17 best foods for spayed and neutered cats

Sterilized cats require special nutrition, so special food has been developed for such animals. It allows you to fill their diet with the necessary elements to prevent the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system and excess weight gain. Therefore, many owners are thinking about buying the right food.

Many manufacturers offer a special line for sterilized animals. The difference lies not only in price, but also in the composition of the product and purpose. Therefore, the rating will include dry food with different characteristics. You will also learn how to choose the right products and what their differences are.

Features of the diet of a cat after castration/sterilization

After surgery, pets experience hormonal disruption, and the lost interest in the opposite sex is compensated by an increased appetite. These dietary features should be taken into account.

1. Do not overfeed. If you gain weight, switch to diet food or reduce the portion, but increase the number of feedings.
2. Choose a diet that is lower in calories than your usual diet.
3. Limit your intake of magnesium and phosphorus, because elements contribute to the occurrence of urolithiasis.
4. Provide adequate amounts of fluids. With a dry diet, the animal needs three times more water than a portion of food.

There is food for cats that says “for neutered animals” on the packaging, but you need to know that there are no significant differences in the nutritional composition of regular pets and operated ones.

On a note! The manufacturer Grandorf produces the best food for sterilized cats.

Features of nutrition of neutered pets

The castration process involves the complete removal of testes in cats, as well as two types of operations in cats:

• with removal of only the ovaries;
• with removal of the ovaries and uterus.

This means that the pet’s hormonal levels will change after surgery. The body has nothing left to produce sex hormones.

It is important not to confuse the physiological differences between castrated and sterilized cats. In the latter, the organs remain in place. The body continues to work as before, but such pets will no longer have kittens.

Many experts believe that complete castration, despite the pain, is much more humane than sterilization. Especially for cats. It is better to completely remove inactive organs than to have them work “in vain” over and over again. After all, this carries the risk of developing a tumor and purulent process, and not only in the genitals.

Neutering significantly reduces the number of problems in male cats. But it brings some difficulties with nutrition. When the body stops producing sex hormones, the basic instinct simply fades away. Animals no longer need to be active. If you feed a neutered cat the same diet, he will begin to gain weight in a short time.

Obesity entails a load on the body's systems: from the cardiovascular to the digestive. The organs of the genitourinary system in neutered cats suffer the most. Especially if the operation was performed before the kitten was fully physically mature. The kidneys, ureters, and bladder are the first to fail. If timely measures are not taken, this can result in death for cats.

It is better to select food two months before castration. Gradually transfer the cat to the chosen option so that this does not become a shock for him during the rehabilitation period.

What food is best to feed a neutered cat? High quality and proven. Don’t make the mistake of skipping the economy options.

How to choose ready-made food for sterilized cats

You should not feed operated cats regular food, but it is better to choose good food in a specialized store, focusing on the composition.

Feed composition

Pet food should contain a lot of easily digestible and nutritious protein. In this case, the animal will always be full and will not gain excess weight.

A castrated or sterilized cat should be fed food containing the following components:

• probiotics (beneficial bacteria) - improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• vitamin E – regulates hormonal levels, improves coat condition and vision;
• L-carnitine – prevents obesity;
• amino acid (taurine) – increases cell sensitivity to insulin;
• fiber - helps improve digestion;
• iron – participates in hematopoiesis;
• fatty acids – increase the body’s defenses;
• beta-carotene – increases resistance to colds.

Premium or super premium products contain all the necessary vitamin and mineral complexes, being the best choice.

Dry or wet food

The pet owner can choose both wet and dry food.

Benefits of wet food:

• liquid food is digested faster;
• used for young animals during teeth change.

Benefits of dry food:

• has the effect of a toothbrush, eliminating tartar and plaque during gnawing;
• strengthens the jaw muscles.

If the animal does not like to drink water, it is better to choose liquid food. Dry granules can be softened with boiled water.

Advice! Consulting a veterinarian will help you choose the right diet for your pet.

Best lists

Having studied all the popular foods for sterilized cats, we will choose the best in terms of quality and price. I propose to set the following categories for this:

• the best holistic food for sterilized cats;
• the best food for sterilized cats and female cats aged 1 to 6 years;
• The best food for sterilized cats and cats over 7 years old.

The best holistic food for sterilized cats

This category includes the grain-free complete food Diusa Pet Alleva Holistic. Available in three varieties: lamb and venison, ocean fish, chicken and duck. This series includes both products for cats from 1 to 6 years old, and for kittens. Therefore, you can accustom your pet to good dry food almost from birth.

The Italian manufacturer produces products without dyes or flavors, even those that are safe for health. The composition contains only high-quality meat and fish without bones in a dehydrated (60%) and raw state (20%), useful extracts of herbs, berries and vegetables. There are no grain crops here. The products are fully balanced in microelements and vitamins, so there is no need to give them additionally.

