NationStates Jolt Archive

Recently Ive been told by a vet that my cat is fat. Very fat. Hes a domestic short hair, currently, as of this second with him sitting on my lap while i type, hes 8 kilos. 3 kilos of that is pure fat.
He has to lose about a third of his body weight to not get diabetes.

So i ask you, oh great general chat, how do i exercise my cat? I cant walk him, i cant get him to play with toys or do any form of exercise recommended by the vet.

HELP!

alternating mediums of fire & water should do the trick. he'll move. oh yes, he'll move.

Feed it less.

Switch your diet to Purina "Healthy Weight Formula" food. My poor Polgar is still a bit chubby, but she certainly has a slimmer waistline than when we switched. The beuatiful thing is that Anastasia (who has a normal weight) hasn't lost any weight in the meantime!

Get a dog that will chase it.

wire up his peripheral motor nerves to an impulse generator... He exercises, nobody has to do anything :) just set it at 4 shocks/second for 2 hours a day :)

<== not a vet, or a physiologist, or an engineer of nerve impulse generators... so yeah...

have you tried perking him up with catnip?

do what south lorenya said and feed him a diet cat food. he will get more active and frisky as he slims down.

Just cut it back and only feed it small portions through out the day. That's what we do. We give our cat 3 equal portions of food a day. If she's been good she gets canned tuna.

The idea is not to leave out large quantities of cereal. It will indulge.

Feed less, and better food.

Do you happen to have a fishing pole? attach a weight to the end of the line, cast and reel slowly, kitties think it's a real intruder and will chase it.

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/solowookie.jpg

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/solowookie.jpg

Perhaps it should be "I can not haz cheezburgers anymore"

have you tried perking him up with catnip?


This.


ps- All cats are fat...

Why can't you walk your cat?

Stop being cruel and let him be an outdoor cat. :p

This.


ps- All cats are fat...

All indoor cats are fat. My siamese-tabby cat-mutt, rest in peace, was a tiny fluffy thing all her 14 years. She weighed between 6 and 7 pounds much of her life, although towards the end her thyroid started going haywire and she dropped down to 5 pounds before we figured it out and got her meds.

Stop being cruel and let him be an outdoor cat. :p

Outdoor cats are at higher risk for death and disease than indoor cats.

Chase it around the house making barking noises, if that fails put it on an exercise machine (like those running machines) with some good food on the other side.
okay so they're a bit cruel.
just feed it less, when i was at home we only fed our cats once in the morning and again for tea, that was it. the portions were about 1/4 of a can each, maybe up to 1/3rd if we were feeling generous.

Recently Ive been told by a vet that my cat is fat. Very fat. Hes a domestic short hair, currently, as of this second with him sitting on my lap while i type, hes 8 kilos. 3 kilos of that is pure fat.
He has to lose about a third of his body weight to not get diabetes.

So i ask you, oh great general chat, how do i exercise my cat? I cant walk him, i cant get him to play with toys or do any form of exercise recommended by the vet.

HELP!

Okay, you need to massively cut down his food. If he miows, give him some water, but don't give in. Try to only feed him small amounts, a maximum of 2 times a day.

Try getting some ribbon or string and tying it to a stick and walking around with it, wiggling it under its nose. Or try chasing it around the house - my cat loves doing that.

Zoe and Liza Mae, the joyous Spaniels, will give your cat a workout.

Recently Ive been told by a vet that my cat is fat. Very fat. Hes a domestic short hair, currently, as of this second with him sitting on my lap while i type, hes 8 kilos. 3 kilos of that is pure fat.
He has to lose about a third of his body weight to not get diabetes.

So i ask you, oh great general chat, how do i exercise my cat? I cant walk him, i cant get him to play with toys or do any form of exercise recommended by the vet.

HELP!

Get a laser pointer. I have yet to see a cat ignore the dot created, and they should chase it until they get tired (just keep it moving, and don't shine it into the their eyes).

Feed it less.

Okay, you need to massively cut down his food.

Yes and yes. It's really about food, not exercise.

Particularly for a desexed tom. If that is what the cat is.

To the person who suggested letting the cat be an "outside cat": neighbours will feed it without ever telling you, it will find scraps, and it might kill other creatures for food too. Yes, it's good for a cat to get out, for the social life, and that will make them generally healthier. But it sure won't limit their access to food.

