Zero’s Weight Loss Journey
At his last weigh in, Zero was 15.2lbs. His total weight when we weighed him last week was 14.2lbs. He lost 1 pound! We’re so proud of your weight loss journey, Stinky!
At the end of September, he was weighed and we were told he’s overweight and on a bad path. The Vet said his little belly pudge likely wouldn’t be shed at this point because that weight is hard for cats to lose (I think because they hardly ever do sit-ups). Time for a weight loss regiment!
Taking action
We took this visit seriously, and cut his calorie intake in half! What a poor, unfortunate soul!
I had been feeding him more dry than wet food, thinking that this was a cheaper option which he also really enjoyed. Zero was fed 2 scoops of dry food (1/2 cup total) with ¼ cup of wet food mixed in a with a bit of the dry at dinner time.
What I learned
Dry food has a way higher calorie count that wet food! Like, double. Zero’s recommended calorie intake by the vet was 200-250kcals per day. I was feeding him closer to 450 daily! No wonder he was gaining so much weight.
How it is now
Zero’s doses have changed. He now gets 1 scoop of dry food (1/4 cup total), and 1 full can of wet food per day.
The problem is that he has developed the habit of eating when he’s bored. So I feel bad for him when he cried for food. But we will stand strong! He gets extra snack some days when we’ve had a big day, like after biking that day. If he earns it, he earns it.
Then
Now
I joke about his transformation because I think it’s so funny. His weight loss was impressive for such a smol guy, but it’s hard to see on the surface. Zero lost 6.5% of his total weight! That was so surprising to us after only 2 months. We’re going to keep him on his diet, which will likely be his new normal (sorry, Zero – I lied).
It seems so funny to be watching Zero’s weight, because he is so small to begin with, but him being a healthy weight is so important to the longevity of his life and his over all comfort as he ages.
Shout out
Big shout out to Harbour City Animal Hospital! They do such great and caring work. Zero has felt so comfortable in your office.
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