2 cats with different nutritional needs

[Lobodeb]

Hello.

I have just recently adopted a 10 week old, Bengal kitten, Payton. As any kitten owner would do, we went out and bought kitten food for his growing little body. He eats like a horse, and that's fine. I try to keep it available to him at all times so he can eat when he wants. My problem is that I also have a 21 lb tabby (creamsicle) cat, Sammy who is on a very restricted diet (we feed him small amounts throughout the day). Naturally, Sammy loves Payton's food and visa versa.

Now that Sammy sees an endless supply of food, he helps himself whenever he feels hungry, which is all the time!

My fear is that Sammy will get even fatter from the nutrients in the kitten food, and my poor little Payton will be underfed.

Any suggestions on how I can keep them from eating each other's food? :confused:

[epistoliere]

I have the same problem. My vet told me to change meal schedules, and to try to be there when I feed them. Of course, my two cats love each other's food, but when I say "no no" they change bowls! Since the youngest cat has arrived, Grisouille, the overweight one, runs more and plays a lot, so she in fact lost weight even if she - maybe - eats more. If you can be there 4 or 5 times a day, it should be enough. If you can't, try to make them understand what is best ;) . Unless the youngest can go places where the older one can't. Good luck!

[mruffruff]

Feed in separate rooms or in carriers. Free feeding isn't going to work for Sammy. Eventually they will go to "their" carrier for food. If you have to close the door, do it.

(An added benefit of this is that they don't mind getting into a carrier for vet visits.)

[Lobodeb]

Thanks all for your suggestions. :)