Neutering an animal is a fairly common procedure, which in most cases is performed without complications and is easy. However, after the procedure, the cat is at risk for genitourinary diseases, so its owner must switch to a proper diet. A neutered pet's diet has some special considerations; for example, nutritional adjustments can help prevent obesity.
Development of urolithiasis
All neutered cats are prone to obesity, which is due to hormonal imbalances in the body. To avoid this, It is necessary to give the cat special herbal remedies, which help speed up metabolism, in other words, burn excess fat. In addition, the owner should switch the animal to a special diet.
Hormonal imbalances after castration can also lead to the development of urolithiasis and other abnormalities in the functioning of the urological system. This is why a neutered pet's diet should be balanced.Vitamins should definitely be added to it. However, foods containing a lot of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium should be avoided, as they can trigger the development of kidney stones.
After the removal of the reproductive organs, the cat's urethra becomes severely narrowed, preventing even small stones from passing naturally. They begin to accumulate in the kidneys and urinary tract. To prevent serious consequences, it's important to feed your cat properly.
Choosing food for a neutered animal
If you plan to add commercial food to your pet's diet, always buy the same brand. Currently, stores offer a huge range of food for neutered cats, however, there are no particular differences between specialized and simple food.
Remember that when feeding dry food, your cat will drink a lot. Ideally, your cat will drink several times more water than it eats kibble. If your pet refuses to touch its water bowl, it's best to soak its food or feed it only natural ingredients.
Many popular pet food companies have their own lines for spayed and neutered animals. When choosing food, consider the following:
Look for products labeled "Light." This food is a lighter version, containing less fat and carbohydrates. This food is especially suitable for pets prone to obesity.- Pay attention to the so-called "ash content" of the food. This value indicates how much phosphorus, magnesium, and nitrogen the food contains. Cats need these minerals, but excess amounts of these minerals are deposited in the kidneys. This can eventually lead to the development of struvite stones. Ash content in the food should be no more than 7%, and preferably around 6%.
- Just because the label says "for neutered cats" doesn't mean the food is suitable for your pet. In fact, after several weeks of feeding your cat a new diet, it's a good idea to have your cat tested at a veterinarian to determine its digestibility.
- A neutered cat should be fed food that's high in protein but low in carbohydrates. Therefore, always carefully read the ingredients on the packaging: the food should contain more than 30% protein, ideally 50%. Excess carbohydrates negatively impact blood sugar levels and are stored as fat, leading to serious problems.
- Of course, you should choose only high-quality food, such as premium, holistic, or super-premium. This is important for a neutered animal, as manufacturers add plant-based proteins and carbohydrates to cheap food, including harmful chemicals, which can cause the pet to gain weight quickly.
Look for products labeled "Light." This food is a lighter version, containing less fat and carbohydrates. This food is especially suitable for pets prone to obesity.Premium product ratings for neutered animals
Royal Canin Neutered Young Female and Young Male
It's low in calories due to its reduced starch content. These products contain:
- Vitamins;
- Chondroprotectors;
- L-carnitine and other amino acids;
- Minerals.
This food is made attractive by its high protein content—40%. Royal Canin Neutered maintains optimal urine composition while preventing crystal formation. It also contains fiber, which improves digestion, and plant extracts.
EukanubaSterilisedWeightKontrol food
This is also a low-calorie food for neutered pets. Its diet was specifically formulated for neutered cats prone to obesity. It contains less magnesium and fat than regular food. Furthermore, the hard kibble allows the pet to clean plaque from their teeth while eating, reducing the risk of tartar buildup. The basis of the feed is turkey and chicken meat.It contains micro and macro elements, L-carnitine, and, of course, vitamins. An optimal balance of fatty acids helps maintain the animal's coat and skin in good condition. Partially fermented beet pulp improves digestion in neutered cats.
Purina Pro Plan After Care
The diet differs from others in its high protein content of about 41%, including salmon or turkey products (20%), dehydrated chicken protein (at least 4%), and liver concentrate and fish protein. In addition, it is reduced The carbohydrate content ensures the feed is low in caloriesThis diet contains essential minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and even amino acids. The kibble has a special coating that prevents tartar buildup. This diet helps reduce the risk of struvite crystals in the urine. Purina Pro Plan After Care products leave your cat feeling full for a long time and are highly digestible.
Feeding a neutered pet natural food
As you know, the diet of industrial feed is created by experienced nutritionists and veterinarians, but for If you are feeding an animal natural products after the removal of its reproductive organs, you will have to do it yourself.In principle, it's not too difficult, the main thing is to follow the feeding rules:
You should only buy lean fish and meat. After this procedure, saturated animal fats are harmful to your pet. If you ignore this recommendation, your cat will quickly become obese.
Sea fish contain high levels of phosphorus and salt. For this reason, after castration, freshwater fish should be preferred.
Fermented milk products should be low-fat and should be given to your cat no more than twice a week to maintain intestinal microflora.
Try mixing meat with vegetables or porridge. Of course, not all animals are willing to make such compromises, but it's an ideal option for replenishing vitamins.
It is essential to buy fresh grass at the pet store. It is also you can grow it yourself, it is very necessary for neutered cats to normalize intestinal motility and metabolism.
You should not feed your neutered pet food from your table, as it is completely unsuitable for animal nutrition. Industrially prepared fish products, various sausages and cold cuts, semi-finished products are treated not only with salt, but also with chemicals and preservatives.
