Please help--how to keep adult cat from kitten's food?

We successfully introduced Penny, our 3-month old kitten, to Terrell, our 7-year old cat. Terrell is a bit overweight (vet said not too much to worry about), and we were hoping Penny would spur him into activity.

Well, now that they're together, Terrell is eating all of Penny's food! We've tried selectively feeding Penny for a day or so, but she just gets so hungry because her little tummy can't store up enough food for the 8 hours we're gone. So to avoid her starving, we just leave food out for her. (Terrell gets fed twice a day.) We've also tried putting the food up; and clapping loudly when Terrell eats it.

Plus, kitten food is so high in calories in fat. I'm sure this is actually BAD for him instead of good!

Please help. I'm so concerned about him.

I'm going through the same thing! Only with my cats, it's like the grass is always greener- the 2 adult cats love the kitten food, and the kitten wants the big cat food! When I asked about this before, the only real solution people suggested for me was not to free feed for the time being. that way their meals are all supervised. I just don't like that because my boyfriend and I both work fulltime, so after around 7:30, we don't get back until around 5:30 or 6! So I agree with you that that's too long to leave no food out!

One thing that DID work when my second cat was a kitten... At the time my first cat was already about a year, so he was bigger than her. He was eating ALL her food. We found a little nook where she could fit, but he could not! SO the poor thing did have to squeeze into a hole to eat, but atleast she had something to eat. She didn't seem to mind. So maybe you could find some place that Terrell can't fit. In this case, his overweight gait might work in your favor!

I wish I knew!!
Our cats never wanted kitten food when they were kittens. Now that they're too old, they want it all of the time!

(We keep dry kitten food on hand for the ferrets, if Chucky or Milo find an unopened bag, they tear a hole in it to get the food out!! )

Originally Posted by Brienne

One thing that DID work when my second cat was a kitten... At the time my first cat was already about a year, so he was bigger than her. He was eating ALL her food. We found a little nook where she could fit, but he could not! SO the poor thing did have to squeeze into a hole to eat, but atleast she had something to eat. She didn't seem to mind. So maybe you could find some place that Terrell can't fit. In this case, his overweight gait might work in your favor!

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Since meal times won't work for you, I was going to suggest something like this. I've heard of a couple of people who have gotten a box of some sort, and cut a hole in in big enough for the smaller cat, but too small for the larger. If you can't find a nook of some kind, maybe this would be an option.

I definetly would agree with the "find a place too small for the older cat" method. I think that this might work the best in you situation. In fact, I wish I had thought of that when we introduced a new kitten about a year ago.

Originally Posted by Jeamy

I've heard of a couple of people who have gotten a box of some sort, and cut a hole in in big enough for the smaller cat, but too small for the larger. If you can't find a nook of some kind, maybe this would be an option.

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i think this is a great idea - however having said that - hopefully they arent anything like my eldest cat - who just chews and chews cardboard - seriously its crazy - and so quick!!! he would chew through that box like there was no tomorrow if there was food in there