Hello,
I've got two sister cats at home, and I'd just like some input on how to help one in particular gain some weight.
The cat in question, Basil, is about 4 years old and was quite a chunker in her first few years when she was strictly an indoor cat, but we've taken to letting the girls outside during the day and bringing them in for the night.
We do this because it was constantly a struggle to keep them indoors (we could tell they were wanderers and who are we to deny their nature?), and I'd rather have happy cats than convenient ones.
Since they're both exponentially more active, they've both slimmed down considerably.
Both are collared at all times with tags, they are microchipped and get treatments to ward off fleas and ticks regularly. They're both up to date on all shots and are brushed often to help them shed and prevent matting on the long hair, Kitkat.
Before they go outside in the morning, they're both given grain-free dry kibble (which we try to make available—as well as fresh water—at all times) and half a packet each of the Whiskas brand wet food. They're given treats as a reward for coming inside in the evenings and more dry food.
Lately we've started giving them wet food in the evenings as well and we would give them a full packet each, but Basil eats exactly half and Kitkat gorges herself on both shares and vomits if she eats too fast. So half a packet it is.
They both hunt throughout the day as well. I know this because I clean up the feathers and other leftovers.
My concern is that Basil has gotten very thin—not so much that her hips stick out, but enough that I can feel a lot of ribs when I pet her. Kitkat is a bit slender for my taste as well.
I've been reading that feeding raw is a good option, but what can I do for cats who stick to small portions?
They're also going out and getting a lot of fresh protein themselves.
Thank you for your time, and please forgive the length.
I've got two sister cats at home, and I'd just like some input on how to help one in particular gain some weight.
The cat in question, Basil, is about 4 years old and was quite a chunker in her first few years when she was strictly an indoor cat, but we've taken to letting the girls outside during the day and bringing them in for the night.
We do this because it was constantly a struggle to keep them indoors (we could tell they were wanderers and who are we to deny their nature?), and I'd rather have happy cats than convenient ones.
Since they're both exponentially more active, they've both slimmed down considerably.
Both are collared at all times with tags, they are microchipped and get treatments to ward off fleas and ticks regularly. They're both up to date on all shots and are brushed often to help them shed and prevent matting on the long hair, Kitkat.
Before they go outside in the morning, they're both given grain-free dry kibble (which we try to make available—as well as fresh water—at all times) and half a packet each of the Whiskas brand wet food. They're given treats as a reward for coming inside in the evenings and more dry food.
Lately we've started giving them wet food in the evenings as well and we would give them a full packet each, but Basil eats exactly half and Kitkat gorges herself on both shares and vomits if she eats too fast. So half a packet it is.
They both hunt throughout the day as well. I know this because I clean up the feathers and other leftovers.
My concern is that Basil has gotten very thin—not so much that her hips stick out, but enough that I can feel a lot of ribs when I pet her. Kitkat is a bit slender for my taste as well.
I've been reading that feeding raw is a good option, but what can I do for cats who stick to small portions?
They're also going out and getting a lot of fresh protein themselves.
Thank you for your time, and please forgive the length.
