How to help my overweight cat lose weight without starving other cats?

Start feeding them separately and measure their food. Divide the total amount your cat should have per day and split it into two, three or more meals, depending on your schedule so she doesn't have to go too many hours between meals. Check the label on your cat food for feeding recommendations for your cat's weight or, if you haven't yet done this, make an appointment with your vet for an evaluation and a prescription diet and weight loss plan. Feed one cat in one room, shut them in and feed the other cat at the other end of the house, or upstairs if you have a two-story home. Depending on how food motivated your cat is, you can get her to follow you around the house a few laps before putting her food down for her. If she likes to play, take some time to play with her every day, using a wand toy or a ball she can chase and swat around. Drag a toy on a string for her to chase as you walk around the house, anything to get her moving and active.

I would start all of them on a feeding schedule, and feed her separate from the other cats. When they are done eating, put the food away. That will help her lose weight. Good on your for wanting to do that!

I recommend you switch to the Royal Canin light 40 food. https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Canin-Cat-Light-400g/dp/B000T5MCTI/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1504529362&sr=8-3&keywords=royal+canin+light+40 You feed them based on the recommendations on the bag according to their "ideal" weight (not the weight they are now) which I would say should be 10-11 pounds. Whatever the bag tells you to feed you can split anyway you like - into 2 feedings, 3 feeding, whatever you want as long as that is all they get for the day. If they still don't lose weight, you probably need to see your vet to get a prescription weight loss diet. You are right to be concerned. Overweight cats often get diabetes which is really not fun to manage in a cat :( Hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to post again! Best wishes!

I have a couple of suggestions for you. First, one of my friends used a latch to create an opening in their laundry room door that only the skinny cat could fit through. They left food in there for the skinnier cat to free feed throughout the day and meal fed the heavier cat. Second, if your skinnier cat will eat from food balls or no-bowl feeders, I would feed all meals in that way. Third, I would only feed twice the amount of food that the heavier cats needs twice daily. That way the skinnier cat has enough to eat, but there isn't enough extra for Luna to eat. The skinnier cats tend to get this concept after a couple of days and eat more at a meal instead of grazing as much. Finally, you could consider changing to or adding a canned food meal. That may help the skinnier cat eat a "meal" instead of grazing. Canned food is less "addicting" and less fattening than dry food, so it might be beneficial for both cats. I use a timed feeder (CatMate C20) with canned food to keep my cats from waking me up too early in the morning. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question! Most indoor cats tend to be a bit over weight as a result of plenty of food and little exercise. First off, encourage plenty of play time. You can feed them on elevated surfaces so they have to jump up to get a meal. You can also hide kibble around the house (out of their pre-measured daily amount) to engage them in their natural hunting behavior. This is mentally stimulating for them and encourages more exercise. Science Diet is a high quality food and would be a good choice for them. I do not typically recommend grain free formulas as they are high in carbohydrates and result in weight gain. Measure the food daily for each cat and feed them separately (several small meals throughout the day). This way you will how much each cat is receiving. Lastly, feed them less than recommended for their weight bracket since they are both overweight. Good luck!

Thanks for more information! Wet food has fewer calories that dry food due to the higher moisture content, so I'd recommend wet food for Snowball. Do not free feed, give him food twice a day at set times, and feed him according to the instructions on the can of food. No treats at all and no human food. I see he's an older boy, so he may not be into playing, but you can look at trying to get him more active with some toys. I hope this helps!

For pets like Carl who feel hungry all the time, I would first make sure that he is not pre-diabetic. I can see that he is severely overweight and we want to make sure he doesn't have any underlying health problems first. If he checks out ok, then I would recommend getting him on a diet that will make him feel fuller longer. There is only 1 food on the market that I know will do this effectively and that is a prescription diet called Royal Canin Satiety. Ask your vet for a prescription card, because this is a prescription diet food. Best of luck with your pet Carl and much success to getting him to lose the weight!