Proper eating of sterilized cats

Eating sterilized cats need to understand that after sterilization the metabolism will change, which means that a change in diet is also needed. That is why there are foods made specifically for sterilized cats. At this stage, diet is the key to keeping cats fit, helping them lead a healthy life without gaining weight. Here we explain more.

Sterilization of male and female cats

It is recommended to sterilize female cats to avoid leaving them – after a few months of “socialization” with a group of kittens that are difficult to repopulate. In male cats, sterilization is especially encouraged because if your cat lives in an apartment by the time he reaches sexual maturity, territorial signs are likely to begin, and soon the sofa, furniture, windows, and doors will be sprayed with a strong smell of urine. 

However, if your cat has access to the outside, you may avoid tagging, but your cat will also be exposed to the dangers that outdoor life brings.

Many young and inexperienced cats on their first nights come to a bad end crossing the street, get into fights with other cats, and come home with bites, and scratches sometimes infected with bacteria, which are transmitted through these quarrels.

Eating sterilized cats

Preparing homemade meals is quite difficult, especially for sterilized cats on a restricted diet. The best solution is to give them high-quality commercial cat food that meets their new nutritional needs.

Wet cat food is the closest to the ancestral diet of cats and can provide essential nutrients, such as:

Animal protein 

Cats are omnivores that feed on high-protein diets, which means that a vegetarian diet will not meet their energy needs (especially after sterilization). Animal protein is superior to vegetable protein because it is rich in taurine, an indispensable nutrient that maintains eye, heart, and brain function. The feline body cannot produce enough taurine to get sustenance, so cats have to get it from their meals

Water 

Sterilized cats are more susceptible to urinary tract diseases, such as cystitis and bladder stones. Increasing water intake will not only prevent urinary tract infections but also help manage their weight and appetite. Since cats don't enjoy drinking from a bowl, offering up to 78% wet food will keep them hydrated

Natural minerals and vitamins

Enriched cat food should provide essential micronutrients, such as vitamin B, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Wet food contains most if not all organic compounds, while the manufacturer adds some mineral supplements

High-quality wet or semi-wet food is usually low in carbohydrates, which is the main contributor to feline obesity. The metabolism of cats is not intended to process carbohydrates, especially after sterilization when food intake is significantly increased.

When buying neutral cat food, choose products that contain less than 3% carbohydrates.

Proper feeding of sterilized cats will help prevent unnecessary anxiety and stress in such a delicate period of your pet's life.

Tips on eating sterilized cats

Before being spayed, male cats put a lot of energy into wandering around in search of a suitable partner. They can stay apart for days, sometimes physically fighting for their companion. Female cats, on the other hand, put a lot of energy into pregnancy, childbirth, and raising kittens. When a cat is spayed, this energy use mostly disappears.

Sterilized cats have a reduced space; they spend more time on the couch and lead a lazy life. Obviously, this has an impact on metabolism and food intake. In fact, neutered cats need up to 30% fewer calories per day than before. 

But here's the tricky part: while the puzzled cat's energy decreases, his appetite increases. That is why neutering is an important risk factor for being overweight and even obese.