The company has been on the global market for more than 120 years and is famous for only high-quality pet products. Our own developments allowed us to improve the composition and achieve recognition among cat owners. Grain-free food allows you to bring your animal's diet closer to what it receives living in the wild. This has the highest proportion of protein content. The cat's body is designed in such a way that proteins are more important than carbohydrates. Therefore, Diusa Pet Alleva Holistic is most suitable for maintaining health and immunity. Judging by the reviews of the owners, their animals quickly switch to this product and recover after consuming cheap feed. These cats feel better, the condition of their teeth and coat improves, and their weight normalizes. All this suggests that this food is suitable for sterilized cats.

The food is excellent for pets suffering from allergies, obesity, and who have developed health problems due to the consumption of lower class products. But if your cat or feline is inactive, then holistic can lead to excess weight. Therefore, it is better to first take a small package for testing.

The best food for sterilized cats and female cats aged 1 to 6 years

This category includes a complete and balanced diet from Monge Superpremium Cat, which belongs to the superpremium class. It is available for both kittens and adults. Therefore, almost from birth you can accustom your pet to good nutrition.

In first place in terms of content is the meat product in a dehydrated state and must be at least 10% fresh meat, and the total amount is at least 36%. In addition there are cereals, dried egg, salmon flour and oil, brewer's yeast (source of vitamin B), vitamins and minerals. The high content of protein and L-carnitine allows you to maintain activity and physical fitness for a long time.

The food is suitable not only for spayed and neutered cats, but also for those with sensitive digestion. Ensuring the proper functioning of the digestive system and the balance of intestinal flora due to the prebiotics FOS and MOS. The first improves the growth of beneficial bacteria, and the second prevents pathogenic bacteria from attaching to the mucous membrane. Due to this, the immune system is supported and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is improved.

Healthy skin, coat and increased body resistance to inflammatory processes due to the balanced content of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Prevention of the development of urolithiasis is carried out thanks to a balanced composition and neutral Ph. This product contains no dyes, preservatives or flavors.

The best food for sterilized cats and cats over 7 years old

This category includes the Purina Pro Plan Sterilized 7+ diet. The product recipe is rich in protein, vitamins, amino acids, and microelements. Ph balance is maintained, which acts as a prevention of urolithiasis. The LONGEVIS complex was developed specifically taking into account the needs of older sterilized cats and their low activity, so it allows you to balance their diet. It has been scientifically proven to extend their life by at least one year and improve their health.

The content of natural proteins is at least 41% and a reduced amount of carbohydrates. It contains a complex of vitamins: E, B, A and D3. As well as important microelements, 3% Omega-3 and 0.5 Omega-6. The balance of protein, carbohydrates and fiber allows you to maintain optimal weight, preventing the development of obesity. In addition, it supports the cat’s basic vital functions: immune, digestive and renal. The daily diet takes into account the weight of the animal and must be adhered to in order to prevent overeating and the associated consequences.

Changes in the animal's body

After sterilization, irreversible changes occur in the pet’s body, primarily affecting hormonal levels. All this leads to the cat becoming prone to various pathologies.

• Stagnation of urine in the bladder. Sterilized animals defecate much less frequently after the procedure, which entails the development of all sorts of problems. For example, stones and sand can form in the bladder and kidneys. Cystitis occurs equally rarely in sterilized cats.
• Changes in hormonal levels. During sterilization, glands that produce sex hormones are removed from a cat. That is why after the procedure the natural instinct of reproduction disappears in animals. As a result, they stop looking for a suitable partner and compete for their territory. This is why castrated cats sleep a lot, move little and are not interested in games.
• Slowing down metabolic processes. The gonads of cats produce hormones that help them quickly burn calories. And after the level of these substances in the body decreases, metabolism slows down and subcutaneous fat begins to be deposited.
• Increased appetite. In the body of castrated cats, the level of prolactin, which controls metabolic processes, increases significantly. Its excess entails an increase in appetite. This is why animals after sterilization can easily eat two servings at once and still ask for more. As a result, cats often gain extra pounds.

To avoid these problems, the owner of a neutered pet should radically change its diet.

Selection rules

It is impossible to choose the best food for a neutered cat without knowing some details:

1. It is better to focus on products intended for animals after castration.
2. The mark “Light” is an indicator of a lightweight composition with a reduced amount of fats and carbohydrates. If your pet is prone to obesity, this is a suitable food option.
3. Choose food with plenty of protein. The composition must contain at least 50% protein.
4. Consider the amount of carbohydrates and choose products in which its content does not exceed 20%. A larger amount will lead to excess weight and increased blood sugar.
5. The norm of minerals is up to 6%, because An excess of phosphorus, magnesium and nitrogen promotes the growth of stones.
6. You can alternate canned food, pates or dry food of the same brand.
7. On the packaging you can see instructions with the composition of the product, recommended daily intake and expiration date.

