I Have (Less) Cat

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time you know that my chunky monkey Petie Pork Chop could stand to lose a few pounds. This was made painfully clear to me when I found myself leaving the vet’s office over a year ago with a complimentary measuring cup and tape measure in hand.

Though a public statement was never issued, so as not to put any unnecessary pressure on him (myself),  Petie has secretly been on a diet since October 8, 2011. It was my intent today to ask you to join me in celebrating his (my) achievement of the loss of 1.5lbs bringing his weight down to 18.5lbs. But sadly it cannot be so.

On what should be a joyous day, I’m here to tell you that Petie’s weight loss may very well prove to be the beginning of his undoing. Has his ego gotten to big? Is he demanding imperfect kibble shapes be removed from his bowl or that he ride in cabs rather than public transport? If only that were the case.

This past Tuesday, after returning from an early morning training session, I opened the apartment door and witnessed the horrific tableaux pictured.

[Note Kip’s genuine look of guilt and shame during the reenactment.  Method actor.]

After the shock of seeing Petie defy the laws of physics wears off, I ask you to direct your attention to the plastic bin behind him. Note the dislodged lid. Yes my friends. It seems the loss of 1.5lbs has resulted in making Petie mobile. Too mobile. I fear the next weigh-in. Though wishful thinking hopes the activity will off set the additional calories he’s been ingesting?

I guess the case of how a very large and heavy glass vase of wine corks ended up finding its way to my kitchen floor from the top of my fridge can now be closed. But in all seriousness, I’m thrilled about Petie’s weight loss but we still have 1.5lbs to go before his initial weight goal of 17lbs.

Evidence found at the scene (note the tear revealing a now-empty bag of Temptations)

Petie began his diet after his vet Dr. Maeda of West Chelsea Veterinary (she’s so awesome she literally has groupies) suggested we try prescription food. This would entail a shift from free-feeding to twice-daily meal times. Something I was not looking forward to.

Dr. Maeda suggested Hill’s Science m/d formula. When I asked why she’d selected that brand in particular, she cited their professional nutrition consult services. ***NOTE: I know the subject of pet-food is a very personal one and there are many strong opinions on the matter. I do by no means claim to be an expert nor do I intend to suggest that Hill’s Science is right for every pet.  This post is intended to convey my personal experience only*** After her conversation with the nutritionist I received an email with the following weight loss plan.

[Trying to divide one and 2/3 cans of wet food into 2 portions is no easy task]

Admittedly I haven’t been consistent with Petie’s work outs (unless Cat-flexing counts) and it seems he’s been helping himself to treats.  Wouldn’t it be nice if our physicians had nutritionists they could call to customize a weight-loss plan for us?

I’ve often heard companies like Hill’s Science criticized because they have corn in their foods. Well, it seems they were listening because late last year they launched the Hill’s® Science Diet® Ideal Balance ™line of corn-free dry cat and kitten food.  To be clear, Science Diet is the Non-Prescription line of food from Hill’s Science. These specific products are not made for weight-control.

Sorry the giveaway is over, but the folks at Hill’s are offering a rebate worth $12.99 on a purchase of Science Balance so check it out! Offer good through 12/31/12!

Your kitty now has a chance to try it – for FREE!  The first 20 people to email ihavecat(at)gmail(dot)com telling me who they’d give the food to – their cat, a neighbor’s cat, a feral etc –  will receive a 15 lb bag ($49 value) of corn-free Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Dinner!

And…GO!

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NOTE: This is not a sponsored post nor was I asked to write this post. I was given the codes to distribute as I saw fit and I thought it made the most sense in the context of this post about Petie.

Full disclosure: After my physician prescribed Hills Science for Petie I met one of their Education Specialist at the most recent Blog Paws conference and was ultimately invited to visit their headquarters in Kansas. I was quite impressed by the facilities and every one I met seemed to have great respect, love and concern for the well-being of cats and dogs (their own and those at the campus).