tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Sarah Nicholas — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:54:41 GMT

[quote user="LoveCat"] I measure out his total allowance at the start of the day and feed as many meals as he likes throughout (not just 2 or 3) as it means he crys and begs less![/quote]

That's a really good idea actually - he is coping better with more meals but only time will tell if this does the trick lol.

Thank you all for your advice it really helps xxx

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

christinam — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:26:12 GMT

[quote user="loopylou711"]

[quote user="christinam"]

[quote user="loopylou711"]

Hes on urinary which has also made it hard. But hes on one pouch and 25grams of biscuits. Nothing really!

[/quote]

Don't know which brand of urinary you are using, but did you know that RC do a moderate cal version of urinary dry? Although I quite unusefully do not know what the kcal content is!

[/quote]

lol yeah i know, my vets though are quite reluctant to try this no diea why!

[/quote]

Ooo, wonder why? ! We never got any literature so don't know much about it, thought it was a good idea thou as a ex FLUTD fatty cat owner

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

loopylou711 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:13:58 GMT

[quote user="christinam"]

[quote user="loopylou711"]

Hes on urinary which has also made it hard. But hes on one pouch and 25grams of biscuits. Nothing really!

[/quote]

Don't know which brand of urinary you are using, but did you know that RC do a moderate cal version of urinary dry? Although I quite unusefully do not know what the kcal content is!

[/quote]

lol yeah i know, my vets though are quite reluctant to try this no diea why!

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

christinam — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:11:21 GMT

[quote user="loopylou711"]

Hes on urinary which has also made it hard. But hes on one pouch and 25grams of biscuits. Nothing really!

[/quote]

Don't know which brand of urinary you are using, but did you know that RC do a moderate cal version of urinary dry? Although I quite unusefully do not know what the kcal content is!

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

LoveCat — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:12:10 GMT

Hi Rainbow - I had a similar problem (although luckily for me Mowgli did not get as big as your guy seems to have!!). I tried everything but eventually I actually went round door to door with him to my neighbours asking if they knew him and fed him as I was SURE he could not be putting on weight on the strict diet I was feeding him. Sure enough I found an elderly couple who said he came in their cat flap and finished off the crumbs left by both their cat and dog. After further quizzing it then turned out that he 'only gave him a handful of biscuits every time he came round' I then found out he was going round three times a day!!!

Other than that I would say continue to make him work for his food using the ball and other games that have been suggested. I measure out his total allowance at the start of the day and feed as many meals as he likes throughout (not just 2 or 3) as it means he crys and begs less!

Good luck xx

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

loopylou711 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:38:48 GMT

How did we get Lukas weight down? Patience! And lots of it!

Hes such a moody little cat when he doesnt get his own way! We ignored the bad behavoir, such as rading the bin, meowing and being destructive (would jump up on shelfs, table etc and hit things down and break things!!) stealing food and rewarding his good behavoir such as playing with his treat ball and when hes finished his food going to clean himself and going to seleep or playing. It's difficult though to reward good behavoir without giving treats but he usually just make a fuss of him with lots of cuddle and kisses! He occasionaly gets some catnip!

To be honest it was a slow process to begin with but hes getting there and the more he loses the easier it gets. Hes on urinary which has also made it hard. But hes on one pouch and 25grams of biscuits. Nothing really! But in 6 months he lost 0.9kg which is slow but we shall get down to 6kg which is our target weight at the minute. Hes also deaf so hes indoors! But we go out on the harness for mini walks which he loves and even tries to chase birds! We also found he loves big balls to hit and chase, no idea why!

I think its finding something he enjoys other than eating and sleeping and encouraging that activity!

Sorry this is super long! hope its of some use!

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Sarah Nicholas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:25:42 GMT

Oh I found collars for a reasonable price too http://www.petvetcare.co.uk/acatalog/Cat_Collars_and_Tags.html#a1543

if any one else is interested

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Sarah Nicholas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:18:58 GMT

[quote user="Claire BearRVN"]

I would do, I would feed for 6.3kg initially

[/quote]

Phew hills say 60-80g for this so he is beig fed low end atm - At least I can increase if he still seems to be struggling. Tyvm for advice

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Claire Cameron — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:14:24 GMT

[quote user="Rainbow"]

[quote user="Claire BearRVN"]I normally start with a target weight loss of 10% which in Fletcher's case would be 700g, so I personally would start with target weight of 6.3kg then reduce when he meets his target.[/quote]

That's a good point - would you give more food in that case?

[/quote]

I would do, I would feed for 6.3kg initially

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Sarah Nicholas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:54:04 GMT

That's a good point - would you give more food in that case?

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Claire Cameron — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:02:10 GMT

[quote user="Rainbow"]

Thanks Steph will try that. It is a good point re feeding for target weight I took over a clinic where the cat was being fed for his current weight!! Fletchey is 7 kg but I am aiming for 5.5kg for him which hills recommend 55-75g. I worked out BER etc and in the end I went with 20g TID in his ball (which was free or I'd totally be following your advice re coke bottle Caro). Does this sound ok??

[/quote]

I normally start with a target weight loss of 10% which in Fletcher's case would be 700g, so I personally would start with target weight of 6.3kg then reduce when he meets his target. But that's just me, I'd be interested to hear how others calculate a target weight.

You could contact Hill's and they will be able to give you the safest, lowest amount he can have

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Sarah Nicholas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:59:56 GMT

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:22:33 GMT

This sounds like it might be more of a behavioural thing than a hungry thing. Why don't you contact Jenny T? jenny.978behaviour@hotmail.com let her know you're from the VNforums. :)

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Claire Cameron — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:17:31 GMT

[quote user="Claire BearRVN"]I am currently going through the same thing with our receptionist and his cat, who is currently tipping the scales at 9.17kg, yep you read right, 9.17kg!!! and he's a DSH!