Outdoor cats are at higher risk for death and disease than indoor cats.

But at least they're alive, mate. Humans would be less likely to die too if they were confined to a single room for their entire lives.

I've seen your indoor cats. They look like blobs of fatty tissue, and they're lazy as hell.

My cat has the proportions of this statue (http://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/content/ebiz/britishmuseumonlineshop/invt/A./i./9./cmcr90880/cmcr90880_m.jpg).

To the person who suggested letting the cat be an "outside cat": neighbours will feed it without ever telling you, it will find scraps, and it might kill other creatures for food too. Yes, it's good for a cat to get out, for the social life, and that will make them generally healthier. But it sure won't limit their access to food.

It will get slimmer due to the excercise, though. Although I think you probably shouldn't let it out until it can move reasonably fast and climb as well.
Nature takes care of excercise... I saw my cat sit in a tree for an hour yesterday, being teased by about 5 magpies.

If you live in a colder climate: Shave the damn cat an let it shiver off the weight.

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/funny-pictures-cat-excercise-bike.jpg

But at least they're alive, mate. Humans would be less likely to die too if they were confined to a single room for their entire lives.
Yes, and indoor cats live an average of 14 years whereas outdoor cats usually only survive about 2. That's a BIG difference. Hey at least they're alive! (until they die a long painful death of FIV for a short painful death of SUV)

My cats are indoors and they are lean and muscular. They have exercise apparatuses and they are not overfed.

Yes, and indoor cats live an average of 14 years whereas outdoor cats usually only survive about 2. That's a BIG difference. Hey at least they're alive! (until they die a long painful death of FIV for a short painful death of SUV)

My cats are indoors and they are lean and muscular. They have exercise apparatuses and they are not overfed.

2???

All my cats so far have been outdoor cats, and they died aged between 16 and 21! What the hell do you do to outdoor cats to kill them off at 2??!?? :eek:

They have exercise apparatuses and they are not overfed.

Can we have pictures?

2???

All my cats so far have been outdoor cats, and they died aged between 16 and 21! What the hell do you do to outdoor cats to kill them off at 2??!?? :eek:

# The average lifespan of cats that roam free outside is 2-5 years
http://cfhs.ca/athome/happy_indoor_cat/

Can we have pictures?
Pictures of the cats or of the exercise things? I just moved so the exercise thing isn't up yet, but if I can track down a cat I might be able to snap a pic.

http://www.cattreestore.com/img/A7101.jpg

They have a tower like that, and the kids play with them a few hours a day. They had a cat run at our old place but I have to covert our patio into cat land here.

Get kittens. Or a puppy. Insanity is a great source of activity. :)

# The average lifespan of cats that roam free outside is 2-5 years
http://cfhs.ca/athome/happy_indoor_cat/


Wow... and here's me after 5 outdoor cats with an average life of 18 years, and my current one at 6 years. I must be doing something different from the folks on that page.

Or it might just be that they're talking about strays rather than outdoor cats, and considering the Canadian winter I'm even inclined to believe those numbers.

Pictures of the cats or of the exercise things?

I had visions of lycra-clad moggies pumping iron and riding exercise bikes...

Wow... and here's me after 5 outdoor cats with an average life of 18 years, and my current one at 6 years. I must be doing something different from the folks on that page.

Or it might just be that they're talking about strays rather than outdoor cats, and considering the Canadian winter I'm even inclined to believe those numbers.

The ASPCA has similar numbers, as does the animal organization in Australia. Just because you have had a good experience doesn't mean everyone does. Average means average, it does not mean all.

The ASPCA has similar numbers, as does the animal organization in Australia. Just because you have had a good experience doesn't mean everyone does. Average means average, it does not mean all.

As I said, we must be doing something fundamentally different here... *shrugs*

As I said, we must be doing something fundamentally different here... *shrugs*

I'm finding the same numbers at every animal welfare website I visit. I haven't been able to find one for Germany so maybe the world over the average life span for an outdoor cat is 2-4 years but in Germany everything is completely different. I'm sure Cabra that your cats are all the cats in Germany and that your experience is exactly the same, even typical and that if everyone was you, then cats wouldn't get sick or killed.

The ASPCA has similar numbers, as does the animal organization in Australia. Just because you have had a good experience doesn't mean everyone does. Average means average, it does not mean all.

