How to get cat to lose weight?

My cat will be turning 8 later this month, up until age 2-ish she was an outdoor cat, but since then she's been an indoor cat. She doesn't really get much exercise, except for the occasional run around the house when the new kitten is chasing her. She eats EVERYTHING. She eats her own food, the dogs food, the kittens food. She knows it's bad because when you catch her in the act of eating food that isn't meant for her she quickly waddles away chirping and making little noises. She even eats our food if she can get at it. Obviously this isn't healthy, any suggestions on ways to help her lose weight?

I would have a talk to your vet about a weight loss program for her (as he/she is familiar with your pet's history). I'm sure they could recommend a healthy weight loss program.

You will likely want to combine a weight loss program with a behavior change - I doubt you will be able to leave food out for your other animals or she will just eat their food and that will negate any weight loss program. Start thinking about everyone haveing a meal time with no food left out between meals.

Originally Posted by stephenq

You will likely want to combine a weight loss program with a behavior change - I doubt you will be able to leave food out for your other animals or she will just eat their food and that will negate any weight loss program. Start thinking about everyone haveing a meal time with no food left out between meals.

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Also what type of cat food are you feeding her? Try a formula that is made for indoor cats...pretty much every brand of cat food has a formula made for indoor cats (then your kitten doesn't suffer either). Also make sure she gets exercise. One of the best toys I bought for Beauty was Da Bird. Beauty was/is fat because she loves to play but doesn't like to move. Since Da Bird is constructed to mimic a "prey bird" Beauty will actually jump to get at it and move around. I would suggest getting this for your cat and playing this with her for 5-10 minutes starting time, then after a couple of weeks build the time up to 10-15 minutes.

I agree- you have to focus just as much on increasing exercise as you do on reducing food.

Talk to a VET before reduceing food as you may do more harm than good... check the food your feeding ... if it has more than too different grains in the first three ingrediants get one that has less ... some indoor foods are adult with light advantages( ie less fat but same protein.... ingrediants that target fat)

It's just like for humans....diet & exercise. Of course, only change their diet under the advice and guidance of your vet. We had to put my cat on a reduced diet food and limit her intake (no free feeding). I think it was harder on me than it was on her! Also I tried to play more with her and invite her to play as much as possible. No more loafing! (yeah, right!)

Stephanie

Oh yea and make sure you measure the amount of food you're giving him (if you're not already).

When B and I moved in together Patches and Beauty were F-A-T. Turns out he was dipping the entire bowl into the bag and just feeding them WAY too much. With 4 cats, I do 4 bowls about 3/4 - 1 cup each.

Originally Posted by lunasmom

Also make sure she gets exercise. One of the best toys I bought for Beauty was Da Bird. Beauty was/is fat because she loves to play but doesn't like to move. Since Da Bird is constructed to mimic a "prey bird" Beauty will actually jump to get at it and move around. I would suggest getting this for your cat and playing this with her for 5-10 minutes starting time, then after a couple of weeks build the time up to 10-15 minutes.

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I'll add my endorsement. I just managed to find "Da Bird", and Jamie loves it. It certainly seems designed to get even lazy cats moving.

Have to add my 2 cents on Da Bird.
My cats love it, I love it;
however....
The fat cat lays on his back and rolls back and forth after it when it comes his way.

Firstly, are you free feeding all of your animals, even your dog? If so, feed them all twice a day. They will get into the habit of eating twice a day, which will mean the kitten gets all the food it needs, your fat cat gets only the amount she needs, and she can keep out of the dog food because the dog will eat it.

Stopping free feeding will probably help her lose weight just as much as it would to cut back her food intake.

Originally Posted by jcat

I'll add my endorsement. I just managed to find "Da Bird", and Jamie loves it. It certainly seems designed to get even lazy cats moving.

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Where did you guys find "Da Bird"? I think I should get one for Prego. He's still a half pound overweight, but the vet doesn't want me to cut back his food anymore.

In another thread, somebody said to try smaller pet stores. I did an online search, and found one online shop in my country of residence that sold it.
You could try www.go-cat.com , or
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2002+113121