Question:
I am starting to get a little concerned about my cat Vinnie gaining
weight,as he's only 1 1/2yrs old I don't want to put him on low-cal foodand he eats only about 2 tbsp of wet food a day(would eat the can if I let him!!)+Nutrience adult dry food,the others prefer Nutro Natural Choice.

I had another white cat,who became obese and got all the problems associated with that, incl diabetes.

I don't want that to happen to Vinnie...
I take them out every day and in the summer we'll be outside most of the day,he is also very energetic, plays a lot and is an all over pain to Chico and Rocky...so he gets enough exercise.

How to get him to lose some weight?

Answer:
Obesity is a difficult problem at this time, so I completely sympathize. My suggestion is to simply use a dry premium quality ration and stop using the canned diet. Feed a fixed amount of food daily and avoid snacks, treats, etc. Too many times we use food as an inducement or reward or substitute for (fill in the blank).

Unfortunately there is no quick fix: medication such as amphetamine since it is too risky, and other appetite suppression drugs may cause severe, significant problems in felines.

It is time to reduce the calories, easier in pets because pets can't easily cheat on a diet unless we let them. Check with your veterinarian to rule out any other condition that may be contributing to the obesity or if some problem has been elicited by the weight gain.

Dr. Van Lienden

Dr. Raymond Van Lienden DVM
The Animal Clinic of Clifton
12702 Chapel Road, Clifton
Virginia, U.S.A. 20124
703-802-0490

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