The fat cat
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Gail Wieder
Winter is here and we have had some really cold days. Hope you are all staying warm and cozy, and are bringing your fur babies in out of the cold. If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for them.
I am sure that some of you at one time or another have had a “fat cat.” I have one right now. My Zoey weighs 19 pounds. All she wants to do is eat and she is very vocal about it. She usually starts voicing herself about 4:30 a.m. and doesn’t stop until you are up and she has been fed. I try to feed her small portions several times a day.
Zoey is older now, and she doesn’t exercise like she used to. She is also too chubby to clean herself, and I have to brush her and use pet wipes on her. I have tried to cut her down but she is not a happy cat when she is hungry.
“The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Cats and Dogs,” by the editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books, had some great ways to ease your cat into a weight program regiment.
Experts estimate that about one in three cats in America is overweight. Although weight gain occasionally indicates a medical problem, most overweight pets simply eat too much. We give our kitties treats and extra food and then wonder why they’re fat.
Begin with the rib test; if you can’t feel the cat’s ribs then it is time to trim his tummy. Exercise helps. Grab a pen light and have your cat chase it several times a day, especially if your cat is an inside cat. Get some catnip toys and put them around the house for your cat to grab and play with. Some people take their cats out on a leash for exercise.
Cut back on calories, reducing the amount you feed him by about one quarter. Then, after two weeks, see if you can feel his ribs. If the cat still seems plump, cut back on his food by another quarter. If this doesn’t give you results, then maybe it is time to see the vet.
Try to stave off hunger pangs while dieting. Try dividing his daily food allowance into four to six servings, feeding him every several hours. This keeps the cat occupied and helps keep his stomach busy. He may not realize he’s not eating as much.
Spread the pleasure. For cats put small amounts of food in different bowls and put into open paper bags. Between bites your cat will have to walk from bag to bag, find an opening and crawl inside; it will be fun and time consuming for him.
Nix the snacks. It is just added calories he is better off avoiding. Give him a piece of his usual food. He may not even notice the difference.
Be prepared for the backlash. Cats hate to diet. They whine, they meow and bat at your ankles and can be extremely difficult. But it’s worth the effort if your cat is overweight and his health is at stake.
Central Aroostook Humane Society has some wonderful animals that would make a great addition to your home. We are located at 26 Cross Street in Presque Isle. Our hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., closed for lunch 12-12:30 p.m. Remember to be responsible pet owners: Spay and neuter.
Gail Wieder is a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
