Weight for a very big strong cat?

Question

My cat was a stray. He survived, on his own, 2 harsh Canadian winters without his claws. He is now about 5. He eats less than a cup of quality cat food a day. No human food and few treats. His body is 26" long and he is 12" high at his forward shoulders . A VERY BIG cat. He is happy & healthy and quite active but he weighs almost 30LBS. What should I do to reduce his weight? Perhaps he is just a BIG CAT? Should we leave him as is? He is totally a indoor cat now in a home with just 2 adults.

Help appreciated as we love him and want the best for him and he is our first cat.

Answer 1

I don't know necessarily if weight is a good way to tell if a cat is fit.  If your cat is of proper body weight, you should be able to just barely feel his ribs as you run your hand across his sides.  If you have to work at feeling his ribs, he weights too much.  If the ribs are easy to feel, he doesn't weigh enough.  Also, you can look at your cat from the top, as he is standing on all four legs, he sides should not be sticking out, or caving in.  The sides should from shoulder to hip will be in a straight line, no hills, no valleys.  Unless he's long haired :)

As for cat food, don't use diet cat food.  It actually takes away needed protein, and fills it with carbohydrates, so a cat will feel more hungry.  Switching to a high protein, low carbohydrate food can work wonders with obese cats.  For more cat food information check out:  http://www.catinfo.org/

Answer 2

Seek a vet's advice, because it's not good for him to be too heavy, but it's also dangerous for him to lose weight very quickly. And, some kinds of cats just ARE that big.

Answer 3

He is a big cat.. I have one thats about 26 lbs and he doesnt eat much either, it could just be genetic, which is what I think in my own cats case too since we adopted him and never knew his parents. as long as he is happy and healthy. just do regular vet check ups fat cats are prone to diabetes and heart disease

Answer 4

Definitely talk to you vet.  My one cat is a Maine Coon and weights over 30 pounds.  He is very long and has gigantic paws, but according to the vet he only needs to lose a little.  He was just a celebrity at the vet office.  Weight control food may be suggested or maybe just a strict amount of food will be advised to leave down at one time.  Good luck...and don't be too worried!

Answer 5

My indoor cat was overweight.  I switched him to canned food (Fancy Feast) that lists meat as the first ingredient.  That has helped him lose weight.  

He needs exercise also -- use a laser for him to chase, change the landscape every day, i.e. leave grocery sacks, etc. around so he will explore and get exercise.