[/quote]

This cat is the bain of my life at the minute, so I know what you're going through. Our receptionist's cat weighs more than my Westies!!

Have you ran bloods to check there is nothing underlying causing weight gain?

I think the key with any diet is reduce food, increase exercise, whichever way you manage to do this. Laser pens, kat tikklers, balls, scratch posts, feeding upstairs so he has to walk to get it,

Every little helps as Tesco do say!

Good luck!

I know it's an obvious one but make sure you're feeding for target weight not current weight. I took over a weight clinic cat a bit ago that wasn't shifting weight at all and this was why

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Sarah Nicholas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:14:11 GMT

[quote user="Claire BearRVN"]It is so much easier with dogs to monitor/increase excercise.[/quote]

Idd - dogs are much easier. My partner and I are very strict it seems to be mostly due to his theiving nature he is fed separately from other animals via a feeding ball 3 times daily. They only go out for a few hours in the evenings but he keeps trashing the neighbours bins!! I doubt they feed him but can't rule it out so maybe a collar is a good idea - anyone know where they come from?

He is so playful and jumps really high to catch feathers and bombs up and down the stairs. They are all playful boys so constantly play chase in the house. He also enjoys games of tag in the garden with Buddy my lab!!! very funny to watch (fletcher always starts it)

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Caro Laithwaite VN — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:11:02 GMT

yup but was thinking throwing was harder. If use a feed ball type I tell people to get the dr pepper / coke bottles (500ml) and cut holes in them large till animal gets used to them then replace with new and small holes. Cheaper than a fancy feed ball.

Can cut holes or if your partner/friend has a solder use that to melt holes in. Means can space holes/size as you want them and the animal can see the food. and cheappperrrrrr

Did not realise the 3 letter word was there as well... dog!

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Claire Cameron — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:01:19 GMT

At the end of the day if calories in are not less than calories out, the cat will not lose weight further

Check if anyone in the household is not giving any drinks that contain calories (cat milk/cows milk etc)
Check no one is feeding treats/table scraps - but worth checking that you have not had anyone new in the house who may feed e.g. visitor or cleaner or builders?
Consider increasing the exercise with more playing - cats can only mangage about a minute at a time so is it possible to play with the laser or panic mouse or other toy but schedule in a few (as many as possible) daily sessions for a couple of weeks and see if this helps
Wrap some of the food up in baking paper and pull it across the floor on string - make work before he catches it
Hide a little of the food - has to hunt it to get it
Try feeding more often than twice a day - every time you eat you burn off a little energy and cats naturally eat about 10 times a day, so if you can incorporate the food into several meals including hiding/run to catch it/ food balls this may help
Try a 'do not feed' collar incase any neighbours are feeding him

I am currently going through the same thing with our receptionist and his cat, who is currently tipping the scales at 9.17kg, yep you read right, 9.17kg!!! and he's a DSH!

It is so much easier with dogs to monitor/increase excercise.

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Kerry Spain — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:54:08 GMT

I bought a feeding ball for mine and that seems to work also second Caroylns post about making him 'work' for his food. I used to turn the lights down low (make sure they are hungry first) give them a nugget of food (so they get the smell and taste) and then occasionally throw food in random directions making sure it hits something to make a noise so that they can locate it. Its like a game of fetch and my cats love it. They display natural behaviour of running/ stalking/ pouncing/ catching prey. It makes them work for the food just as they should and it's quite good fun to watch too

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Sarah Nicholas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:53:10 GMT

sorry for spelling lol well done Luka

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Sarah Nicholas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:52:33 GMT

Wow well done Lou! and Luca!! what have you been doing to get his weight down?

I like the idea Caro but i think the dogs will like it more He'll lose weight for sure though if they hoover up the bics.

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Caro Laithwaite VN — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:39:09 GMT

Have you tried to feed biscut and just throw his food across a large area say 3 rooms lounge bedroom and kitchen (several rooms) Could do it outside but may not be as effective. so he has to work for it he wont get it all but may give him something to do looking for a set amount of food instead of bins.

Not idea with walking on it but am sure he will eat the bits and there is always the hoover occasionally.

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

loopylou711 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:09:34 GMT

You just described my Luka to a T! Luka was 8.4 kg! He steals anything and everything! If we leave the kitchen open he raids the kitchen bin!

I am guessing hes an outdoor cat which I guess is good for his best chance at losing weight and doubt he like to become an indoor cat! Don't really have much advise! But if hes outdoors hes going to have access to food which is outwith your control!

Maybe a collar saying do not feed, to discourage anyone who might be feeding him.

Sorry am not much help! Should say though that through patience we finally have Luka down to 7.6 kg and but he still bin raids and eats anything he can get his hands on!

Hope it works out!

Good luck!

Re: tabby cat...more like tabby fat!!

Sarah Nicholas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:02:20 GMT

I forgot to mention he has been on obesity (he went from 5.8kg to 6kg on this) then satiety as he was looking for food all the time (went up to 6.4kg on this) - He started to do well on R/D at first but gradually started stealing more and now is 7kg! (all this is over the course of a year -18 months)

We hide everything from him and have had to put the bin out when he is in and vice versa. He has a feeding ball for his food which i have now split into 3 meals daily (obv 2/3 BER)

I am at a loss. We have ruled out medical conditions, sorry for going on