WE have two cats, both fixed, one is male and the other female?

WE have two cats, both fixed, one is male and the other female The female does not have a weight problem, but the male weighs almost 18 pounds and is a real FAT cat. Right now we have an automatic feeder and waterer and they feed themselves, but I need to make some changes. How do I feed them both at the same time and make sure that the male does not eat her food?

We both work all day every day so we can't stay there and watch them like hawks. Any ideas? Asked by LglSec 50 months ago Similar questions: cats fixed male female Science > Animals.

Separate them when they eat. Feed one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom, and take the self feeder away. They do not need to feed themselves when you're away..

Two suggestions: 1. Switch to canned cat food. The main reason I suggest this is because your male cat is at high risk for developing diabetes.It's an awful disease that, left untreated, would cause him to suffer in the extreme.

A cat's diet should consist primarily of protein, with moderate fat and minimal carbohydrates. I suspect one of the reasons your male cat is so piggy is that he's getting more carbs than he should, which don't sustain him. Many canned foods are much higher in protein than dry foods, so as long as you choose the right ones, he'll lose weight because he's not grazing all day and stealing your other cat's food, and he won't be as hungry because of the higher protein levels.

Here's an outstanding website that a woman with a diabetic cat put together that lists all of the macronutrient levels of just about every cat food in existance. (Here's one with dry foods, so you can see the difference.) Understand: I'm not a vet, so I'm not sure how much business I've got giving advice, but I have a diabetic cat who lost quite a bit of weight after I changed his diet, and he's been in remission for about a year and a half. The plan I used was keeping his dietary fat between 30 and 40% of his diet, and then choosing the foods that fit this criterion with the highest protein/lowest carb values.

Consider a wild cat's diet: it's made up almost entirely of dead animals - all protein and fat, no carbs. I originally thought that canned food would be a much bigger hassle, but it's really not. I feed Crunchy twice a day.

I use those flat disposable gladware containers as food dishes. I actually wash and change out the dishes in the evenings when I have more time. Just dump all of the food for both cats into one container, and then split it out among three others so that you have four equal portions.

Cover two of them and pop them in the fridge for the next morning, and set the remaining two out for your cats.In the morning, all you have to do is take the covers off the refrigerated containers and they have two fresh dishes of food. (Some cats may be less prone to liking food straight out of the fridge, but I never had a problem. If yours do, then nuke them for a few seconds, but make sure that the food doesn't actually get hot.

You wouldn't want them to burn themselves. ) This leads into my second suggestion: 2. Don't leave food out for them to eat during the day.

Yes, they'll probably be a little hungry for a day or two while they adjust to the new schedule, but they'll survive it. And once they adjust to only getting food twice a day, they'll eat all of it at one sitting. This is helped by the canned food diet...not only will your cats not really want to eat any leftover canned food (it dries out - gross!), but the higher protein levels will keep them satisfied longer so that they really can go for 12 hours between feedings without shredding your curtains in retaliation.

I'd probably start the new plan on a weekend you're planning on being home so that you really can keep an eye on things and take their food away after about 20 or 30 minutes - even if they have food left. They'll complain that they don't have anything to eat, but don't give in - wait a full 12 hours before feeding them again. I guarantee, they'll eat their whole dish, and after a couple of meals, they'll learn that it's now or never.

Some people say that their cats are too fussy for canned foods, but hunger's a great motivator. As long as your male cat isn't already diabetic, you have some room for flexibility in their diet. They may want you to think they're starving to death, but don't cave in.

I have a feeling that changing their diet will go a long way towards solving your problem. (I can give you more links to feline dietary information if you want, just let me know; I didn't want to be too overzealous in my answer!) Good luck! Sources: Personal experience; the websites linked above.

Well, obviously the automatic feeder has to go.....and, since you are not there all day there can be no food available to either of them until you get home. The won't die of starvation in ten hours. Especially, the fat guy.

He could probably go a month without eating before it would become a problem. When you get home, and it's time for them to eat your best bet is to get them separated into two rooms - maybe even on different floors - one person with one cat and the other takes the second one. Get them fed separately for a week or so, and now they have a new routine they are used to, and they should be fine.

Just keep in mind that you are not punishing them, you are supplying nutrients for them to run their bodies which is just like putting oil and gas in your car. Give them the good stuff, just not as often, and they will thank you for it by being in the best health they've been in for quite some time. You have them a bit spoiled, and it's time you unspoiled them.

Being overweight, especially to an extreme, will cost years off their lives. Do them a favor, especially the big guy obviously, and get them in better shape so you have more time to enjoy them. Best of luck to you...

Only one way to do it You're going to have to take away the feeder. Feed the cats in the morning, what they don't eat, take away. When you get home at night feed them again, same thing, what they don't eat, take away.

They will eventually know they have to eat when you are home and will do so. It may look like you're starving them for a couple of days until they get hungry enough to eat. It's the only way to keep the male from getting any heavier.

The only other way is to let the female out and lock up the male which will eventually become problematic. Cats can be vindictive.

Purchase low calorie pet food at your vet, and spend some time with your cats. I understand that when one works time is limited, but it does not take very long to feed your cats twice each day. In my humble opinion, "automatic" feeding is a huge mistake because you can't monitor them.

I feed my cats one fourth of a can of canned food and one half of a cup of dry crunchies twice each day. Those feeding times are also bonding times with my cats, a time to give them some much need attention after they have been alone all day long. I have had overweght cats in the past and was able, via special food (dry and wet) from my vet, to get their weight down.

I never leave food out for my cats. You can feed them on different sides of the room so that they do not eat each other's food. As mentioned above, feeding time needs to be monitored.

I'm sure you love your cats and will not mind taking the time to do this.

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I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.