TOP 10 best food for sterilized cats: rating, useful properties, which one to choose, price, reviews

Update date: 02/14/2021 14:36:52 7522 Share:

Author of the article: Astafieva Ekaterina Alekseevna

*Review of the best according to the editors of simplerule.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Sterilization is a procedure that can not only improve the condition of a pet, but also prolong its life. Removal of reproductive organs in cats can lead to weakening of the body, so it is important to review your pet’s diet after surgery. We have compiled a rating of the best dry and wet food for sterilized cats, which contains all the necessary components to maintain the health of your pet.

Feeding tactics

diabetes fatty liver degeneration

1. Weigh your pet.

The first thing you need to do is find out the approximate nutritional needs of your pet. While the exact weight of the cat is unknown, food is poured into the bowl “by eye”, most often in excess. Periodic weighings help to detect obesity in furry and independent animals in a timely manner.

When feeding a commercial diet, use special signs on the food packaging, which indicate the exact serving size for the cat depending on its weight and body condition (thin, normal, fat).

1. Feeding frequency.

The worst thing an owner can do when they discover their pet is overweight is to feed it less often. The minimum number of meals for an adult cat is 2 times a day. For obese animals, split meals are recommended: often, but little by little. This helps cope with hunger, speeds up metabolism and promotes stable digestion. It is better to feed at the same time.

1. Diet.

The owner should decide what he plans to feed the cat after sterilization. The battles between supporters of industrial feed and fans of natural nutrition do not subside

But in reality, the only important thing is a responsible attitude to the issue:

• “Natural food” may consist of table scraps and cheap fish, rather than a balanced diet prepared separately for your furry pet.
• Likewise, industrial food can be high-quality, professional, or it can be a cheap flavored mixture from the nearest supermarket.

Mixing two different types of feeding is not recommended, since the digestive tract adapts to a certain type of food.

Features of the organization of nutrition for castrated and sterilized pets

The procedure of castration and sterilization causes significant changes in the pet’s body. They become calm, there is no aggression in their behavior, their sex drive disappears, their appetite increases, and they stop marking their territory. As activity decreases, they usually gain excess weight. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor their diet and determine new feeding standards. You should not overfeed your pet; you need to choose a low-calorie diet and feed it in small portions. It is also recommended to establish a new feeding schedule. Feeding twice a day would be optimal, but it is better to follow the rule - feed at the same time. The owner needs to ensure that minerals are always present in the diet.

To prevent your cat from overeating, you must follow the information from the manufacturer, which indicates the recommended daily dose.

In addition to gaining excess weight after the spay or neuter procedure, pets can develop certain diseases, in particular urolithiasis. According to veterinarians, pets who have been spayed or neutered have a higher risk of developing this disease. This is explained by the fact that after surgery the pet urinates fewer times, and this leads to the formation and accumulation of stones.

And if the castration procedure was carried out earlier than the accepted deadlines, then a narrowing of the urethra occurs, which also causes the development of urolithiasis. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that your pet drinks more fluids. Water should always be in a bowl so that your pet can quench his thirst at any time. In addition, it is necessary to limit foods containing phosphorus and magnesium, as they can provoke the formation of stones.

Also, despite the fact that this is very useful, it is recommended to exclude fish from the diet of a castrated or sterilized pet, or limit its consumption, but give exclusively sea fish. Frequent use may cause urolithiasis. It is highly recommended to introduce fermented milk products, vegetables, oats or wheat into your pet's diet.

Care after sterilization

The operation affects the cat’s hormonal system, causing physiological changes in the body:

• Metabolism slows down in adult cats over 5 years old and older individuals. Therefore, before and after sterilization, it is advisable to feed the animal regular homemade food, while monitoring its weight and increasing physical activity.
• The body's energy costs after sterilization are reduced by 20–25%. The lack of unnecessary stress, the instinct to procreate, and care for offspring leads to obesity. It is necessary to ensure that your sterilized cat has a balanced diet.
• Decreased frequency of urination is a factor in the development of urolithiasis. Animals of all breeds are prone to urolithiasis; the British variety of cats with normal weight is less susceptible to this disease.

