMO "diet" dry is not going to do much to have your cat loose weight.

Can you feed canned? When I switched my cats onto wet, everyone lost weight.

Click to expand...

Originally Posted by huggles

but then Cedar had ALOT of problems with urinary infections so I was advised to put him on dry (this was about 2 years a go) Therefore, Tipsy had to be on dry as well, so I switched to a better (non supermarket) product.

Click to expand...

That is very strange. Cats (especially males) with urinary tract problems especially need to be on a canned diet. All canned, if possible, and NO FISH.

Speedboat, one of our Rainbow Bridge cats, lived 14 years. For most of them he was a cat with urinary problems, crystals and infections. He was never fat, but large. The vet thought losing weight would help the urinary problems too. He was put on R/D Hills prescription diet until the lost the weight the vet wanted him to. Then his weight was maintained all his life on the W/D food. He only ate dry the whole time.

Try this site for wet food (and dry too) http://dogfood.com.au/

My own cats are raw fed but I supplement kittens with wet food (royal canin and advance), they have excellent prices. I can get 28 100g pouches for just $45, pet stores charge $2.50 each so much cheaper.
Orders over $130 also are shipped free.

Purr is perhaps the best from your supermarket list, I know others who feed it with good results. I'd stay away from the VIP/Fussy cat minces and stick to butchers pet mince or human grade meats.

Originally Posted by huggles

me too!

okay, I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow afternoon (so in about 16 hours time).

I have a list of the wet food avaliable from the supermarket and would appreciate anyones thoughts.

VIP Cat food Mince Gourmet
VIP Fussy cat food prime steak mince
VIP Fussy cat food prime steak mince with chicken
WIP Fussy cat mince tender fish

KiteKat Cat Food with Beef in Gravy
KiteKat Cat Food with Chicken in Gravy
KiteKat Cat Food with Minced Beef
KiteKat Cat Food with with Minced Chicken
KiteKat Food Krunch Sardine, Turkey & Chicken


Purr Cat Food chicken & seafood medley in Jelly
Purr Cat Food Chicken Breast
Purr Cat Food Chicken, egg & vegetables in Gravy
Purr Cat Food Chicken, Salmon & Rice in Gravy
Purr Cat Food Tuna Flake Salmon Jelly
Purr Cat Food Tuna in Jelly
Purr Cat Food Tuna with Chicken Liver in Jelly
Purr Cat Food Tuna with Whitebait in Gravy
Purr Cat Food Tuna, Prawns & Calamari

Whiskas 8 Plus Cat Food Beef & Chicken Casserole
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Casserole with Chicken & Veal
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Casserole with with Chicken & Vegetables
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Fish Ocean Fish Platter Loaf Style
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Fish with Pilchard & Whiting Loaf Style
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Fish with Salmon & Chicken Loaf Style
Whiskas Adult Cat Food with Sardine & Tuna
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Loaf Style with Chicken & Beef
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat Jellymeat Loaf Style
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Chicken & Turkey
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Chicken Mince
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Lamb & Kidney Loaf Style
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Lamb & Turkey Casserole
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Lamb, Turkey & Vegetables Mince
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Meat with Sardin, Salmon, Chicken & Vegetable Casserole
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Mince with Beef
Whiskas Adult Cat Food Mince with Chicken

Click to expand...

With your permission Dan, I am going to post this list in the Nutrition forum...
maybe you will get more feedback about this list there.
I will post a link to it here, as so as I am done.

Originally Posted by xocats

With your permission Dan, I am going to post this list in the Nutrition forum...
maybe you will get more feedback about this list there.
I will post a link to it here, as so as I am done.

Click to expand...

Below is a link to the thread that I posted in Nutrition...
I hope that you get some useful feedback.
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...59#post2911259

I will be checkin back to see how your vet appoint went.
Tipsy

How did Tippy do at the vet appointment?

My idea about listing the canned grocery store food was not such a good one. The thread I posted in nutrition is already near the bottom of the page with no posts.

I think what you will have to do Dan, is try to follow your vet's advice while you take a look in Nutrition about canned foods. When you understand how to read the label ingredients you can prioritize which food to buy from that info.

Let us know how Tippy is doing please.

Originally Posted by missymotus

Try this site for wet food (and dry too) http://dogfood.com.au/

My own cats are raw fed but I supplement kittens with wet food (royal canin and advance), they have excellent prices. I can get 28 100g pouches for just $45, pet stores charge $2.50 each so much cheaper.
Orders over $130 also are shipped free.

Purr is perhaps the best from your supermarket list, I know others who feed it with good results. I'd stay away from the VIP/Fussy cat minces and stick to butchers pet mince or human grade meats.

Click to expand...

thankyou I will certainly keep that website in mind and your opinion of the Purr food & VIP/Fussy (which I had never heard of actually). I really appreciate your response

Originally Posted by otto

That is very strange. Cats (especially males) with urinary tract problems especially need to be on a canned diet. All canned, if possible, and NO FISH.

Click to expand...

Originally Posted by blueyedgirl5946

Speedboat, one of our Rainbow Bridge cats, lived 14 years. For most of them he was a cat with urinary problems, crystals and infections. He was never fat, but large. The vet thought losing weight would help the urinary problems too. He was put on R/D Hills prescription diet until the lost the weight the vet wanted him to. Then his weight was maintained all his life on the W/D food. He only ate dry the whole time.

Click to expand...

I have to be honest that I can not remember the exact reason behind the change to the dry food as it was a few years a go now but I do believe that it also had to do with him loosing weight. But I honestly cant remember. I have put alot of those issues with Cedar behind me now and erased them from my memory.

Originally Posted by xocats

How did Tippy do at the vet appointment?

My idea about listing the canned grocery store food was not such a good one. The thread I posted in nutrition is already near the bottom of the page with no posts.

I think what you will have to do Dan, is try to follow your vet's advice while you take a look in Nutrition about canned foods. When you understand how to read the label ingredients you can prioritize which food to buy from that info.

Let us know how Tippy is doing please.

Click to expand...

no no Lei, it was a great idea! Hopefully someone still might be able to offer some further responses.

I havent had the appointment yet. Its at 4.15pm, so another 2 1/2 hours away but I do trust this vet and I will certainly come back here and let you know what her advice is.
I am not sure I can get my head around all this nutrition business but I will most certainly attempt to give it a go. I always get so muddled with these things (blush)

After learning the basics about feline nutrition....
all we can do is choose the best options available.
From there, whether the food will agree with our Kittie's digestive systems is simply trial & error I think.

Go slow when changing foods. If Tipsy develops lose stools from the new food, back off and go slower with the food introduction. If that food still don't agree, you will have to find another food with different ingredients.
It can drive you nuts.
But it's worth the time and effort just to see our sweeties be a healthy as possible.

It is almost 9PM here, so I will check back in the morning for your vet update.
I will be thinking about you Tipsy.