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are birmans meant to be thin

post #1 of 9
1/13/06 at 4:07pm
Thread Starter 
hi all
my sister took in a 2 year old birman from a neibour who didnt want her anymore because shes peeing on her couch, well when we got her into the house the cat started purring away and is happily settling in ok, but shes VERY VERY thin her spine is sticking up and shes soo light the last owner says she just ate tuna but i think we need to feed her up and get some weight on her she look healthy enought , bright eyed ect, but what can we give her that can be bought in scotland , or any home made recipes thanks all
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post #2 of 9
1/13/06 at 4:38pm
When you say all the cat was fed is Tuna? Do you mean canned Tuna for humans? If so then thats the main cause of the cats weight problem. Tuna is not a healthy diet for any cat. As a treat once in awhile. Or to entice a sick cat to eat then yes . But as its main diet. NO!
I don't have any idea what types of cat food are available in Scotland. You must have pet stores that sell high quality pet foods. Even super market cat food is better then tuna fish.
Check around pet stores in your area and pick a good brand of dry (kibbles) and also serve your cat canned high quality cat food.
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post #3 of 9
1/13/06 at 4:47pm
Thread Starter 
i will let her know asap.
i take it it is canned tuna the last owner gave her , but shes just so thin i dont think this lady meant any baddnes but shes not done this beuty any favors either i will get the new food personaly for my sis tmorrow thanks cheryl xx
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post #4 of 9
1/13/06 at 5:13pm
Birmans should have a heavy to medium build to them, and you should definately not be able to feel the spine or ribs. If this poor kitty has been fed tuna her whole life, she might be a little small, but a typical Birman girl should probably weigh in somewhere around 10 pounds, give or take a few up or down if I remember right. They're pretty large cats overall. Glad your sister has taken her in, and we'd love pictures (especially me! I've yet to meet a Birman I didn't like! )
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post #5 of 9
1/13/06 at 8:19pm
In any cat, you should not feel any bones sticking out. It is okay to feel the hip bones but there should be a layer of fat over them. If the hip bones feel like there is nothing covering them but skin and fur, that is the biggest sign that a cat is too thin. Cats are genetically programmed to be different sizes (one of mine is less than 3 kg at almost 3 years old!), but there is a difference between normal thin and too thin.
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post #6 of 9
1/14/06 at 12:35am
Poor cat. On a diet of tuna she will have vitamin deficiency as well as weight loss. I hope your sister will take her to the vet asap for a full checkup - if she has come from an ignorant (if well meaning) home she will probably not have shots or been dewormed, and that could also cause weight problems. I am so glad she now has people who want to do the right thing!
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post #7 of 9
1/14/06 at 2:11am
Try hi-life kitten food (kitten food has more calories so will build her up a bit) or royal canin kitten food.

I like Hi-life because its made with real meat and actually looks and smells like food!
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post #8 of 9
1/14/06 at 11:47am
Thread Starter 
thanks for all your help i will buy hi life in morn we get it ok here aslo as soon as i get a pic i will post it , i saw the cat toaday its a shame for her shes just very quiete but ill make sure she gets better soon and build her up , shell be fine xxxxxx
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post #9 of 9
1/14/06 at 12:42pm
You should tell your sister that she must have a vet check up. She might very well have worms. And she does need shots if she has not had them
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