Immediately after the operation, the cat is under the influence of anesthesia in an unconscious state. After 3-4 hours she begins to wake up. At this moment, the coordination of its movements is greatly impaired, so the animal must be placed on the floor in a dark, warm, draft-free place. It may take up to a day for your cat to fully recover.

A cat recovering from anesthesia initially does not eat or drink anything. How long it takes for her appetite to return depends on her general condition. If the animal is completely healthy and the operation went without complications, the desire to eat may appear within 3-4 hours after waking up. At this moment it is not yet advisable to feed her. The first time food should be given no earlier than a day later.

Find out more about how to care for your cat after sterilization.

The best types among dry brands

This category is most popular among breeders and amateur owners. The advantage of dry food is that this type of food is convenient, as it does not require preparation, and it is cheap. Dry pieces are good at cleaning the surface of a cat's teeth from plaque. In addition, they can be stored for a long time without loss of quality. True, there should always be water next to the container for dry food.

A distinctive feature of this choice is its high cost. This is due to the fact that the food contains high quality natural ingredients with high energy calorie content. For a cat, 100-150 g of granules per day is enough to make him feel full and alert.

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Holistic food includes additives that improve the functioning of the cat’s digestive organs; the components are absorbed by the body almost completely. In addition, artificial flavors and taste enhancers, which are present in cheap samples, are excluded from the composition. For proper feeding of a cat, natural food, according to veterinarians, is the ideal solution.

Veterinarians consider the best brands of holistic dry food to be:

• Akana (Canada).
• Chicken soup (USA).
• Artemis (USA).
• Eagle Pack (USA).
• Felide (USA).
• Gou (Canada).
• Howe (Canada).
• Power of Germany (Germany).
• Innova Evo (USA).
• Orijen (Canada).

Acana for cats

Super premium dry kibble is also a fully balanced cat food. They do not contain harmful impurities, the components are selected taking into account the needs of the animal - proteins, carbohydrates, fiber. This is usually chicken, turkey, lamb, as well as fish and eggs. These foods are inferior in price to the previous class, but this does not mean that such food is significantly inferior in quality. Veterinarians note the high quality of super premium food and recommend it to cat owners.

The best super premium food according to experts:

• Almo Nature (Italy).
• Test of the wild (USA).
• Nutra Gold (USA).
• First Chase (Canada).
• Pronature Holistic (Canada).
• Bosch Sanabel (Germany).
• Leonardo (Germany).

Premium meals should be chosen carefully. Among it there are high-quality, well-selected components, but also feed, the manufacturers of which wanted to save on raw materials

At the same time, the food does not contain components harmful to the animal. These foods fully compensate for the cat’s need for nutrients; they are cheaper than super premium food, but more expensive than economy food. This is the best option for thrifty cat owners who monitor the proper nutrition of their pet.

Veterinarians call the best premium food:

• Eukanuba (Canada).
• Advance (Spain).
• Bozita (Sweden).
• Nutra Mix (USA).
• Royal Canin (Russia, France, Poland).

Eukanuba

This is a good inexpensive food for cats that ensures normal development of the animal.

Economy class food

Economy class food does not include natural ingredients. This is dictated by setting a lower price for the product. But to stimulate the cat’s appetite, the food contains chemical components - flavorings, taste enhancers

Veterinarians believe that feeding animals with this diet should be done with caution. The only advantage of such feeds is their low cost.

If you constantly feed your cat economy food, you can disrupt the functioning of its digestive system.

Among the best dry food of this class:

• Gourmet* (France).
• Friskes (Russia, France, Hungary).
• Kitiket (Russia, EU, USA).
• Whiskas (Russia, EU, USA).
• Purina Van (Russia, Hungary, France).

