If you follow I HAVE CAT on facebook you know Petie had his annual check-up recently after being a year overdue. I’d been dragging my feet because the last time I took him in he weighed 18lbs and I was told he needed to lose 4lbs. I knew I would be in trouble because Petie was definitely larger, not smaller. In fact on this trip, he tipped the scale at 20lbs.
I tried to explain to the vet that Petie wasn’t all that interested in food and suggested a blood panel might be order. His weight gain could be due to a glandular problem. After agreeing with me that Petie was bigger boned than most cats (I knew it!), she told me she suspected he was a closet eater and sent me packing with a measuring cup, measuring tape and an order to have him drop 6lbs.
It turns out, she had a point.
The vet was adamant that I not let him lose weight too quickly. She said 1-2lbs a year was the right pace (great, I’d be well over 40 before he made his goal weight). At first I thought she was making a big deal about it because it’s NYC and some women might take it as personal challenge, but it turns out that sudden weight loss in cats can actually be fatal!
Who me? Fat?
As it turns out, Petie wasn’t the only one in the household who’s packed on a few pounds. I must admit I’ve been unable to wear most of my clothes this Summer because they just don’t fit. It’s a miracle I have been able to throw together enough work-appropriate outfits since I refuse to give in and buy new clothing.
A true sign I need to lose some weight? Kippie started making biscuits on my belly. For those of you who don’t have cats, this means he found my tummy akin to his mom’s boob. When kittens drink their mommy’s milk they knead in order to get the milk flowing. When an adult cat does it, it means he is very happy.
While I tried to convince myself it was a bonding thing, deep down I know this was not a good sign.
It seems Petie and both needed to lose 6lbs. Lucky for me, unlike Petie, 6 lbs isn’t 30+% of my body weight. But 6lbs will still be hard for me. The older I get the harder it is for me to deny myself.
In High School I dieted by subsisting on bread and mustard (and the fundraiser peanut M&Ms I thought didn’t count for some reason). These days I am unable to deny myself anything. I don’t eat fast food and I love salads – but I also love my wine and pasta.
As for working out, I’ve never loved it and have forced myself to do it – albeit sporadically – because I know I should. Like taking medicine. But since I started working full time again, it’s too easy to forgo post-work workouts in place of drinks with friends and co-workers. And I’m certainly not a morning person so pre-work is out of the question.
Maybe Petie and I could do it together. We could encourage one another – it would be a bonding thing. Surely having a partner would make it easier. Just like on “The Biggest Loser.” We could even get matching t-shirts!
Measurements & Weight-in:
- Tamar: 36/28/36; Weight: n/a*
- Petie – 23/25/23; 20lbs
*I don’t own a scale and if you thought I was going to divulge this information you are crazy.
Diet:
- Tamar: Eat breakfastl consume less wine; watch the carbs.
- Petie: No more free feeding; no more stealing from the kittens; 1/3 cup of dry food in the am & a small can of wet food at night.
Exercise:
- Tamar: Scheduled workouts with cute (but married) trainer 2-3 times a week.
- Petie: 5 minutes a day of continuous laser pointer followed by 10 manual sit-ups.
Make sure to check back to see our progress!
On another note, as some of you might know, I’m a vegetarian (okay, a pescatarian) who has been flirting (badly) with vegan. This weekend I’m going to volunteer at the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. I’m nervous as I’m not sure how well I’ll handle shoveling pig and sheep poo! I’ll be sure to post and include photos as soon as I get back!
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