I think they must be factoring in the huge numbers of stray cats in addition to the numbers of domestic outdoor cats.

My cat is three at the moment, but my previous one lived thirteen years, which is not bad at all, and a far-cry from two years.

Recently Ive been told by a vet that my cat is fat. Very fat. Hes a domestic short hair, currently, as of this second with him sitting on my lap while i type, hes 8 kilos. 3 kilos of that is pure fat.
He has to lose about a third of his body weight to not get diabetes.

So i ask you, oh great general chat, how do i exercise my cat? I cant walk him, i cant get him to play with toys or do any form of exercise recommended by the vet.

HELP!

catnip, a sock and a small length of rope. :D

Recently Ive been told by a vet that my cat is fat. Very fat. Hes a domestic short hair, currently, as of this second with him sitting on my lap while i type, hes 8 kilos. 3 kilos of that is pure fat.
He has to lose about a third of his body weight to not get diabetes.

So i ask you, oh great general chat, how do i exercise my cat? I cant walk him, i cant get him to play with toys or do any form of exercise recommended by the vet.

HELP!

our cat was a tubby little dude, and i miss him :(

he didn't die from his weight though, so that's positive. just general ill health at age 16. he lost loads of weight towards the end though (he couldn't really digest any food) :(


be mean and get him on a treadmill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg1oszADX04&feature=related) ;)


edit: outdoor cats FTW! i won't be getting a cat myself until i have a house (ie garden/easy outdoor access) largely because i'd feel too bad for it not being able to go outside. indoor cattery just strikes me as wrong. our cat was alive for 16 years, which is pretty good all told.

I'm finding the same numbers at every animal welfare website I visit. I haven't been able to find one for Germany so maybe the world over the average life span for an outdoor cat is 2-4 years but in Germany everything is completely different. I'm sure Cabra that your cats are all the cats in Germany and that your experience is exactly the same, even typical and that if everyone was you, then cats wouldn't get sick or killed.

And in Ireland, I guess, seeing as I'm living here now. :rolleyes:

Yes, cats do get run over occasionally, and having an outdoor cat in town or on a busy road is asking for trouble.
But I think what might be a massive influence on outdoor cat mortality are other wild predators that might get them (of which there simply are none in this part of the world), harsh temperatures in winter (cats being originally from Africa) and nasty neighbours. But with the animal rights laws that were passed in Germany in recent years, many people would think twice about intentionally killing a cat.

2???

All my cats so far have been outdoor cats, and they died aged between 16 and 21! What the hell do you do to outdoor cats to kill them off at 2??!?? :eek:

I think you're talking about two different things. Wild, feral cats, cats who live outside (in barns, on the streets, or in the wild) have a life expectancy of 2-3 years.

Cats who live inside (sleep inside, are fed, etc) but are let out have a longer life span and can be expected to live for 15-20 years.

Cats who only lives inside and are never let out has an even longer life expectancy. Less risks like the dangers of being run over by cars etc.

...of course, given that all other conditions are generally good :)

I think you're talking about two different things. Wild, feral cats, cats who live outside (in barns, on the streets, or in the wild) have a life expectancy of 2-3 years.

Cats who live inside (sleep inside, are fed, etc) but are let out have a longer life span and can be expected to live for 15-20 years.

Cats who only lives inside and are never let out has an even longer life expectancy. Less risks like the dangers of being run over by cars etc.

...of course, given that all other conditions are generally good :)

That's what I was thinking, too...

Yes, cats do get run over occasionally, and having an outdoor cat in town or on a busy road is asking for trouble.
But I think what might be a massive influence on outdoor cat mortality are other wild predators that might get them (of which there simply are none in this part of the world), harsh temperatures in winter (cats being originally from Africa) and nasty neighbours. But with the animal rights laws that were passed in Germany in recent years, many people would think twice about intentionally killing a cat.

There is a big difference between owning a cat in the US and in the UK/ireland. Even in the suburbs in the US you get coyote, raccoons &c. so it's not generally a good idea to let pet cats outside. They just don't do very well.

And then there is the whole skunk thing.

There is a big difference between owning a cat in the US and in the UK/ireland. Even in the suburbs in the US you get coyote, raccoons &c. so it's not generally a good idea to let pet cats outside. They just don't do very well.