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*this food is considered the best in the economy class. Experts put it on the same level as premium food, so it is not surprising that veterinarians recommend it among inexpensive dry food.

The best premium food

Royal Canin has a high rating and has several types of food for neutered animals in its assortment, these are:

1. Neutered Adult Maintenance. This is a wet food that is suitable for both cats and cats under 7 years of age. They can be fed immediately after castration or sterilization. The manufacturer noted the designation s/o on the packaging - it indicates that the nutrition is aimed at preventing urolithiasis. Available in convenient 100 gram packages.
2. Young male. Special low-calorie nutrition that prevents the formation of excess weight. It also prevents the occurrence of urolithiasis. The weight of produced packages varies - from 400 grams to 10 kg.
3. Senior Consult Stage. Suitable for adult pets over 7 years old. Includes useful minerals and vitamins, helps maintain normal phosphorus levels, which prevents the formation of stones in the bladder. One package weighs 1.5 kg.

Cat food manufacturer Hills also produces a diet for such pets. It belongs to the super premium class and consists only of high-quality ingredients. Brands such as Sterilized Young adult and Sterilized Cat Mature Adult 7+. The first is intended for young individuals, and the second is for individuals over 7 years old. This diet is enriched with various vitamins and nutrients.

Advance belongs to the premium class category and produces Cat Sterilized for sterilized cats. It is designed to prevent obesity due to its low-calorie composition, while the pet does not lose muscle mass and is well-fed. This diet is also aimed at preventing urolithiasis.

Proplan produces two lines for such pets - Sterilized Salmon and Sterilized Turkey. Both types provide a balanced, complete diet that provides everything necessary to keep purring pets healthy and active. In addition, they ensure the normal functioning of the urinary system. Contains useful vitamins and microelements.

Preventing diseases with proper nutrition

In order to prevent the occurrence of undesirable consequences in an animal after castration or sterilization, it is recommended to take preventive measures: To prevent obesity, you should choose specialized good food specifically designed for sterilized pets.

You must not exceed the daily allowance of dry granules; you must strictly follow the recommendations given on the packaging. Neutered cats should be fed twice a day (morning and evening). In some cases, for pets prone to obesity, repeated fractional feeding in small portions is allowed. For weight loss, the dosage is reduced by 15%.

When the cat is less active, it requires less energy, so it needs to be switched to a diet that is lower in calories but more nutritious. Such foods are characterized by a reduced content of fats and carbohydrates, and also help control the acidity level of urine. Some manufacturers add L-carnitine to their products, which promotes the conversion of adipose tissue into muscle tissue and also supports the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Urolithiasis in cats most often manifests itself between 2 and 5 years of age, so to prevent the disease it is necessary to undergo a general urine test at least once every 6-8 months. It is important to detect the formation of stones in time in order to take appropriate measures. The disease can be asymptomatic for several years and in advanced cases, surgical intervention will no longer help.

Food for cats and cats with special needs

Typically, dry food is the main ingredient in a cat’s diet and therefore must be chosen with special care.

A slightly lower class, but also of excellent quality, is considered super premium food. The “super” category is also suitable for the daily diet of pets, as it has a balanced composition and high-quality ingredients. Super class food may contain a small amount of flavorings and other preservatives. The rating of specialized food for castrated and sterilized super premium pets is presented by the following manufacturers:

• Bosch - Sanabelle;
• 1ts Choice;
• Pro Nature holistic.

1st Choise is one of the most popular manufacturers of super premium food for castrated and sterilized cats

Let's sum it up

Sterilization of cats is not a complicated procedure, and castration of cats is even simpler - many animals feel great within a few hours after visiting the clinic. However, this manipulation leads to a serious restructuring of the body, and the owner must approach these changes responsibly. First and foremost, you need to review your pet’s diet. Ideally, the daily diet will consist of high-quality dry food marked “for sterilized animals.” Then you can be sure that your cat receives all the necessary substances according to its nature, but does not overeat!

