Advice for weight loss ..

[Philippe & Mei Li]

I hope it is ok to join this forum even though my cat is not diabetic . I actually have two cats one of which is a male . He is 9 years old and overweight @ 19 pounds . I am so scared he is going to develop diabetes . I guess I am just looking for some advice and guidance . He does need to lose weight which we are working on . Are there signs of diabetes I should be looking for ? Is diabetes preventable ?

 

[Brashworks]

The initial signs for diabetes in an already overweight cat are, typically, weight loss (though not always) and increased drinking and urination (PU - polyuria - excess peeing and PD, polydipsia - increased drinking). The PU/PD can be indicative of other ailments (kidney issues and hyperthyroidism) and these can be determined on regular blood panel at your annual vet visit.

There are other signs - like I saw with my cat - when the diabetes has been around for a while - sometimes weakness in the hindquarters (diabetic neuropathy). Let's hope Philippe never gets to that stage!

I know Sue gave you a site to look at - definitely go to catinfo.org to see how to safely manage his weight loss.

Yes, Type II diabetes is preventable in cats, just like humans! By the way, cats also have the wonderful ability to go into remission (i.e. be diet controlled and completely off insulin).

Great that you are here.

 

[Philippe & Mei Li]

The initial signs for diabetes in an already overweight cat are, typically, weight loss (though not always) and increased drinking and urination (PU - polyuria - excess peeing and PD, polydipsia - increased drinking). The PU/PD can be indicative of other ailments (kidney issues and hyperthyroidism) and these can be determined on regular blood panel at your annual vet visit.

There are other signs - like I saw with my cat - when the diabetes has been around for a while - sometimes weakness in the hindquarters (diabetic neuropathy). Let's hope Philippe never gets to that stage!

I know Sue gave you a site to look at - definitely go to catinfo.org to see how to safely manage his weight loss.

Yes, Type II diabetes is preventable in cats, just like humans! By the way, cats also have the wonderful ability to go into remission (i.e. be diet controlled and completely off insulin).

Great that you are here.

Thank you so much . I appreciate the advice .. Both my cats are eating Fancy Feast Classic . They do eat about an 1/8 cup of kibble . I am trying to phase it out gradually as they are both super picky and hate change . Thankfully Philippe is a bit easier so I give him just a sprinkle .
I will certainly check out that website ..

 

[Brashworks]

You are most welcome. My hat is off to you for being so pro-active.

The Fancy Feast Classic pates are a great low-carb choice!

What? Cats being picky and hating change? The nerve! So funny, I sometimes like to move my furniture and the cats all look at me aghast like I have tilted the universe. I guess in a way I have!

I have a cat who WILL NOT (so far) eat a molecule of wet food. He was a rescue (he's the overweight one) and came to me that way last year. I've been gradually managing his weight with calorie restriction with the lowest carb dry food I can find. I haven't given up on transitioning him.

 

[Philippe & Mei Li]

You are most welcome. My hat is off to you for being so pro-active.

The Fancy Feast Classic pates are a great low-carb choice!

What? Cats being picky and hating change? The nerve! So funny, I sometimes like to move my furniture and the cats all look at me aghast like I have tilted the universe. I guess in a way I have!

I have a cat who WILL NOT (so far) eat a molecule of wet food. He was a rescue (he's the overweight one) and came to me that way last year. I've been gradually managing his weight with calorie restriction with the lowest carb dry food I can find. I haven't given up on transitioning him.

Yes, they are crazy critters .. Philippe is a little more agreeable than Mei Li , she is a big pain when it comes to food . Thankfully though they both love Fancy Feast Classics . They will only eat three flavors though . Chicken , Liver & Chicken , Turkey & Giblets . It has been hard thought to get them to eat mostly wet food . They are kibble addicts ..

 

[Brashworks]

Those are the flavours I was feeding Miss Genghis. Actually, she did a lot better eating her wet food when I started mixing it in a bowl with some warm water and letting her lap it up from a saucer. Trust me, she would eat anything that didn't move but she had a hard time finishing a plate of wet food, even when I broke it up with a fork. I make the slurry in a stainless bowl and she finishes it every time. Just a thought.

Mei Li is such a pretty name. I'm biased, though -- my daughter's middle name is Mei after her great-grandmother on my Dad's side.

 

[Philippe & Mei Li]

Those are the flavours I was feeding Miss Genghis. Actually, she did a lot better eating her wet food when I started mixing it in a bowl with some warm water and letting her lap it up from a saucer. Trust me, she would eat anything that didn't move but she had a hard time finishing a plate of wet food, even when I broke it up with a fork. I make the slurry in a stainless bowl and she finishes it every time. Just a thought.

Mei Li is such a pretty name. I'm biased, though -- my daughter's middle name is Mei after her great-grandmother on my Dad's side.

Funny you should mention that about the added water . That is the only way my two will eat the wet food . I have to add about a 1/4 can of hot water and mash it real good so they just lap it up . They are so lazy .. Thank you , Mei Li is part Siamese with bright blue eyes but calico colored ..