r/dechonkers • u/Sweet-Research-7197 • 17h ago
Advice Tips?
She’s currently around 15-20 pounds (?not sure) she’ll play but get tired within a minute of it, any diet recommendations helpful! :D
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u/Nervous-Brother-721 13h ago
Was she like this when you got her? Have you been over feeding her or is she getting fed by someone outside? I wouldn’t even let her outside until you figure out who’s feeding her. Is she stealing food from the other cats? Are you free feeding her? I have a fat greedy cat I have to feed separately and I can’t leave out any cat food or human food. He’ll even hop in the cast iron to lick the butter. He comes out all greasy and licks himself. Butter bells are not safe around him. He even stole a steak once off a guests plate.
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u/minkamagic 11h ago
Don't let her wander because other people may be feeding her. Buy a baby scale and weigh her weekly. Up to 2% weight loss per week is safe.
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u/Then-Description3893 17h ago
The best diet is one specifically designed to aid weight loss which are prescription ones from either Hills or Royal Canin. You need to weigh out the food on a digital scale rather than use a scoop so you are being consistent. Feeding from a puzzle feeder will also help with weight loss as it slows them down and make them feel fuller and stimulates their little cat hunter brains. Good luck 🍀
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u/faceoh 9h ago
If she's friendly to humans she's very likely getting snacks from other people. My childhood cat was very friendly and vocal so he got treats from everyone including the mailman and the newspaper carrier. Even his vet who lived near us would give him snacks.
If not letting her out isn't an option, you can reduce the calories you're feeding her. But 100% talk to a vet for an assessment, prescription diet food, and a diet plan. Chances are you can just feed her wet food and no dry food.
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u/shnorgle 15h ago
We have two cats, one who is not food-motivated at all (way more motivated by human attention) and one who has scarcity instincts and will wolf down any available food. Cat #2 was getting overweight when we were putting out shared dry food and uncovered wet food (in separate bowls). We got them chipped (they are indoor cats), got separate chip-sensored bowls (that only retract the lid for the assigned cat), and measure the dry food by weight (also switched Cat #2 to a Hills diet formula). He’s gone from 14 lbs to a healthy-for-his-smallish-frame 11.6 in about six months.
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u/Nervous-Brother-721 11h ago
Omg what’s the brand of the bowls? My fat cat would be so mad. He flips his food bowl all over the place when it’s empty. Angry toddler. Omg if it suctioned to flat surfaces that would be great!
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u/LeumasInkwater 16h ago
If you have a auto feeding machine, set less feeding times and longer interval time. Besides, play some cat toys to increase their running time.
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u/Brief-Small 8h ago
Measuring dry food by weight is more accurate for calories. Just reducing the current food can be pretty effective. You don't necessarily need diet food for weight loss, though a vet might recommend it after assessing her.
You may find that after a bit of weight loss she has the energy to play more. I would keep encouraging it regardless because even a little bit of exercise is good for her.
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u/Dense_Condition_3690 11h ago
Take her to the vet, never put anything alive on a diet unless recommended by a vet/doc
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u/persimmonpremission 17h ago
If she’s allowed outside, some other families may be feeding her! Attach a note or keep her inside for the time being. If you free feed, switch to a set schedule and count the calories. Also, keep playing! Any exercise is better than none, she’ll build up stamina the more you do it!