Video - Nutrition of sterilized cats: tips for choosing food

Features of the body of sterilized animals

Genitourinary system

A cat that has to mark its territory has an almost always empty bladder. After sterilization, cats urinate rarely: 1-4 times a day, which causes urine to stagnate in the bladder. This contributes to the formation of sand and stones in it, as well as the development of infection.

Hormonal background

Removal of the glands that secrete sex hormones (testes in males and ovaries in cats) causes a permanent cessation of sexual estrus. In sterilized cats, the hormonal levels are smooth and calm (like a normal cat between heats).

After the operation, the animals actually move less: they do not want to fight with rivals, run to look for a partner, or walk around their territory, updating their marks. It cannot be said that castrated cats only sleep and eat: they will play the same way as before, but their activity decreases.

Metabolic slowdown

Testosterone is responsible for increased metabolism. This hormone has a real “anti-fat” effect, stimulating muscle growth and development. Testosterone is not a specific male hormone; in females it is produced in the ovaries, although in smaller quantities.

In cats, estrogens also suppress appetite. After castration, the level of these sex hormones decreases, and the amount of prolactin increases. This inevitably leads to the deposition of subcutaneous fat.

Increased appetite

During heat, a cat may completely refuse to eat. The rest of the time, eat little by little, visiting the bowl several times a day, without finishing the food completely. After sterilization, the behavior changes: the pet will eat everything you put in the bowl and ask for more.

An increase in appetite is not a psychological “eating” of grief, as some owners naively believe. It is caused by hormonal changes and appears already on the second day after surgery.

What does it mean – metabolism changes?

Outwardly, this is expressed in a change in character: cats become lazier and calmer, and they are much less concerned about issues of territory and place in the pride - but their interest in food, on the contrary, increases.

Excess weight and insufficient exercise can provoke in sterilized cats, for example, a tendency to develop crystalluria. It is also often called urolithiasis, which is not entirely true - what most often forms in the urine of animals is not stones as such, but many struvite crystals. Despite their small size, they can injure the walls of the bladder, thereby causing inflammation.

To protect a neutered pet from the negative consequences of sterilization, it is recommended to choose a new diet for him that is maximally adapted to the new lifestyle. So, what food should you feed your sterilized cat?

Feeding tactics

The main task is to prevent obesity in a neutered pet, which in turn will reduce the risk of urolithiasis, diabetes, arthrosis, fatty liver and other serious problems. To do this, follow the feeding regimen:

1. Weigh your pet.

The first thing you need to do is find out the approximate nutritional needs of your pet. While the exact weight of the cat is unknown, food is poured into the bowl “by eye”, most often in excess. Periodic weighings help to detect obesity in furry and independent animals in a timely manner.

When feeding a commercial diet, use special signs on the food packaging, which indicate the exact serving size for the cat depending on its weight and body condition (thin, normal, fat).

1. Feeding frequency.

The worst thing an owner can do when they discover their pet is overweight is to feed it less often. The minimum number of meals for an adult cat is 2 times a day. For obese animals, split meals are recommended: often, but little by little. This helps cope with hunger, speeds up metabolism and promotes stable digestion. It is better to feed at the same time.

1. Diet.

The owner should decide what he plans to feed the cat after sterilization. The battles between supporters of industrial feed and fans of natural nutrition do not subside

But in reality, the only important thing is a responsible attitude to the issue:

• “Natural food” may consist of table scraps and cheap fish, rather than a balanced diet prepared separately for your furry pet.
• Likewise, industrial food can be high-quality, professional, or it can be a cheap flavored mixture from the nearest supermarket.

Mixing two different types of feeding is not recommended, since the digestive tract adapts to a certain type of food.

What cats that have undergone sterilization should not do

Experts do not recommend feeding pets food from the human table. It contains salt, spices, and may be too fatty. Such food is contraindicated for cats, especially sterilized ones. You should not give your animal fried foods, marinades, pickles, or canned foods.

