Well Tony, it looks like all the "experts" here (and I'm not talking about
Phil, who is busy with rescue work during kitten season) are busy off
flaming in off topic threads to chime in a try to help you with this.

Another shining example of "do as I say, not as I do".

I'm just sorry you and your cats have to do with their advice because of the
bickering and pettiness.

I tell you what, I'll go and google some of the things Phil has posted about
this in the past and post it in a bit.

Hugs,

CatNipped

Mary, no, I didn't raise him from a kitten.  I dated a very nice woman
who had Kahlua and Mischief.  I cat-sat for them two or three times.  I
liked the boys and they liked me, coming to the door when I arrived at
her house.  The romance didn't last but the friendship with her did.

I was staying in an apartment and couldn't have pets.  About 2 1/2
years ago, I bought a house and immediately took in two adult cats,
Ernie and Bernie aka "the girls", who were looking for a new home.

  http://wideopenwest.com/~awesley5155/img/bernie.jpg
  http://wideopenwest.com/~awesley5155/img/ernie.jpg

I believe Bernie is saying "What do you want?  I didn't call you."

About a year later, my friend got married.  I believe her husband and
Kahlua didn't get along.  I had always liked Mischief and Kahlua, and
it's so hard to find a home for adult cats.  So I gladly took them in.

Sometimes four cats is a bit much.  For instance, I use three litter
boxes.  Mischief has a special one, it's the bottom of an under-the-bed
storage box.  He doesn't fit in a standard litter box.

And Ernie and Kahlua don't get along.  Sometimes they have a cat fight
at 3 am, in my room.

But I love them all.

Wow!! These are some Big Bad Boys!!

OK Tony, sorry I took so long but I've been very busy at work (and it seems
others here have been too busy flaming in OT threads to take notice of your
need for help) - and I know PhilP has been busy doing rescue work with
ferals... So, I googled and got this that Phil had posted a while back
regarding diet for overweight cats (this is quoting Phil's post):

=================================================================================

The estimated energy needs of obese adult cats is 40 kcal/ kg of
desired lean body mass. Thus, a 5-kg  cat estimated to be 40 percent
overweight has a lean body mass of 3 kg, and a basal energy
requirement of 120 kcal/day.

Average weight for an adult cat is about 4kg (9 lb).  To get Angus
down to 9 lbs safely, you'll need to feed him a *balanced*, approx.160
kcal/day diet and allow 4 weeks for each pound of weight loss.  This
is just a guide.  Depending on his activity level and metabolism, he
may require more (but not less).  Before restricting caloric/protein
intake, discuss the plan with your vet.  A plan that works for one cat
can be dangerous for another.

As an alternative, you can switch (gradually) to Nutro Light.
Although the kcal/cup is 329, the fat content is about 1/2, the fiber
is double, and the protein is about the same as regular food.  Energy
needs are met from protein and slightly more carbohydrate.
Carbohydrate supplies only energy.  The advantage of feeding a Light
diet is energy and nutritional needs are met before or at the same
time satiety is reached.  The disadvantage is weight loss will take
longer and the gradual loss may not be noticeable requiring frequent
weighing to gage efficacy of the diet.

Once his ideal weight is reached, you can switch him to a normal
maintenance diet of about 300 kcal/day with normal levels of protein
and fat found in Nutro Adult Max Cat; a combination of about 75%
canned and about 25% dry is a good ratio.  The higher water turnover
achieved by feeding a higher proportion of canned is especially
important for male cats to reduce the risks of crystal formation which
can lead to urinary tract blockage.

Consult your vet before making any dietary changes.

Good luck.

Phil.

========================================================================

Hugs,

CatNipped