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Cats/Fat Cat

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Expert: - 12/3/2007


Question

Baxter & Smokey Bear
I have two cats, Baxter and Smokey Bear. They will be 8 in January and are very fat. They are large in size for their breed (Tuxedo cat) but they are also fat for it. Smokey is about 15 pounds and so is his brother if not more. I have cut back drastically on their food intake (I used to free feed) and they play with eachother a lot as well as the dog so they are getting plenty of excersize. Another thing is that they wont stop meowing. They meow day and night. The only time they wont meow is when I reach down and touch them, then they purr. It doesnt matter how little or how much I pet them, they wont be quiet.

Answer
Hi Robyn,

Try changing the type of food they are eating. Change them over to a low or no grain food. This usually helps. Examples of this are EVO, Wellness, Nature's Variety. This type of food gives them what they need nutritionally and isn't full of the crap that puts weight on them. You will be feeding them less because they are getting more in their food. Follow the directions on the food to make the changeover and on how much to feed them.

The meowing is going to take a little bit on your part to stop them. They have you trained. In their world they associate the meowing with you petting them. They meow - you pet. You need to break them of this cycle. You have to ignore them when they meow and pet them when they don't. It will take time but eventually they will be quiet. Then if they meow it will be for a reason. Good luck.(By the way, nice looking cats)

Ciao, Karen

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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