You should also exclude fish from your diet. The high phosphorus content in this product contributes to the development of urolithiasis (urolithiasis) in cats and castrated cats.

Milk, despite the popular belief that animals love this product, is not beneficial for all of them. The fact is that almost half of domestic cats suffer from lactose intolerance or poor digestibility of milk protein. This type of food can cause indigestion and diarrhea in your pet.

What should you consider?

Cats and cats are obligate carnivores. In nature, they hunt birds, small rodents, and insects. The basis of their diet is animal protein. However, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals must also be present. Otherwise, health problems will arise.

Castration and sterilization lead to a decrease in activity and the appearance of excess weight. If the animal drinks little, there is a risk of developing urolithiasis (urolithiasis).

The ratio of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium plays an important role. Imbalance of minerals leads to the formation of crystals, sand and stones in the kidneys or bladder. If phosphorus and magnesium levels are elevated, tripel phosphates (struvite) are formed. They can be dissolved through diet and medication. Excess calcium leads to the formation of oxalates, which are removed surgically.

Prevention of ICD is a properly balanced diet. Industrial feeds include the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, moisture, fiber, ash (mineral residues), vitamins and minerals. A low-calorie diet with a reduced content of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium has been developed especially for castrated cats.

It is important to adhere to the feeding rate indicated on the package. Sterilized animals often have an increased appetite

However, the supplement should not be given. Obesity in neutered cats is fraught not only with urolithiasis, but also with heart and liver problems.

Neutered animals should drink plenty of water, especially if they eat dry food. When feeding homemade food, natural or canned food, the need for liquid decreases, since such food already contains 70-80% moisture.

The main thing in choosing a nutritional system for castrated animals is the correct ratio of minerals, reduced levels of fat and ash, and the presence of vitamins and microelements.

Advantages of Industrial Power

Many veterinarians feed their cats dry food not because it is terribly healthy. It just saves a lot of time and money.

The feed recipe is developed taking into account the needs of the animal and is known in advance. The owner knows exactly how much protein and carbohydrates his charges received. When feeding homemade food, these standards are difficult to establish. Cats tend to be picky, eating only their favorite foods. It is impossible to force a cat to eat porridge and vegetables if he doesn’t want to, but in the food all the ingredients are mixed into a homogeneous mass.

Unlike porridge, dry food will not dry out or turn sour in a bowl if the animal does not finish the portion immediately. It is easy to take with you to the country house or to another place, providing the pussy with its usual diet. A cat that eats dry food or canned food can be left in the care of friends with a light heart when going on vacation.

In case of health problems, therapeutic diets are easier to give to cats that have already eaten ready-made food.

Regardless of the type of feeding, nutrition should be balanced:

• Proteins – 30-40%.
• Fats – 10-12% (in regular food there are 15-20%).
• Carbohydrates – 30-45% (including fiber 5-7%).

Signs that food is suitable for your pet

1. Eats with gusto.
2. The coat is shiny and smooth (the cat is “shiny”) and does not fall out excessively.
3. Stable digestion, regular stool.
4. Healthy body condition.

Individuality cannot be denied to cats: every living organism may have its own needs and preferences. Some people like to crunch on crackers, others adore canned food, and still others eat only natural food.

There is no specific “best” food for sterilized cats. Sometimes the more expensive option turns out to be unsuitable, but the simple 1'st Choice provides a long, quiet life. You need to focus not on theory and other people’s opinions, but on your own impression. If your pet, eating Royal Canin, is healthy, does not gain weight and is happy with life, there is no need to switch it to a more “elite” food.

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Types of wet food

Depending on the components, food additives and energy value, canned food is divided into 2 types:

1. Full-featured. They are enriched with all essential vitamins and minerals and are suitable as a staple food.
2. Non-complete (treats). They are a complement to dry food, homemade food or natural food. They contain a lot of protein, but little fat and carbohydrates. Not all vitamins and minerals are included in the treats.

