Really Fat Cats

Dawn asked:


My cat is really fat, and it hardly eats. It wheezes and coughs. I think it has lost its hearing. I took it to the vet but they said it was just getting old it’s 3. Can you help me?

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kookoo4travel asked:


He kept getting crystals, meaning over $1,000 every year for the Vet visit. His Vet suggested that he have a sex change to stop the problem, remove his male parts and give him a Vagina. Since the sex change, no more crystals and the yearly $1,000+ painful Vet expense. The only problem, my cat got REALLY FAT! But very cute!

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Trix_R_not_4_kids asked:


How do we help her loose weight? She is still very playful and she eats diet (dry) food. The vet said her weight is fine, but she appears to be a bit round in the belly area.

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kathyb12465 asked:


she is 11 years old, somewhat lazy to boot! she is on weight management food but i need to stimulate her a bit for exersise. does anybody know any great ideas to get her moving. special toys, etc. for the most part all i can get her to do is stick out her paw to grab. if she doesnt get it no prob. she just goes back to sleep.
i took her to the vet the other day and when i put her on the scale some man walking in said “oh thats a pretty cat, is she a maine coon?” OMG! thats like asking a heavy set woman when shes due!! you should have sen the hurt in her eyes……
her weight management food is proplan dry. first ingredient is chicken, then brewers rice. it is 46% protein. also she does get wet food as well. i give her urinary tract wet food.
i want to thank you all for your answers and the weight management responses will be followed through…however i gotta give the toy answer to laser man. thanks all im going to petsmart tonight for the high grade wet food and laser.

Here Kitty Kitty asked:


She will NOT gain any weight. I gave her some worm medicine, but it did not help. The other cats are fat, but she is very very skinny. Btw, she is a stray cat that I am trying to tame. I can’t take her to the vet because she won’t let me catch her.
I have been letting this cat eat with my two healthy cats. Is this a bad idea? Can they catch something from her?

Jenny Jackson asked:


Fatter cats may be cuddlier, but they don’t live as long as average weight cats. Sad but true. Fat cats are twice as likely to die in middle age. They are also 4.5 times more likely to develop diabetes, seven times more likely to become lame from arthritis and three times more likely to have skin problems.

About 20-30 percent of domestic cats are obese, particularly older females.

It is important to recognize if your cat has a weight problem. To do this you need to be prepared to admit that you have played a role in this, however unwittingly. Nobody sets out to make their cat overweight…it can just sneak up on you.

How to tell if your cat is overweight

Cats at a healthy weight have a waist. If you have difficulty feeling your cat’s ribs when applying a small amount of pressure, you have a problem. When you look down at your cat, if you see a bulge around his stomach, he is overweight. An average weight cat’s sides will look pretty straight.

If you prefer to have numbers, you can weigh your cat and compare that to published weights on specific breeds. Your vet can tell you how much your non-pedigree should weigh.

To weigh your cat, you need to weigh yourself alone, then weigh yourself holding the cat. The difference is your cat’s weight.

Why your cat is overweight

Unfortunately the most likely reason is that it eats more than it needs. As they get older, cats become less active and don’t need as many calories. Overeating can be attributed to boredom, excess leftovers and treats and possibly the introduction of another pet. Your overweight cat may eat your other cat’s food if they are fed together.

Food changes

If you are still feeding your cat the same amount as when he was young and spritely, try reducing the amount in each meal a little, and feeding smaller amounts more frequently if you can. If your cat is seriously overweight, you can talk to your vet about lower calorie foods. You’ll need to cut down any snacks or leftovers you’re giving as well. Play with your cat instead of giving treats. You may need to feed multiple cats separately to ensure that they only get the portion you’ve given them.

Cat playout

Indoor cats may not get enough exercise. Play with your cat more. You can use home made toys to encourage active play, as simple as a feather or ball of yarn. Another great way to activate your cat is to shine a torch on a wall and let your cat chase it. Punch some holes in a box and let your cat play inside it, or in a paper bag.

Once you see the problem, you can do something about it. You have a lot of control over your cat’s food and environment, and your efforts will be rewarded with a healthier cat who will be with you for many years to come.