#Middlebury
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Help! My 6-year-old cat Misti has a serious weight problem, and the veterinarian said she needs to drop several pounds. The vet told me to feed her less, but Misti cries constantly around feeding time and won’t let up until I put more food into her bowl. What else can I do? Are there weight-loss supplements for cats? – Helen T., via email
DEAR HELEN: Helping your cat lose weight can be a struggle, but we all know that getting Misti down to a healthier weight will improve her quality of life. There are several supplements and cat foods formulated specifically for cats that say they help with weight control. One supplement, L-Carnitine, may be helpful, but consult Misti’s vet first for the proper amount to give her.
A calorie-restricted diet is the most effective way for Misti to lose weight. However, according to veterinarian and clinical researcher Dr. Mark E. Peterson, reducing calories alone isn’t effective. You must increase the amount of protein that Misti gets and reduce the amount of carbohydrates. The way to do this is to replace part of her dry food with real meat (plain chicken, steamed and cooled, for example). A high-quality canned food also may help increase protein, but read the labels very carefully.
To make the diet easier on both of you, prepare Misti’s food a few days ahead, separating each day’s fresh and dry food into separate containers. Dole out her meals twice a day. Save a little each time and when she cries for more food, place that small amount into her bowl. That trick, plus the increased protein, will help satiate Misti as she adjusts to the new diet.
Send your questions, tips or comments to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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