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Cats/Feeding multiple cats

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Expert: - 7/10/2009


Question
I have 2 cats at home, Everett and Zoe. We have had Everett since he was a kitten, Zoe we just got recently from the shelter.

Everett is used to grazing through the day and he is a normal weight. Zoe however was overweight when we got her, and she eats everything!

We have tried scheduled feeding, but Everett will not eat right away, he will sniff it and walk away, and of course Zoe gobbles hers up and goes for Everett's.

We feed them both canned food with a dish of dry food out as well.

There is no where we can put Everett's food separately that Zoe cannot get to. She can even get her fat bum on the counter if she wants to.

What do you suggest? Everett is so used to having food out all day, I don't want him to starve by taking everything away after feeding.

Answer
Hi Carlee,

You really need to read this link. It is from one of the best cat nutritionists there is. She has an excellent section on obese cats and multi cat families.
http://catinfo.org/feline_obesity.htm

I believe this will help you a lot. 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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