Depending on the quantity and quality of meat and natural ingredients, wet food is divided into classes:

1. Economy The product contains no more than 4% meat and its derivatives. This concept covers production waste: feathers, skin, bones, beaks, intestines. Flavorings and taste enhancers are added to economy class food.
2. Premium Canned food contains 30-40% meat components (meat and offal), but their quality is questionable. There are flavoring and aromatic additives. The composition is balanced, it contains vitamins and minerals.
3. Super premium. These are high quality products. It contains 60-70% natural meat and offal (lungs, heart, liver, kidneys).
4. Holistic. Canned food contains more than 70% meat. They are made on the basis of products suitable for human food, do not contain flavoring and aromatic additives, grains and soy. However, such canned food is used as treats.

Wet food is available in:

• spiders;
• sealed jars;
• aluminum lamisters;
• plastic pots.

Advantages and disadvantages

Complete canned food is as close as possible to the natural diet of obligate carnivores. They contain about 80% moisture, minerals, and vitamins. They have balanced analytical components. In terms of energy content, this type of food is suitable for sterilized cats.

The advantages of wet food are:

• humidity 70-80% (good for pets who drink little);
• the presence of different tastes and medicinal diets;
• long-term storage in sealed packaging;
• convenience of dosage;
• natural texture;
• easily digestible components;
• high degree of saturation.

The disadvantages of this type of nutrition are:

• high cost;
• storage of opened packaging for no more than 2 days in the refrigerator;
• lack of tartar prevention.

Some pets refuse full-ration canned food and eat only dry food. In this case, treats are suitable. They can diversify feeding and increase the amount of moisture consumed. However, you should not give treats every day.

Review of popular brands

There is a large selection of products in various formats on the pet food market. This is dry food for sterilized cats and neutered cats, wet canned food, mousses, etc. The format of cat nutrition can be any and depends on the preferences of the cat and the choice of the owner. But the food selected for a sterilized cat must have the correct composition. It is advisable that it does not contain grains, by-products, cheap fillers, dyes and artificial preservatives. To get an idea of ​​the composition of the various foods available on the market today, a cat owner can check out the popular brands listed below.

Brand "Hill's"

In the line of the famous American brand Hill's you can choose high-quality food for a sterilized cat, the price of which is about 2,400 rubles per package weighing 3.5 kilograms. This food has a special recipe, characterized by the absence of dyes, synthetic flavors, harmful preservatives and other dubious components.

The Hills brand has developed Science Plan food for cats, the price of which is in the average price range, taking into account all the needs of sterilized pets, so the owner can use this product as the main source of nutrients.

Product advantages:

1. in the series for sterilized pets there is a division of products according to tastes and age ranges;
2. the food has a complete composition;
3. food helps control your pet’s appetite and protects it from gaining weight after surgery;
4. natural composition.

Brand "1st Choice"

This brand from Canada supplies the domestic market with super-premium products, from which the owner can select and buy food for sterilized cats and neutered males.

The food recipe has a number of positive differences - a grain-free formula, the presence of natural meat in the composition, a limited amount of magnesium, which contributes to the development of kidney and bladder diseases.

Choosing 1st Choice Sterilized food provides a number of advantages:

• high nutritional value, which guarantees quick saturation;
• food helps cats maintain muscle tone;
• low daily feed intake;
• the formulation is designed to prevent the formation of struvite and inflammation of the excretory system;
• food stimulates digestion and metabolism.

The cost of packaging 2.72 kilograms of food weighs about 1,500 rubles.

Brand "Almo Nature"

If the owner decides to use wet food for sterilized cats, then he can pay attention to products from the Italian brand “Almo Nature”. This company supplies the market with the “Orange Label” series, in which, in addition to canned food, you can choose dry food for neutered pets

The differences between the foods in this series are their low calorie content and easy digestibility.

Benefits of the food:

1. belonging to the super-premium class;
2. affordable price;
3. the presence of natural meat in the composition;
4. acceptable quality.

