From Gloria R.

"I'm sure that a cat's being overweight is just as harmful as it is for dogs. But, can you give me pointers on how to cut down on one cat's food while not doing so on the other one, who's as slim and trim as she ought to be. They have always, since they were tiny orphaned kittens, been offered the same food and they eat together in separate bowls, exchanging bowls at a whim. The chunky one, Charley, has always been built like a little tree trunk, with short sturdy legs and relatively short, low body. The other, Molly, is tall and slender with beautiful long legs and torso. I would be most grateful for any suggestions as to how to get Charley (a girl Charley, by the way) eating less without disturbing Molly's proper intake."

The average adult cat weighs in at 9 to 11 pounds, but this may vary with breed and body type. Excess flesh can cause health problems, including arthritis and liver and heart disease. Overweight felines face increased risk during surgery and may have a hard time grooming certain areas of their bodies, which can lead to skin problems. And really fat cats, such as those who weigh 20 pounds when they should be 10, can get a form of diabetes.

The best way to tip the scales in your cat's favor is to gradually decrease food intake while increasing their activity level. First, you'll need to determine the exact amount of food she's eating. Consider one of the many reduced-calorie foods available from pet supply stores. But since some cats are super-finicky, it may be easier to simply reduce the portion size of her regular food. ASPCA experts recommend a gradual 10 to 25 percent reduction of kitty's daily intake; any greater reduction can place a strain on her liver.

Depending on your cat's individual preferences, it may help to divide her daily allowance into multiple portions. Even if you're not home during the day, you can easily offer your cat four separate meals. And it may be hard for the both of you, but cut out the high-fat treats. Opt for high-fiber, low-cal munchies such as cooked green beans, raw carrots or peas -- some cats love them! Assess her progress after two weeks; you may need to further reduce her intake or up it to maintenance level.

You'll also need to make time for some interactive play. Overweight cats tend to be less active, and exercise increases muscle mass and burns calories.

Your situation is one that sounds particularly tricky. It sounds as if the only solution would be to strictly limit Charley's intake. She won't be able to eat with Molly anymore, and this will take some getting used to on everyone's part. We all love our cats, but sometimes things need be done out of necessity that they won't like. Only you can judge how traumatic a given change in behavior will be.

Of course, if your cat is extremely overweight, it's best to consult your veterinarian before starting any weight loss regimen. Your doctor can determine if the condition is due to a medical problem (which could actually be Charley's problem, given your description) or may recommend a specially formulated low-fat, high-fiber diet available by prescription only.

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Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. Visit him at "The Cat's Meow" where you can view the archives or ask him your own question which he will answer in a future column!