Member

Posts: 116
From:mcminnville tn usa
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 08-26-2003 05:05 PM         

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I rescued my cat from the parking lot in wal mart. she is a beautiful american shorthair. She was always really skinny, but after we got her fixed, she gained weight, and stopped taking care of her hind quarters. i am really worried about her, and we put her on a diet, but i want to know why she gained weight and stopped taking care of herself! Her diet didn't change from when she was super skinny, except we gave her less cat treats after, to try and make sure she didn't gain weight. what is a good way to help her loose weight?

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Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 08-26-2003 06:00 PM         

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I assume the weight gain was caused by decreased physical activity,overeating or a combination of the two. This cat went from being a stray, who most likely was constantly roaming and did not have access to regular meals to being a pet with little or no need to roam and with full access to regular meals. Overweight cats often have a difficult time cleaning themselves and therefore do a poor job of it or don't do it at all so the weight gain is probably to blame for her lack of cleanliness.
The best way to help her lose weight is to put her on a calorie restricted diet, measure her food out and increase her activity level. Lazer lights, the fishing pole type toys and bouncy balls seem to work well in getting mine more active. Good luck.

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Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 08-26-2003 06:05 PM         

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BTW, rapid weight loss can have detrimental affects on a cat so be careful when putting her on a diet. Expect her to lose the excess weight slowly...if possible discuss a diet plan for her with your vet.

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Member

Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-27-2003 11:35 AM         

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When you get females fixed their hormones are off. Because of this some of them gain weight. My vet recommended decreased feeding until her body adjusted to the change. I had two cats that gained weight after being spayed. They weren't unhealthy, just bigger than before. I just let it be since they weren't unhealthy, they slowly lost weight.

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Member

Posts: 85
From:Hamilton, ON, Canada
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 08-27-2003 02:58 PM         

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I just started using Natural Choice for less active cats, the difference is amazing. To them the taste is the same as the Adult formula but look at this.

Adult Formula 19% crude fat
Less Active Formula 10% Crude Fat

This the the only difference between the two and they give a weight loss serving size as well as a maintenance serving size.

I would try the less active formula

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Member

Posts: 139
From:UK
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 08-28-2003 04:34 PM         

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you could also try helping your cat get a little more exercise.. playing with her and getting her active will really help.
Get some of those dry cat wipes to help her out with her cleaning while she looses some weight... we all know how horrible it feels to be dirty and I can imagine your kitty feels the same

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