Sterilized Cat: Should You Adapt Your Diet?
One effect of sterilization results in a decrease in the cat’s energy needs but increased hunger. From the equation results a possible weight gain. Should I change my diet after the operation? If so, what kind of food to give him? And in what quantity? Our advices.
Sterilization In Cats: What Consequences?
Usually performed around the age of six months, sterilization has several advantages for your cat. The operation helps to prolong his life expectancy by avoiding certain diseases related to her reproductive system, including the cancer. This small surgical intervention will also produce benefits on his behavior in particular by putting an end to urinary marking, running away and aggressiveness generated by the male’s sex hormones. At the same time, sterilization leads to some disadvantages such as a predisposition to overweight or obesity phenomena that can lead to serious health problems (diabetes, osteo-articular conditions, cardiovascular disorders, breathing difficulties, etc.).
Sterilized Cat: Why Adapt Its Diet?
The hormonal change in the sterilized cat often causes a drop in activity and an increase in sound appetite. Less active and more greedy, he will tend to gain pounds. However, the change in its metabolism generates a decrease of 20 to 30% of their energy needs. Logically, if you continue to feed your pet the same way as before the operation, weight gain is inevitable. Do not wait for your feline to be obese to act and adapt its diet the day after surgery.
What Should A Neutered Cat’S Food Contain?
The diet of a sterilized cat must guarantee a balance between less fat more quality protein, low carbohydrate content, minerals, a pH aimed at limiting urinary stones as well as fibers to ensure smooth transit. Favor premium brands and choose quality croquettes or pâtés with a protein rate above 50% and a fat rate between 10 and 20%. The products marketed at the veterinarian or in specialized stores are more expensive but their composition ensures a strong potency. satiating. Vegetables, such as zucchini, can also be included in their diet because they will increase the satiety effect without increasing calorie intake.
Sterilized Cat: What Type Of Food?
When you have checked the composition of the food, you have the choice between different types of food for your sterilized cat:
- dry foods. It is advisable to choose special croquettes for sterilized cats because their composition is adapted to their nutritional needs. They are generally hypo-energetic (light) while containing all the nutrients essential to good health: vitamins, minerals and proteins; In your selection, opt for dietary croquettes rich in fiber which increase the feeling of satiety;
- Wet foods. Pâtés contain fewer calories than kibble because they are made up of around 80% water. This type of food can be a good option for an overweight cat, especially since the different textures and flavors appeal to the finest gourmets. In addition, humidity brings hydration continuous to prevent the risk of urinary or kidney problems;
- mix feeding. One solution is to offer an alternation between croquettes and pâtés in order to take advantage of the benefits of these two foods. For example, you can serve him croquettes light and mix them with meat mash little greasy (chicken, lamb, game, duck) or fish (tuna, salmon). Combining dry food with wet food has the merit of satisfying enough, and therefore limiting bulimic behavior;
- Household rations. Homemade meals require perfect mastery to avoid the risk of deficiencies or undernutrition in your feline.
What Rations For A Sterilized Cat?
The advantage of food dietetic is not having to drastically reduce the daily rations, an action that could starve your cat. On the contrary, the energy intake of his meals being lower, you can keep your habits. First, you need to determine the quantity what your animal needs according to its weight: for this, refer to the rationing table indicated on the packaging or ask your veterinarian for advice. Suggestion: every morning, fill the cup with the necessary amount of food and distribute its food in small portions throughout the day. In this way, you are sure not to exceed the dose he needs. When changing food, follow a transition running over two weeks during which you will mix the new croquettes with the old ones then gradually increase the share of new foods.
On The Program: Weighing And Activity
After the operation, it is recommended to to weigh your cat fortnightly for a trimester to check for possible weight gain because it is at this time that his appetite will increase while his energy needs will decrease. According to the result of the weighing, it will be a question of adjusting its food. In addition to suitable food, don’t forget to move your animal using games : ball, foam mouse, obstacle course, fishing rod, feather duster… You can also organize a treasure hunt by hiding croquettes in different places in the house in order to force him to move around. Treats that you will have to subtract from your daily food intake, that goes without saying!
