Overeating Cat

[leecy]

I have four cats and a gravity feeder. one of my cats eats way too much and then throws it up later. But if i take away the gravity feeder, my dominant cats will get all the food while the non-dominant cats wont get any food. What should i do?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M.]

The best diet for all cats is an all canned or wet diet, whether home made or commercial.  Cats have no dietary requirement for grains, and an "Atkins-type" diet is really best for over-weight cats.  The only pro of dried food for cats is that of convenience, and cost for the owner, especially in the multi-cat household.    The alternative and best diet plan, is to train you cats to eat 3 or so individual meals per day, fitted around your schedule. The feedings will have to be supervised so each of your cat's gets his or her share.  The overeating cat sounds as if she (or he) may not be vomiting simply due to overeating.  That cat may have IBD (inflammatiory bowel disease), or food hypersensitivies, or food allergies, and overeats since the her body cannot utilize the food she eats appropriately.  Another common cause of overeating and vomiting is hyperthyroidism.  She should be checked for these accordingly.

[biarine]

We have 2 cats but one of our cat has a big appetite he eats 5 times a day and I am worried for his health.