Natural products for neutered cats

Meat and meat by-products can be boiled or frozen for 2-3 days. Vegetables and fruits are usually boiled or given raw. Plant food must be mixed with meat or dairy products, because cats will not eat it just like that. Low-fat kefir or cottage cheese can be given without restrictions.

The following products can be used in the diet:

1. Meat : chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef. Pork should not be included in the diet, as it is too fatty.
2. Meat by-products : tripe, chicken stomachs, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs.
3. Low-fat river fish : pike, bream, perch and others. But you need to buy them in a store.
4. Bones and bone meal . It must be crushed and boiled. Before giving it, mix it with pureed vegetables or porridge.
5. For porridges , rice, buckwheat, barley, millet, and oats are used. They must be boiled in water or milk.
6. Low-fat fermented milk products : fermented baked milk, kefir, cottage cheese.
7. Vegetables should make up 10–15% of the diet. You need to use cucumbers, pumpkin, zucchini, cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli.
8. Eggs can be given raw, boiled or fried. It is advisable to remove the yolk from them, as it contains a lot of cholesterol.

Such foods should be excluded from the diet:

1. Fatty meat : pork, duck and goose.
2. Fatty sea fish : trout, salmon, herring and other seafood.
3. Cow's milk , since the cat's gastrointestinal tract does not digest the purchased product.
4. Fatty dairy products : sour cream, cheese and others.
5. Fruits : bananas, grapes. The former are poorly absorbed, and the latter often lead to flatulence.
6. Root vegetables : potatoes, beets (poorly digested).
7. Chocolate , sweets, confectionery and flour products, horns and pasta.

There is no need to simply give any vitamins to neutered cats, since removal of the testes does not affect the secretion of other hormones and does not lead to vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin complexes can be prescribed only if appropriate symptoms are present, preferably after consultation with a veterinarian.

What should you consider when choosing a power system?

To prevent your cat from gaining weight, you will need to completely change its diet. Since there is a high probability of developing pathology of the urinary system, strict requirements are imposed on the composition of the feed. It should have a reduced content of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, since these elements contribute to the deposition of salts. A balanced diet for a sterilized cat should meet the animal’s needs for essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

The amount of fat in specialized feed is lower (by about 30%) than in simple feed. They are not as high in calories, because a less active and often simply lazy animal requires less energy. At the same time, the amount of food eaten daily should be left the same. Do not reduce the portion as this can cause stress in the cat. The protein content is approximately the same for all products; this parameter is determined by the class of food.

When choosing a nutrition system for your pet, they are guided by its character, build, activity, breed predisposition to diseases and other characteristics.

Signs that food is suitable for your pet

The health of your pet primarily depends on feeding.

You can evaluate the results of using a new diet only after a month based on the following criteria:

1. Thick, shiny coat. Indicates that the diet contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients.
2. Normal weight and good appetite.
3. No problems with stool.

Be sure to read:

Royal Canin food for sterilized cats: features, composition, wet, advantages and disadvantages

Special food or natural products?

The first months after surgery are especially difficult for the pet and its owner, whose responsibilities include helping the animal adapt to new living conditions. Your pet should have a balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals. You can feed him natural food or special food.

The advantages of natural products include:

• constantly fresh food without preservatives;
• variety of product combinations;
• ability to control ingredients.

There are also negative points:

• it takes time to buy groceries;
• Vitamin and mineral supplements are required;
• the need to prepare fresh food;
• difficulty in creating a balanced diet.

When feeding an operated cat natural food, it is important to consider some details:

• food should not be too cold - it is recommended to serve it warmed or at room temperature;
• there is a daily need for vitamins, which your veterinarian will help you choose;
• It is necessary to offer sprouted oats to enrich your pet’s diet with useful microelements.

Ready-made food is divided into dry and wet food, which has both pros and cons.

Advantages of a ready-made diet:

• no time is wasted on cooking;
• ease of travel;
• low phosphorus and magnesium content;
• reduced nutritional value to prevent pet obesity;
• the necessary nutrients are supplied in the required proportions.

Minuses:

• dry food contains little moisture;
• Super-premium and holistic products have a high cost.

Mixed nutrition leads to digestive disorders, so it is better to choose one type of feeding and stick to it. It is better to introduce food several weeks before the planned operation. Having chosen a suitable option, it is not recommended to suddenly change the manufacturer: the ready-made food of each of them has a composition to which the animal’s body gets used to.

The animal needs to be fed several times a day. It is forbidden to give the entire portion at once, since cats after castration are not able to control their appetite.

What can you feed?

After the operation, the owner thinks about whether it is possible to feed the pet regular food or give preference to a line of medicated food. If before the procedure the animal ate natural food, you can offer dishes from the permitted list of products:

• lean meats;
• offal;
• dairy products;
• vegetables;
• eggs: half a chicken or 1 quail.

A healthy cat can be fed not only with special food, but also with regular food, paying attention to the composition. It is better to choose premium, super-premium and holistic products.