Expert: Becky - 2/28/2006

Question
Hi,
I have 2 kittens Max & Madison (brother & sister).  Max is growing up to be quite a big boy and Madison is a tiny girl.  I know this is normal because boy cats are usually bigger but the problem is I think that Max is pinching Madisons food and i'm wondering how to control their feeding without having to physically hold Max so he doesn't eat Madisons food.  I like to leave food out for them while i'm at work but feel Max is getting more that his fair share!  When giving treats, its almost as if Max is eating fast on purpose and watching Madison to make sure he can steal hers before she finishes!!  I don't like to chase him away, because i don't think he understands that it wrong.  Madison doesn't seem bothered to be missing out.  Another question is, can I feed them the likes of Tuna from a tin (in brine, and can i give them the brine or do i drain it?) and a bit of cooked chicken without harming their teeth/general health?  At the moment they get Hills Science plan kitten food and whiskas kitten food with the occassional kat treat.

Answer
Hi Llona!

I don't know any other way to control their feeding habits without separation.  If Madison does not look underfed, then I wouldn't worry about it. Male cats will be bigger and they will eat more.  As long as he is not obese and she is not too thin, then I would let nature take its course.  But if she looks underfed, then I would definetley separate them.  And yes, you are probably right....Max is probably scarfing his portion down in order to get some of Madison's. That's normal and shouldn't cause concern unless he begins to threaten her to keep her away from her food.  
As far as feeding tuna and/or chicken goes,  I always give my cats the "juice" that I drain from the tuna cat.  They love it!  A little bit of tuna won't hurt them ,and neither will some chicken, cooked or raw.  But be careful not to overdo it.  If given too much, they will not eat their dry food. I would use it as a treat only.  Also, too much tuna will give diarrhea.  I found that out the hard way!!  LOL  It sounds like you have two very nice cats and you are trying to do what is best for them. I wish more people were this concerned about their pets.

God Bless,
Becky