Kitten on a diet?

[lizzielou742]

My vet told me to put my cat on a diet (1/3 cup of Iams Weight Loss a day) about a month ago b/c he's got a little saggy pouch between his back legs. I am worried though, b/c he's only 6 months old and has no other signs of weight gain - I can barely feel his ribs when I run my hands along his sides, if I stand over him and look and him from above, his little figure looks like they say it should, etc. My cat is devouring the 1/3 cup of food a day and begging for more. Am I just being weak or should I really go back to his normal food schedule (1/2 cup of Iams Light a day)? I haven't really noticed much weight loss, maybe a little. Is it OK to put a kitten on a diet? Should I get a second opinion?

[lizzielou742]

Well, after reading around these message boards a little more, I see that some people dislike Iams for their cats. I am a first-time cat owner and was feeding Iams b/c my friend's mom works for Iams in Dayton, OH and always raves about it. Should I switch to Nutro or some other food that's better? All opinions will be appreciated! Sorry to ask such juvenile questions - like I said, first time cat owner!!

Lizzielou742

[lizzielou742]

Here's a pic of little Tito, my furkid!!

[sirrahved]

It never hurts to get a second opinion.

[Denyce]

I would definately get a second opinion. I have never heard of putting a growing kitten on a weight loss diet. But then they usually don't have weight problems. But that just sounds hinkey to me....

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Tito is adorable!

I wouldn't worry too much about that little saggy pouch. Lots of kitties get it after they've been fixed. I really don't know why, but it's quite common and not necessarily of sign of being overweight. If Tito starts getting really "beefy" looking and really filling out like a big hefty boy, well then it might be time to consider putting him on a diet.

I'm kind of surprised your vet suggested a diet for a kitten because I know they need special nutrients that a diet food probably wouldn't have.

As for food type, everyone has their favorites for various reasons. I've heard Nutro is good but have never used it. 18 years ago my vet recommended Science Diet for Tubby, so that's what he and Peanut have gotten their entire lives - and Tubby is 18 and Peanut is 15 1/2, so it can't be all that bad. ;-)

Maybe Tito needs a little friend to keep him busy.....just a suggestion.

[Barbara]

Debbie: look under Cat Behavior: Tito's brother/sister is already planned

[lizzielou742]

You guys are so good!!!! I took the recommendation of a friend to go to this vet, and the more and more I look at Tito, I realize even though he does have the pouch (he is neutered) he certainly doesn't look overweight!! He looks hungry! I exercise him as much as I can, and would love to get him a playmate after I move this summer, like I've said in the cat behavior threads. I think I am going to take him off the Weight Control food and gradually switch him to either Nutro (which is what the shelter fed him before I got him) or the Science Diet. I have read a lot about Science Diet and it sounds great. Anyone know any good websites with feeding guidelines for kittens? Thank you so much!!! I feel like such a goof for asking these questions but you all have been such a great help!! Thank you!!

[Logan]

Denyce has provided me with a new word!!! LOL!!!!! "hinkey"

What a great word to describe what I was feeling about the advice you got!!!!!

There is a lot of press about Iams and their former practices of testing on animals. It's not a problem for me, because my cats don't like Iams food, wet or dry. I don't get all wrapped up in the "hoopla" because I feel they have addressed the problems sufficiently. None of my animals are on Iams food because we are satisfied with what we are using (Flint River Ranch for both dogs and cats). But I think Nutro would be an excellent choice, either way.

One of my friends, Missy, has a site that does nutritional comparisons of many dog and cats foods. You might want to check it out. www.greatgoldens.com

Logan

[Denyce]

Logan,

Glad you like the word....it does seem to fit in some situations

I am not sure where I got it from...just was there in my head one day.


Denyce

[lizzielou742]

I am replying to this thread that I started to see if my new signature works. I hope it does but I am not very good with this HTML thing so we'll see. Sorry to post a useless message!

[lizzielou742]

OK I know I am talking to myself now, but I really don't understand this picture thing. Do I have to start my own website just to have a link to use as my signature? I'm so confused!!!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Lizzielou - go here for a good tutorial on posting pics here on PT. Good luck 'cause we really, really, really like pics.

[lizzielou742]

Let's see if it work's this time.....thanks T&P's Mom!!!

[lizzielou742]

This one should be smaller....sorry to annoy everyone!!! Everyone just ignore me until I get this figured out!! Sorry! :-)