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Ask Shawna - Kitten Stork's Cat and Kitten Expert!

Welcome to "Ask Shawna", where our cat and kitten expert will answer your questions about cats and kittens including behavior, health, nutrition and care.

Got a question about your cat or kitten? Please send your questions to: shawna@pagehelp.net

Debbie Moore of St. John's, Newfoundland writes:

Dear Shawna,

My older cat has been putting on a lot of weight recently. She is starting to look like a butterball turkey! Should I be concerned about this, and is there anything I can do to help her slim down?

Shawna writes:

Dear Debbie,

Obesity is a problem that not only affects people these days, but pets too! With the abundance of dog and cat treats on the market these days, it's no wonder. If you are giving your kitten lots of snacks, I would recommend cutting down on that. If food is available at all times, try limiting your cat to 2 small feedings per day. Feed a high-quality cat food only - many grocery store brands are filled with grains and other fillers that were never meant by "mother nature" for cat consumption. This results in your cat (by nature a total carnivore - or meat eater) having to eat more calories than she needs to fulfill her nutritional requirements - and becoming rounder and rounder in the process!

If your cat is at all playful, try engaging her in some kind of daily activity. There are lots of interesting cat toys that can be used to interest kitty in a game of chase and pounce. It's even possible to teach some cats to walk on a harness and leash. At the very least, give her a daily brushing, which all cats love, and at least gets them up rubbing against you and purring.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and your cat didn't grow fat overnight. By taking a gentle approach by reducing the amount fed, increasing the quality of her diet, and encouraging activity, your kitty should be svelte and sexy again very soon!