Yes, after a bit of thinking I came to that conclusion as well. As I said, there aren't many predators in Western Europe any more... nothing bigger and more dangerous than foxes.


And then there is the whole skunk thing.

http://scalp.plaxmol.com/wp-content/images%20blog/0712/Noel/03%20-%20Pepe/Pepe.gif
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Oh, I just meant that there are lot of skunks in the US, and they seem to like to spray cats when they get the chance.

It's bad for kitty, and it's bad for you.

All indoor cats are fat.

This isn't true either. Apart from the fact that it relies on exercise and diet more than being indoors, the body type matters as well. Your European Shorthair types may get fat, they have a fairly stocky build to begin with. Oriental cats on the other hand have a harder time getting overweight. My Himalayan--I forget the official name now--was never more than the 6 or 7 pounds you mention with your Siamese.

Stop feeding it so much food. This is an incredibly simple concept: more food equals more fat. Put the obese cat on a diet - you have total control over it.

Cut back on how much food you give it - a cat should have no more than 2 tuna cans full of dry food per day (and that is for a very active cat).

Exercise it: get a kitty harness and leash and take it on walks. It will probably object and not like it for a bit, but will eventually get used to it. Once it is used to wearing the harness, leash it up and walk around the house. Then start taking it for walks around the neighborhood (this is good for both you and the cat).

Less food and more exercise will get it back into healthy shape.

Yes, and indoor cats live an average of 14 years whereas outdoor cats usually only survive about 2. That's a BIG difference. Hey at least they're alive! (until they die a long painful death of FIV for a short painful death of SUV)

My cats are indoors and they are lean and muscular. They have exercise apparatuses and they are not overfed.
I have serious doubts about that figure - I think it is highly biased and does not reflect the indoor/outdoor cats with owners who actually tend and care for the cats. (I actually saw a laughable explanation for the short life expectancy attributed to people capturing cats for satanic sacrifices - not that I think those figures come from chrisitian wackos, just thought it was amusing and would share).

My family, and pretty much everyone in the area, has always had indoor/outdoor cats. They get fed in the morning, then kicked out when everyone goes to school/work, get let back in at dusk and fed again, spending the evening on laps. They get cuddled and cared for all the time, vet visits when sick, flea and tick medicine, etc. They usually get to say in during winter, but spend the rest of the year running around the neighborhood during the day. This is the typical way to treat a cat round these parts, yet despite spending a lot of time outdoors, I don't know anyone who would consider it normal for a cat not to make it to at least 10 years old.

I came across this idea http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upxtHEeRcOM - not the best example but its what a quick google turned up. Fairly interesting way of making your cats exercise for their food.

alternating mediums of fire & water should do the trick. he'll move. oh yes, he'll move.
Win!

I have serious doubts about that figure - I think it is highly biased and does not reflect the indoor/outdoor cats with owners who actually tend and care for the cats.
I think what Smunkee means is the life expectancy of wild cats, not cats who happen to spend their time outdoors but who have a home to go to.
For cats living out in the wild, 2 - 4 years is the average life expectancy.
Outdoor domesticated cats definitely do have more chance of death and injury (from cars and dogs mostly) than solely-indoor cats, but I daresay their life expectancy ain't much less than indoor cats. My childhood pet cat who spent most of her life outside got to 16 before we had to put it down (her kidneys had completely failed).

I think what Smunkee means is the life expectancy of wild cats, not cats who happen to spend their time outdoors but who have a home to go to.
For cats living out in the wild, 2 - 4 years is the average life expectancy.
Outdoor domesticated cats definitely do have more chance of death and injury (from cars and dogs mostly) than solely-indoor cats, but I daresay their life expectancy ain't much less than indoor cats. My childhood pet cat who spent most of her life outside got to 16 before we had to put it down (her kidneys had completely failed).
I really don't know if it's "wild cats" or just outdoors cats, the websites where the figure is just says outdoors cats, the statistic is often quoted in articles trying to do the pro/con thing over whether to have an indoor cat or an outdoor cat. I know the animal welfare organizations might be biased towards animal welfare though. I know I am a bit defensive since I have 2 indoor only cats, who are not fat, overfed, unexercised or unhappy. I have previously volunteered at an animal welfare organization and saw many cats with owners come in maimed, sick, or dead. It's a self selecting group I suppose since most people don't call animal control on healthy animals roaming the streets (although I think they should).