Hidey's an eating machine! Is this normal or a red flag?

[dirtybirdsoaps]

Hidey had his dental last Thursday and had 2 teeth removed and a cyst removed frmo his head. Since the moment he came home from the vet he has been eating everything in sight! I know last time he had teeth pulled he started eating more, but its NEVER been like this. Every few hours he's letting me know he's hungry. I have listed his feeding times on his spread sheet, although I did not list the amount. Every feeding is 1 oz to 2 oz. If its Tiki, Weruva, or ZiwiPeak its 2 oz, if Avoderm its been 1 oz, he also has not had any dry food since Thursday due to stitches from his dental. Could not having the dry food cause him to be THIS hungry? I was wondering if it was from the Buprenorphine? I googled it and everything I read says it usually decreases appetite. Should I be worried? His numbers have been up and down, so far lower than before his dental and Im hoping after recovery they'll drop lower.

 

[BJM]

Dry food has high calorie density. Wet food has low calorie density so it takes more for the same calorie intake. Plus, with less dental pain it is easier to eat, so he may be catching up a bit.

Is his weight OK or does it need to change? If it needs to change, should it be higher or lower?

Cat Info has info on calorie requirements for the average cat, plus how to safely reduce if a cat needs to lose weight.

 

[dirtybirdsoaps]

Thank you, I honestly didnt think to calculate it out. I will do that now. His weight is good, at least in my opinion. LOL my theory is its natural for a vet to say theyre overweight so they can push the science diet on you, at least in my experience. Hidey was a bit overweight before his diabetes. He was 16 lbs before, now he is 14.5 and he looks healthy. Before I could tell he was a bit over weight, now I can see his hips. Although my other 2 cats are 16 lbs as well, but Yuri is a big cat, I swear he's a nebelung cat although my vet says he's just a domestic, Hot rod on the other hand is a bit overweight long haired garbage disposal lol. I try to get him to stop eating, but he eats EVERYTHING. I have to stand guard at feedings.

 

[Deb & Wink]

This Cat Body Condition Score chart may help you to determine how Hidey is doing weight wise.

I remember when my Civie Monet was 16.5 pounds and the vet said he needed to lose a few pounds. We did, slowly and safely. The next time we went in after 7 months, Monet was down to 14 pounds and the vet said "Good, but he could really stand to lose a couple more pounds." I was shocked but she explained where to feel and pointed out where there was still excess fat. Well, it took 5 more months. but we got Monet trimmed down to 12 pounds. The vet was happy and said I did a great job, still had good muscle mass along the shoulder area, ribs easily felt without a layer of fat, good muscle tone, a bit of a waist showing just before the hips and she said it's much healthier for him.

It took me] quite some time to accept the new skinnier Monet as normal. But I did it, knowing that being overweight can cause lots of problems with cats so I wanted him slimmed down to his ideal weight. I want to keep him healthy and lessen the strain on his heart, avoid diabetes with him, avoid kidney issues if possible, and just keep him healthier overall.

He's the main reason I can't free feed anymore. All the food would be gone in mere minutes. ohmygod_smile