My Pet World: Helping an overweight cat when there are multiple cats in the house

Dear Cathy,

We have six cats and two dogs. My dilemma is one of our cats is severely overweight. Their feeding is free-range, which works for five of the cats. Cat number six, Tiny, though, is over 18 pounds. He waddles and is so large. The weight affects his breathing, and when he uses the bathroom, he soils himself. He cannot clean his back end at all.

We have tried to pick up food bowls when the other five are not asking for food, so that Tiny doesn't help himself to their food. Tiny has his own feeding station with measured food for the day. When we were picking up food during the day, though, the other five cats lost weight they could not afford to lose, but Tiny never seemed to lose any.

We love Tiny very much and would hate to lose him due to his unhealthy weight. Please help. We’re willing to do almost anything to help Tiny be healthier.

— Rathje, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Dear Rathje,

There are many reasons for cat obesity, including low-quality diets, lack of exercise, illnesses like hypothyroidism, and medications. Be sure to have Tiny checked by a vet for medical causes, since treatment could help stabilize his weight.

The next step is to address Tiny’s diet. There are over-the-counter and prescription weight management cat foods that have fewer calories per volume, which will keep him satiated too. Wet food also has fewer calories per volume than dry food, so a simple switch like that may help. A veterinarian should oversee any food changes or restrictions to ensure Tiny continues to receive proper nutrition.

Another suggestion is to purchase automatic feeders for every cat. I know that can be costly for six cats, but they do help when trying to manage an individual cat’s food consumption in a home with multiple cats. These automatic feeders connect to each cat's microchip and will only open if the cat with the matching microchip stands in front of the bowl. Cats learn quickly which feeder belongs to them and where they need to stand to get the feeder to open. This is often the best option to control consumption for one cat while at the same time ensuring all the cats continue to get proper nutrition.

Finally, make sure Tiny is getting enough exercise. Play with Tiny three times a day for 10 minutes each time. Use toys that encourage Tiny to wiggle and pounce. If Tiny is open to walking on a harness, you can take him for walks in the backyard too.

Most of all don’t get discouraged. Weight loss should be very gradual. Each little step you take will help Tiny regain his health.

Dear Cathy,

As the mom of a 15-year-old Schnoodle, I look forward to your column in Newsday each week. I was hoping that you could address a particular issue. Every day on Facebook, in the newspaper, and on posters, there are stories of heartbroken owners who have lost their pets.

I don’t understand how any owner who loves their pet does not always keep a collar with identifying information on it. My Henri (actually Henrietta) wears a collar with our phone number printed on it and a small tag attached to the collar with her name and our phone number. The collar is lightweight, and the tag is plastic, which never bothers her. She wears her collar 24/7 (except for baths and grooming), and it has never caused her a problem or irritation. She also has a microchip, but if someone did find her, it would be much easier for them to call our number from the tag.

Yet every day, there are dogs found lost and injured without any identification on them and stories of owners desperately looking for them. Putting a tag on one’s pet is such a simple thing to do, but so important. I can't understand how any loving pet owner would neglect to have identification on their dog at all times in case the unexpected does happen. It breaks my heart to see photos of these “beloved pets” sitting in shelters frightened and bewildered. Thanks for letting me vent.

— Donna, Massapequa, New York

Dear Donna,

Well said. A collar and a tag are the simplest things any pet owner can do to ensure their pet's safe return home. Since collars can sometimes wiggle off lost dogs and cats, microchipping one's pet is essential too. Giving an ID tag and/or a gift certificate for a microchip would make for a great gift for friends and family with pets this holiday season.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)