Okay, I am feeling like a really terrible meowmy right now. I haven't been spending as much time with my cats as I usually do as I have been struggling with some health and personal issues (some of you may be aware of what I'm talking about here). Of course, the kitties are always fed and watered and their litter boxes are always clean. And, I do spend time with them, but it is not as much as usual and my roommate has, in some instances, been more involved with them since I have been out of commission for a bit. I'm finally getting back into the swing of things, but I'm feeling very guilty at the moment.
Last night, as I was giving the kitties their evening wet food meal, I noticed that Delaney looked quite thin. In fact, it struck me so suddenly that I almost was brought to tears and immediately reached out to feel her frame. Now, it could've just been my emotions getting at me, but she really did look thin. Her hips looked like they were protruding and her waist was what I would term "wasp-waisted." But, when I pet her, I could not easily or readily feel her hip bones or her ribs. I should also mention that Delaney has a tendency to crouch down in an almost submissive position and that often makes her appear slighter. So, I'm kind of confused -- especially since my other DSH, Emory, looked much the same. They both have the "spay sway" which has become more pronounced, but they have also lost some weight since the fall and winter. And, of course, I also need to take into account the fact that they are shedding quite heavily at the moment. I've never had either through the winter seasons prior to this year so I have nothing to go by and my other two kitties are DLH and their body shape has always been more cobby than my DSH cats.
Over the fall and winter, all of my cats put on a good deal of weight. And, since then, I have changed their diet (per my vet's instructions) to a grain-free dry and a combination of grain-free and other high quality wet foods. Throughout all of this time, all of the cats have eaten well and appear healthy. Delaney and Emory both have shiny coats and their eyes, nose, and ears are clean and clear. They show interest in their food as well as in play. Nothing about their personalities or behaviors has caused me concern, but their weight is bothering me something terrible. My roommate says I'm just noticing their change from fall/winter to spring/summer and thinks they look totally fine, but the thought that something may be wrong is niggling the back of my mind. Unfortunately, I have nothing to base my worries on as they do seem fine, look fine, and feel fine. If there was something glaring, they'd be at the vet in no time flat. But, I can't help but wonder if my fear and worry is based more on the fact that I haven't seen them or spent as much time with them than straight up truth. So, basically, I'm freaking out where they may be no need. And, this, my friends, is par for the course for me...
So, my question is how do you know when to worry and when not to be concerned? Everything points to the fact that the girls have just blown their winter coat and have lost some weight (which was a desired weight loss). I've only seen Delaney grow as she is only just about to turn 2 this week and Emory has always been on the petite side and doesn't look poorly at all. And, Delaney looks healthy as well. My gut says I am just feeling guilty for not being as present in the last couple of weeks as I'd have liked to, but I don't want to rely on that. What have your experiences been with cats losing winter weight and thickness of coat come spring and summer? It's finally steadily warm here in Ohio and this would be the time I'd expect to see some change, but I'm just totally obsessed over this issue.
I have a tendency to run to the vet with even small issues and would prefer not to do that with this issue unless it is warranted. Being out of work (despite having money set aside and insurance for my pets) is certainly a hardship and, while I'll do whatever is necessary, I do not want to strike preemptively. I hope that makes sense as I am not the kind of person to scrimp where my pets are concerned.
I know this is all a bit jumbled, but I hope you all can see where I'm coming from. I haven't weighed the cats, but can do so a bit later once my roommate gets home. I'm just really stressed. I'm stressed about things going on outside of my home life and I'm stressed about my health. I can't help but wonder if my outward stress is being transferred to fear and anxiety about the cats. They're my life, you know?
If you stuck this out, well, you deserve an award. I just feel so terrible. I hope you all don't think I'm a terrible meowmy because of all this...
Last night, as I was giving the kitties their evening wet food meal, I noticed that Delaney looked quite thin. In fact, it struck me so suddenly that I almost was brought to tears and immediately reached out to feel her frame. Now, it could've just been my emotions getting at me, but she really did look thin. Her hips looked like they were protruding and her waist was what I would term "wasp-waisted." But, when I pet her, I could not easily or readily feel her hip bones or her ribs. I should also mention that Delaney has a tendency to crouch down in an almost submissive position and that often makes her appear slighter. So, I'm kind of confused -- especially since my other DSH, Emory, looked much the same. They both have the "spay sway" which has become more pronounced, but they have also lost some weight since the fall and winter. And, of course, I also need to take into account the fact that they are shedding quite heavily at the moment. I've never had either through the winter seasons prior to this year so I have nothing to go by and my other two kitties are DLH and their body shape has always been more cobby than my DSH cats.
Over the fall and winter, all of my cats put on a good deal of weight. And, since then, I have changed their diet (per my vet's instructions) to a grain-free dry and a combination of grain-free and other high quality wet foods. Throughout all of this time, all of the cats have eaten well and appear healthy. Delaney and Emory both have shiny coats and their eyes, nose, and ears are clean and clear. They show interest in their food as well as in play. Nothing about their personalities or behaviors has caused me concern, but their weight is bothering me something terrible. My roommate says I'm just noticing their change from fall/winter to spring/summer and thinks they look totally fine, but the thought that something may be wrong is niggling the back of my mind. Unfortunately, I have nothing to base my worries on as they do seem fine, look fine, and feel fine. If there was something glaring, they'd be at the vet in no time flat. But, I can't help but wonder if my fear and worry is based more on the fact that I haven't seen them or spent as much time with them than straight up truth. So, basically, I'm freaking out where they may be no need. And, this, my friends, is par for the course for me...
So, my question is how do you know when to worry and when not to be concerned? Everything points to the fact that the girls have just blown their winter coat and have lost some weight (which was a desired weight loss). I've only seen Delaney grow as she is only just about to turn 2 this week and Emory has always been on the petite side and doesn't look poorly at all. And, Delaney looks healthy as well. My gut says I am just feeling guilty for not being as present in the last couple of weeks as I'd have liked to, but I don't want to rely on that. What have your experiences been with cats losing winter weight and thickness of coat come spring and summer? It's finally steadily warm here in Ohio and this would be the time I'd expect to see some change, but I'm just totally obsessed over this issue.
I have a tendency to run to the vet with even small issues and would prefer not to do that with this issue unless it is warranted. Being out of work (despite having money set aside and insurance for my pets) is certainly a hardship and, while I'll do whatever is necessary, I do not want to strike preemptively. I hope that makes sense as I am not the kind of person to scrimp where my pets are concerned.
I know this is all a bit jumbled, but I hope you all can see where I'm coming from. I haven't weighed the cats, but can do so a bit later once my roommate gets home. I'm just really stressed. I'm stressed about things going on outside of my home life and I'm stressed about my health. I can't help but wonder if my outward stress is being transferred to fear and anxiety about the cats. They're my life, you know?
If you stuck this out, well, you deserve an award. I just feel so terrible. I hope you all don't think I'm a terrible meowmy because of all this...