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Expert: - 8/30/2009


Question
hi there,

i have a 22 week old male kitten who is very active and was recently neutered.  he is starting to get a little bit of a tummy, and i've heard this can happen in some male cats after castration.  i was wondering if this is a growing phase that most cats go through (getting a little tummy, and then growing into it), or if i should switch from his kitten food to regular cat food, or if i should just regulate how much i give him (i figured since he's still growing, and VERY active, he probably needs all the calories and fat in the kitten food, but i don't want him to develop a weight problem).  

he's mostly getting nutro max cat kitten dry food with occasional wet food (also nutro, max cat kitten).  he doesn't get too much wet food though because it tends to cause him a bit of diarrhea.  he doesn't really get table scraps since i'm vegetarian.  he DOES occasionally get a little honeydew melon (i checked the aspca website to make sure it was safe for him) and sometimes a tiny bit of asparagus (i cleared it with his vet), but only very rarely, and only in very small amounts, so i know it's not anything extra we're feeding him.

thanks

Answer
Hi Jenn,

I think you need to read this link. Since you care about what you eat, I think you want the best for your cat also. http://catinfo.org/index.htm
It has a lot of good info on cat nutrition. And it has a good section on cat obesity.

He should be getting some exercise. Get a laser pointer and some other interactive toys. Set aside about 15-30 minutes of playtime for you and him. It does a body good. :)

Some cats have a section of skin that hangs down. It makes the cats look fat but they are not. I call the ones on mine their dewlap. He may have that. If he does have that it is perfectly normal. Hope this helps. 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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