It's hard for me to tell about his food and water intake - he seems about average - although - if he's finished his portion of food and still hungry, then one of his family members will be moving out of his way as he decides to eat theirs too.Originally Posted by space1101
Thanks for the link, Gloria. so I guess the major concern for a healthy senior cat is still calorie according to the article. Your cat looks cool in that picture. My cat also has big bone frame, but certainly not bigger than your cat, haha. I just weighed him again, actually 11.5 pounds, another cat is 10 pounds. Just the saggy tummy makes him look a bit fat.
Does your cat need to eat and drink more than other cats? My cats eat about 180 kcal per day.
Originally Posted by space1101
Callista, Joshua doesn’t have waist, and I can see folds of fat on his thigh and tummy when he sits down. I’m not sure if he walks slowly because of his weight or of his age. Last year, he was slimmer and seemed more willing to do a little running. He has been eating dry food all his life until last year. He was in good shape when he was on dry food, but he threw up like every one or two weeks. After I switched him to wet food, he doesn’t throw up any more and gained about one pound.
More protein and smaller portions will do him a world of good. And if he has no waist at all, do not feel scared to have him lose weight as I can almost guarantee it is what is causing his lack of energy. (Though if he hasn't been to the vet in a while, get him a senior panel as well to make sure his thyroid is functioning correctly.)Originally Posted by space1101
Minka, these links are really good. These have finally help me understand senior cat nutrition. Thank you! I will give Joshua more protein!
I wonder if his weight gain might be related to not being able to run around so much anymore--he's getting older, getting less exercise because his joints are stiffer; so he's not burning as much energy as he used to.Originally Posted by space1101
Callista, Joshua doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t have waist, and I can see folds of fat on his thigh and tummy when he sits down. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m not sure if he walks slowly because of his weight or of his age. Last year, he was slimmer and seemed more willing to do a little running. He has been eating dry food all his life until last year. He was in good shape when he was on dry food, but he threw up like every one or two weeks. After I switched him to wet food, he doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t throw up any more and gained about one pound.