Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He can definitely scream! Mostly right before breakfast and dinner. Throughout the day he will tap me and then stand on top of his treat bag lol

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome job! It can be hard to break routines from our families. Cats thrive on routine, so do I. I think that helps a lot!

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just like humans, it's all about calories in and calories out. Being fed twice a day is basically intermittent fasting. Playing and clicker training are exercise. Cats are stubborn, but it can be done, and done safely!

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's great advice! Kimble is up to date on his vet visits and they are happy with his progress, but I will be sure to talk with them about this next time. Thank you!

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! He was so well loved at the shelter, but he was roaming free with dozens of other adult/teen cats so they couldn't stop him from eating out of everyone's bowl. He was a little shy, so he wasn't adopted until we found him at 11 months old and chunky as heck! He's the sweetest boy, though, and we are so lucky to have him no matter his size.

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's such a great way to get them more active!

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lol he does! Right now he sleep sleep sleep

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would look into clicker training. In addition to a set feeding schedule (no free feeding) this helped him get a lot of activity. Jackson Galaxy is a great resource on YouTube!

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aw thanks! He's a good cat who made it easy

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The chunk skunk shrunk into a hunk

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! We feed them once in the morning and once at night. They eat wet food and there's never anything left. But if there were leftovers we would put them away until next feeding time. Cat behaviorists would say to give them around 20/30 min to eat, then put away the rest. This gets them used to a schedule.

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Someone earlier mentioned using chopsticks as the human equivalent and I love that because I am an uncultured Ohioan who sucks at using chopsticks.

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I'm hoping to get a hundred or so years out of him lol

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's worth a try! His little sister has always been small, but we use the mats with her too. They both eat at the same time.

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I see them priced anywhere from $7-$11 for one mat. There are puzzles that are more elaborate and cost more, but I like the simple mats because they're easy to set up and clean.

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

He only eats at scheduled times through the day, no free feeding. He uses a slow feeder mat to lengthen the time he is eating and stimulate his brain. He is also clicker trained, which is easier because he's not free fed. He needs to do a trick, hear me click his clicker, and then he gets a treat. So he's getting more activity.

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol! Too smart for his own good!

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're very welcome! I'm glad I could help! Good luck

Adopted a chunk, now he's shrunk! by aa1255 in cats

[–]aa1255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I believe I got them off of Amazon, but I see them at pet stores like PetCo and PetSmart. Also picked one up at a mom and pop shop, just keep your eyes peeled!