Savannah Weights

[Eddies]

Just out of curiosity, what does an early neuter mean for the cat's long-term weight?

Did anybody answer this? Seems I get to pick the date(age) for neutering our Eddie II, advise would be SO APPRECIATED! Scared to mess up on pick #3!

 

[Patti]

Yes, there has been some evidence that early neutering produces larger cats. By neutering early the normal hormones that are produced as a cat matures are never produced. These hormones are one of the things that causes the growth plates to close off in the long bones (e.g., the leg bones) which slows down and stops growth. Without the hormones to trigger this process the kitten's bones continues to grow for a longer period of time.

 

[Layla's Dad]

Layla is year and a half F2 female at 12 pounds and the vet told me she is over weight? She does show a bit of belly but I thought savanahs grow up to 3 years old... She does have a long frame so I have cut back on food and giving more excerise.

 

[Becki]

Layla is year and a half F2 female at 12 pounds and the vet told me she is over weight? She does show a bit of belly but I thought savanahs grow up to 3 years old... She does have a long frame so I have cut back on food and giving more excerise.

Hard to say without seeing her, but they do get that primordial pouch. Read through some of the threads on diet. If you aren't feeding raw, might be something to consider.

 

[Layla's Dad]

Hard to say without seeing her, but they do get that primordial pouch. Read through some of the threads on diet. If you aren't feeding raw, might be something to consider.

Here are a couple of pics, we tried the raw diet and it was a hit and miss after a few days. She is on holistic food now 3 times a day.

 

[Kristin]

For Zeddie, I go by girth, not her pouch. Everyone used to tell me she was overweight, but she was skin and bones. I actually ended up upping the amount of food I gave her, because she was always hungry. I just feel her ribs as a guide...a few months ago she was 7 lbs...now she is almost 10!

 

[Layla's Dad]

She is definitely now boney lol but the pouch does stick out.

 

[Patti]

It's hard to tell by these pics, but if the 'belly' is soft and fleshy it is most likely a primordial pouch and part of the Savannah charm but nothing to worry about. If it is really all her (fat, muscle, organs, etc.) then she may need to shed a couple of pounds.

 

[Layla's Dad]

Yes it is soft and fleshy... I guess the vet is paranoid but I will keep a close eye on it thank you.

 

[admin]

Sam, vets do have a way of measuring when a cat is overweight...to me, Layla looks a tad overweight...not sure how much you are feeding her, but 3 times a day is a bit more than needed IMO...my vet told me Ixas could stand to lose a pound or two and he was right...Ixas lost the weight and looks much better...

My kittens (less than a year) get fed three times a day and my cats get fed twice a day...