Now that we have a pet forum, a repost from NWR: Diet for my Cat?

Henry needs to go on a diet. He's 18lbs, which is in the acceptable range for a Maine Coon but the vet is concerned. Problem: I have 2 other cats who are just fine with their weight. How do I put Henry on a diet? We usually just feed them dry food (Purina Chicken & Rice). Thanks!!

Re: Now that we have a pet forum, a repost from NWR: Diet for my Cat?

I have noooooo idea...my cat Snapple is 30 pounds, if not more by now and no amount of diet food, chasing his fat a$$ around the house (to make him exercise), NOTHING makes this fatty fatty lose any weight. And my cat Bubba weighs all of 8 pounds. Lives in the same house, eats the same food (well, sorta). Go figure.

Re: Now that we have a pet forum, a repost from NWR: Diet for my Cat?

My female is 16 and male is 20. It's difficult to only put one on a diet because when the food comes, they both go at it like it was their last meal pushing each other aside eating out of each others bowls etc. I feed them eukanuba dry food only, usually the weight control formula, though it doesn't seem to control anything!

First pic is recent. Second pic is from when they were babies. =)

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Message edited 9/29/2004 3:10:12 PM.

Re: Now that we have a pet forum, a repost from NWR: Diet for my Cat?

I've no idea...I've had Lucy on Iams weight control for a few years and the best it has done is maintain her weight at about 15lbs. At her heaviest, she was 18lbs.

I feed her the chicken flavor, canned food and will give her a 1/2 of hard food at night - like I said, the Iams weight control.

If you do decide to change your cats diet, introduce the new food slowly. Start by mixing it with the current food for about a week...then slowly take out the old food completely. I didn't do this with Lucy a few years ago and it may be the reason why she has (permanent ) constipation issues. She's on meds.

Anyway...good luck!

Re: Now that we have a pet forum, a repost from NWR: Diet for my Cat?

<--My Maine Coon would only eat dry food and was as high as 16 pounds.

Unfortunately, he has a constipation problem (seriously). Our vet came up with a diet of pumpkin pie filling, wet cat food or tuna, and medicine. He lost about 5 pounds just eating that.

Ask your vet. I'm sure they can recommend something good.

You may want to feed the cat separately from the others. That is what we have to do. And we don't leave food out all day (our beagle would devour it).

Message edited 9/29/2004 9:12:54 PM.