weight-watching kitty with dental concerns

cranberry

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Nov 25, 2013
Messages
36
Purraise
10
Hi everyone,

I'm brand new to the forums and am looking forward to chatting with you all!

My cat is 8 years old, long-haired, and weighs 11.7 pounds.  The vet would like to see her down to 10 pounds.  (She was 8 pounds at age 2, when I adopted her.)

He recommends more dry food than wet because the wet has more calories.  But everything I read says that the dry has more carbs and that's where the weight gain really comes in.

We just cut her wet food down to 1 tablespoon 3x a day.  Her dry food is Science Diet Mature cat food and she gets 1/4 cup a day (spaced into two 1/8 cup servings.)

I'm just wondering if this makes sense.  I'm also concerned about her teeth.  The vet gave us a sample of Hill's Prescription Diet t/d, a dental diet, which she LOVES, so maybe we'll switch, but I'm trying to work out the priorities - weight loss, teeth, and proper nutrition for an "older" cat.  (She is 8 and an indoor cat, but still loves to play.)

Thank you!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #2

cranberry

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Nov 25, 2013
Messages
36
Purraise
10
I forgot to add that her wet food brand is Wellness, if that makes any difference.  
 

vball91

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
3,853
Purraise
252
Location
CO, USA
Most "mature cat" formulations cut back on fat and increase carbs to reduce overall calories. This does not seem appropriate for obligate carnivores to me. In fact, most cats do well on a high animal protein, moderate fat and low to no carb diet. Here's one vet's take on it. http://www.catinfo.org/?link=felineobesity  Here is another vet's take on protein needs for older cats. http://endocrinevet.blogspot.com/2011/11/optimal-protein-requirements-for-older.html

How bad are her teeth? Has she had to have regular cleanings in the past? If not, then personally, the weight loss through proper nutrition would be my top priority. If she has had dental issues in the past, then I would try to balance the two concerns more. The t/d does help with dental health, but I'm not a fan of the ingredients overall. Wet food overall is much better for cats in general than dry. Wet food is usually much lower in carbs and provides the moisture that cats need.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #4

cranberry

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Nov 25, 2013
Messages
36
Purraise
10
Thanks so much!

She hasn't had to have a dental cleaning yet, but I'm sure that's coming eventually.  
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #5

cranberry

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Nov 25, 2013
Messages
36
Purraise
10
OK...so I've done some more research.

It looks like 190-200 calories would be our goal for her situation.  So I'm going to try 1 3 oz. can of Wellness chicken or turkey formula (120 calories) each day, with 3 feedings of one ounce each.  Then 1/4 cup of the Hill's prescription t/d for dental care.  That's about 66 calories and we'll have room for a little extra of either or a few treats.  

Does that sound like a good plan?  
 
Top