Do you know cats?

[kikmosa]

I have a question. I have two kittens, about 8 months old. They are supposed to be brother and sister. I don't think they really are. The male is long-haired, black and white. The female is orange striped. I know that kittens in the same litter can have different fathers. I know they can have different looks.

The problem is their size. The male is huge. All of the long-haired kittens, eight of them, are. I mean he's 12.5 lbs already. But the girl is only 5 lbs. All 6 of the orange ones are tiny.

I know the male is too heavy but the girl is under weight. How do I put him on a diet without hurting her? And I only have one small room for them, the older male and me. I can't let them out of this room to exercise. I'm living at my sister's and her dog would kill them.

What can I do? He needs to lose but she needs to gain. I'm not here except at night. And she won't eat treats or extra snacks.

Anyone have a clue what to do?

 

[SweetMystery]

Have you checked with your vet? There may be a supplement you can give just to the little female to help her gain weight.

 

[kikmosa]

Have you checked with your vet? There may be a supplement you can give just to the little female to help her gain weight.

She just tells me to give her more treats and vitamins. I'm already doing that. And to limit his food intake. That's hard to do because I'm out looking for a job right now and not home much.

Then she tells me to get him fixed but he'll gain weight afterward. That's a problem too. I know I need to fix him but he's already too heavy and that makes them gain weight. Plus I really can't afford it right now.

 

[janeyl]

She just tells me to give her more treats and vitamins. I'm already doing that. And to limit his food intake. That's hard to do because I'm out looking for a job right now and not home much.

Then she tells me to get him fixed but he'll gain weight afterward. That's a problem too. I know I need to fix him but he's already too heavy and that makes them gain weight. Plus I really can't afford it right now.

The female has been neutered though right?

I assume that he dominates her and eats first? Female cats often demur to male cats around eating times-my little female does. How do they behave with each other in other areas? Do they play together? sleep together?

My male cats have never really gained weight after beng neutered-but then they've always been outdoor cats-if you keep them in one small room and he's entire and not going out, he may very well start spraying which you really don't want-tom's are very indesciminate about where they mark.

I'm sorry to sound so harsh but I honestly think you might be better off seeing if you can rehome them until your circumstances change-either together or seperately

 

[Mrs.H]

The female has been neutered though right?

I assume that he dominates her and eats first? Female cats often demur to male cats around eating times-my little female does. How do they behave with each other in other areas? Do they play together? sleep together?

My male cats have never really gained weight after beng neutered-but then they've always been outdoor cats-if you keep them in one small room and he's entire and not going out, he may very well start spraying which you really don't want-tom's are very indesciminate about where they mark.

I'm sorry to sound so harsh but I honestly think you might be better off seeing if you can rehome them until your circumstances change-either together or seperately

I have to agree with janey. Since you can only be home at night and are so busy. Do you think it might be a good idea to find another home for the kittens? Maybe this just isn't the right time for you to have them.

 

[mwmnpa]

I have to agree with janey and Mrs.H as well. I've had cats all of my adult life. They need space, even if they're always indoors.

Definitely get them neutered. The male will start marking territory, and they will both become sexually active. Plus, if you decide to give them up, it will greatly increase your chances of having someone adopt them.

 

[chargergirl]

You really must get them spayed and neutered. I can't stress this enough. The male will begin to spray and the female will start to yowl like you wouldn't believe. They will be sexually mature very soon and in a few more months you'll have kittens to deal with. Get it done, now. Or, as Janey said, rehome one or both.

 

[kikmosa]

I guess I have no choice then. As much as I love them I going to have to find them new homes. I really can't afford to get them fixed. It's going to hurt but I have to think of them first.

 

[mwmnpa]

I guess I have no choice then. As much as I love them I going to have to find them new homes. I really can't afford to get them fixed. It's going to hurt but I have to think of them first.

I'm sorry, I know it really does hurt. But it's the right thing to do.

 

[Mrs.H]

I guess I have no choice then. As much as I love them I going to have to find them new homes. I really can't afford to get them fixed. It's going to hurt but I have to think of them first.

Honey? HUGE and I mean HUGE hugs to you!! Yes it's going to hurt but, in the long run? I think you're really doing the right thing.

Your precious kittens will be better off for it.

When you find a job and are settled down with better hours? Then you can
try again, down the road.

Best of luck to you and thank you for doing the most unselfish and right thing for those babies.

 

[chargergirl]

I guess I have no choice then. As much as I love them I going to have to find them new homes. I really can't afford to get them fixed. It's going to hurt but I have to think of them first.

I'm so sorry you have to do that, but you are doing the right thing. *hugs*

 

[Sexymommakat]

I'd suggest feeding them separately. Also, look for a spay/neuter clinic. Our local s/n clinic offers neutering for males for $35, and $10 extra for rabies shots. Male cats that aren't fixed spray everywhere and can get quite grumpy and aggressive (I have scars to prove that!) Yeah, he'll get bigger when fixed, but the health bennies for him will be so much better. If it helps, I had a 25 lb cat, and he was as healthy as a horse and not fat at all, just big. Good luck with your fur-babies!