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Cats/Cat weight

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Expert: - 11/13/2008


Question

Suzy
I have a one year old long hair domestic white cat(Suzy). Recently I noticed that she is so heavy, so I weighed her, she was 13lbs. Do you think that is too much?

Answer
Arwa,

By looking at the picture I would certainly suggest that you speak with your family vet regarding a weight management program. Cats can become seriously ill if they lose weight too rapidly so medical guidance is important in this case. Cats can develop liver failure and a condition called fatty liver disease...Your vet may opt to place your kitty on a calorie restricted diet or a high fiber food to help kitty feel more full so that she doesn't continue to over eat. Having the vet perform diagnostic blood and urine work would also be smart so that your vet has a baseline of what's normal for your cat prior to kitty weight watchers being started....The blood work can tell the vet if there is any medical reason for Suzy to be on the chunky side - thyroid issues and other medical causes can happen in cats just the same as they do in people which is why I recommend the pre-anesthetic blood profile and the urinanalysis.
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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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