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Cats/Maine Coon feeding problems

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Expert: - 4/14/2007


Question
My Mum's cat, Hobbes, is nine years old in July.  Our vet has said that Hobbes is overweight so has put him on a diet of Hills Prescription Diet r/d - 75grams per day.  Hobbes constantly worries for food, and has started to have a really bad atitude towards my Mum.  She feeds him three times a day but his constant worrying has become a real problem.  Hobbes grabs at my Mum when she walks past and has scratched her so many times because he seems to have the hump that she won't feed him whenever he likes.  Any advice you can give on whether we are feeding him enough, how to curb his unruly behaviour or how to stop him constantly worrying would be most welcome.

Thanks very much.

Answer
Hi Angela,

I recommend another cat food. It is called Innova Evo. It is a very high nutrition dry food. There are no fillers in it. Your cat will get more of what it needs with less food. Your cat's coat will be better. He will not need a lot of food to get what he needs. He should lose weight on this food because he will not be eating as much. Make the change over gradually. I think you will find that your cat will thrive in this food. Also add more exercise to his routine. Get a laser pointer. Cats love to chase the red dot. Play with him for about 10-15 minutes a day. This will help him lose weight. Good luck and if he keeps on attacking your Mom , write back and I will help you break him of this habit.

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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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