Expert: Becky - 1/23/2006

Question
I already had a two-year old Siamese male in the home when I brought in a male, Siamese kitten this month.  Prior to the new addition, I would simply leave dry food out for the 2 year old and that worked great.  Now, with the new kitten, it seems as if the 2 year old is being a hog and scarfing down food with abandon.  The kitten seems to be getting plenty to eat, but I think the 2 year old is over-eating and starting to look plump.  What can I do to prevent the 2 year old from selfishly eating more than he needs and, as a result, putting on a lot of weight?

Answer
Hey Shawn,

I think your older Siamese is so afraid that the kitten is going to get his food, that he is making sure he gets plenty!  I also recently bought a new little Siamese kitten.  I fed him separate from my other cats for awhile to make sure he got enough to eat.  Now he horns right in with the others and gets enough to eat.  As far as your question though,  the only way you're going to be able to monitor his food is start to feeding him on a schedule.  Measure out their food and feed them in separate areas. This will make sure he doesn't over eat, while making sure they both get food.   But if this is too drastic, I would give it a little while and you will probably see him tapering off as he gets used to the new kitten and realizes that the kitten is not going to get all his food.  

God Bless,
Becky