[karaokekat]

Hi. I'm new on here but I was looking for some help. I have two cats. Gandalf is an 8 1/2-9 month old cat, who is pretty thin and very active. Mooch is an older cat (he was when we acquired him so not sure of the age) probably at least 3 years old, and very overweight. We would like to try to get Mooch on maybe a special diet but with Gandalf being so thin we actually need her to gain some weight. So I was wondering if anyone out there had any ideas on how we can bring both our cats to a more healthy weight for their ages. (We've tried giving them seperate bowls, but they don't listen to sensibility. ) Anyone? We would appreciate any information or help.

 

[ForJazz]

Feed them at separate times, at certain times of the day. Let them eat for a half houreach feeding session, then put the food away. That's what I would do at least. I realize that free-feeding is more convenient, but I guess if you really want to change your cats' body weight then you need to manage it a bit. Your (at least) 3 year old cat is still young enough to play and be active - have you tried different kinds of toys to see what they like? In my experience, even cats who will not play with any other toys enjoy wand toys. I think it's because it keeps moving since YOU are the one controlling it, so it still looks like it's alive. :lol:

 

[karaokekat]

Unfortunately, right now we are living in a one room studio. The other cat would come running when they heard the food. Hard to keep them away from each other even during feeding time.

 

[ForJazz]

Unfortunately, right now we are living in a one room studio. The other cat would come running when they heard the food. Hard to keep them away from each other even during feeding time.

I would try everything I could then. Keep one on a harness and leash maybe? Keep one up high on a counter or table, and one down low? The only thing you'd need to remember then is to put away the food when feeding time was over. They will need to be separated somehow if you really want to watch their individual diets, so you just have to try something.

 

[Jeanie]

I have the same problem. My male is thin. What I do is give him a small amount of canned food, even though he has already just eaten his dry food. I do this only once a day, because I have to put it right beside the computer where I can watch him and the female.

I also give him vitamins to increase his appetite. Morsel by morsel and fraction of an ounce at a time, I'm making progress. He is healthy and active, but doesn't have a big appetite. If he sees his "sister," he wants to step back and let her eat! The reason I don't give him canned food more often is because it has fewer calories than dry food. If he leaves a very small amount, a couple pieces of chicken, I let Precious have it for a treat. She's not obese, but she would be if I gave her more than that. If she gets fatter, I'll have to stop free feeding.

 

[queen of the nile]

My cats get four meals a day and I supervise everyone of them. If you are able to feed them several meals a day instead of free-feed them, then that would be the best solution. You could then feed your overweight cat a calorie-restricted diet (with vet supervision of course) and your thin cat a calorie-rich diet. My cats have adjusted to their schedule very well and no longer eat each others' food.

 

[karaokekat]

Thanks for all the help guys... I'll give your suggestions a try..

 

[Lilly]

I think you could safely free feed a weight managment food to both cats, then once or twice a day shut your thin cat in the bathroom with some canned food.

I am no expert at nutrition though

 

[Jeanie]

I forgot to mention Nutrical! It's a malt flavored gel that some cats love and will lick off your finger. If your cat won't, rub it into his paws and he'll lick it off. Don't put a glob on or he'll just wave it away!

 

[drjean]

feeding different cats

I recommend a canned food diet for weight loss, no or very limited dry. Dry food is where the carbs, and the calories, are really packed in. Most canned foods are fine for "all life stages" so you could feed different-age cats the same thing.

For info on nutrition and feeding, I have a bunch of articles in our "free article library" at http://www.littlebigcat.com/?action=library

Cheers,
Dr. Jean

 

[ForJazz]

Yes, I admit...drjean is my hero.

 

[karaokekat]

I agree, ForJazz..

Dr. Jean, I read a few of those articles and they really look like they can help... Thank you for sending them my way... you are truly a helpful (If new, I have read your other posts ) addition to this board. Thank you.

Kat