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Expert: - 7/5/2009


Question
Hello,

My cat is 6 years old and has put on about 3 pounds in the last three years. I have always just left food down for him because we travel a lot with work and I don't think my adult children will remember to feed him but I am wanting to just put food down twice a day to try to get him to 15 or 16 pounds. He is NOW 19 pounds.

We I travel he eats more but does no do this when the other 3 adult males travel in the family.

He is a mixed breed black tabby/simease and a rescue cat.

I feed him Flint River Rach senior adult food.

It is low ash and magnesium.

He is a very lazy cat and stays indoors.

Would a 1/2 a cup of dry food 2 x a day be the best way to start this?  
What is the best way to help my cat loose this weight?

Thank you very much.

Tonja

Answer
Hi Tonja,

It's great that you are concerned about his weight. I took a look at the ingredients in the food you are feeding your cat and there are a lot of things in it that are causing your cat's weight gain. Here's a link to a great site about what you should be feeding your cat. The author is one of the leading experts on cat nutrition.

http://catinfo.org/feline_obesity.htm#Multiple_Cat_Households

Her advice on foods for your cat is great. The cost of the food she recommends is comparable to what you are feeding now. Follow her advice and all of your cats will be in the best shape of their lives. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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