Before the cats were allowed breakfast, we had a cat weigh-in. They’ve been eating the low fat cat food for a few hours short of a week, and I wanted to see if there was any progress in lowering the collective cat weight in the household. The last time I weighed them all was two weeks ago. I should have weighed them the day I changed the food, but I forgot. I doubt any of them had changed weight in a downward trend that week anyway.

Ronin
Two weeks ago: 24 pounds
Today: 19 pounds

Myu
Two weeks ago: 14 pounds
Today: 12 pounds

Tora
Two weeks ago: 10 pounds
Today: 10 pounds

Seven collective cat pounds lost! Myu didn’t really need to lose weight, because pudgy kitties are OK, but she’s looking really sleek now. Tora maintained weight, which is what I wanted. Ronin lost a LOT of weight, which really needed to happen. I haven’t even been draconian about watching them eat or making sure no one is being a hog and eating everyone’s food. The low fat cat food seems to be a grand success!

But how do the cats feel about it? After an initial day of outrage and temper tantrums involving much hissing, spitting and running around trying to kill each other and destroy things, they adapted. I know these cats, and when they feel an actual hunger pang, they eat whatever is in the bowls^†. Now they seem to look forward to feeding times just as they always did. In fact, they may even be looking forward to them more than usual.

There have also been two additional benefits I have noticed. All three have been significantly more affectionate to their lowly human slaves, and Ronin is getting more active again. This morning he even took part in the daily Running of the Cats with the other two^††. Right now, he’s actually playing with a toy in the living room all by himself. I haven’t seen him do that in months.

End result of trying the Innova low fat cat food? Nothing but win, so far! Thanks, Jen, for passing that bag on to me. You may have solved Ronin’s obesity problem!

1. † Except wet food of any sort. You can chase these cats with wet food, which I think is a little odd. They just won’t eat it though. [↩]
2. †† Ronin running at full steam was kind of hilarious. He lost five pounds, and all of it must have been in the belly area. He now has a huge sagging non-fat belly that swings wildly when he runs. I’m hoping that eventually goes away too, but it is quite silly to see. [↩]