Brand "Bosch Sanabelle"

The owner of a sterilized pet can buy Bosch Sanabelle cat food, produced in Germany. Studying the label of Sanabel cat food, you can see that it contains low-fat sources of protein, healthy vegetables and berries. These products are very healthy and contribute to normal digestion and good absorption of nutrients in the body.

In addition, Bosch dry cat food has a number of other advantages:

• grain-free composition;
• reduced energy cost;
• presence of dietary fiber;
• hypoallergenic.

Sanabelle complete cat food is a high-quality dietary product recommended for sterilized cats. Sanabel cat food is quite expensive - for a package weighing 2 kilograms the owner will need to pay 1,700 rubles, but this price is fully justified by the excellent quality.

After the sterilization procedure, pets face many problems - hormonal changes, lethargy, decreased activity, slowed metabolism, apathy, etc.

Good food helps pets overcome difficulties and maintain a decent quality of life for many years, so you should approach the choice of food responsibly and selectively.

The owner should remember that truly high-quality food for sterilized pets is distinguished not by catchy packaging and an advertised name, but by the optimal composition.

Rating of the best manufacturers

Most breeders and veterinarians recommend Almo Nature food. It contains 14% cereals, about 15% protein, various plant ingredients and a vitamin and mineral complex. It uses only natural and sustainable ingredients, including fresh beef, chicory inulin, brown rice, yucca extract, yeast and flaxseed oil.

The advantages of Almo Nature include the following:

• perfectly eaten by sterilized cats;
• has a balanced composition;
• Animals that follow the recommended standards do not gain excess weight.

Hypoallergenic holistic Grandorf is a high-quality food from a Belgian manufacturer, which has a high protein content. To make dry pellets, 4 types of meat are used, including lamb, rabbit, duck and turkey. It also contains Atlantic krill meat, dried sweet potatoes and brown rice. Additionally, Grandorf includes cranberry extract, fish oil, amino acids, antioxidants and probiotics.

The main advantage of Grandorf is the content of exclusively high-quality products, the absence of chemical additives, a rich balanced composition and excellent nutritional value. Its only drawback is its significant cost, which amounts to 1000 rubles per package of 2 kilograms. It is difficult to find such food in pet stores, so you need to order it online in large packages, which slightly increases the costs of pet owners.

Dry food for sterilized cats called Hills Sterilized Cat is made in the USA and Holland using chicken and rabbit meat. The composition contains corn, brown rice, animal fats, chicken meal, mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract, fish oil and vitamins E and C. The advantages of Hills Sterilized Cat include its affordable price, but that’s where all its advantages end.

Bosch Sanabelle Sterilized is a high-quality German food made on a grain-free basis from poultry meat and a mixture of various plant components. Dried granules include chicken liver, potato tubers, cranberries, dried blueberries, beet extract, various vitamins and antioxidants. The advantages of this food include high protein content, no grains, Bosch Sanabelle Sterilized is excellent for animals prone to obesity.

Elderly age

After a cat reaches 7-8 years of age, its body begins to age. Naturally, this stage is accompanied by peculiarities. Age-related changes include:

• decreased metabolism and, as a result, the appearance of excess weight;
• indigestion;
• decreased fluid intake due to decreased thirst;
• development of chronic kidney and liver diseases.

At this stage, it is very important that the cat receives high-quality nutrition, the main component of which should be animal protein. It is equally important that the food contains a minimum amount of phosphorus, which can worsen the functioning of the kidneys and urinary system

Changing the diet of older cats is extremely undesirable, as the digestive system will not adapt well to the changes.

Description of the Ocicat cat breed, their photos and a story about their character

It is best to use fractional meals. The number of feedings should be increased several times, using a reduced volume of single servings. To control fluid intake, dry food should be soaked in water or meat broth. Also, instead of water, you can give special veterinary drinks for older cats.

Feed classes

Cat food is divided not only into different types, but classes are a classification system depending on the composition, benefits and price category of the food.

Economy class

Products in this category are suitable exclusively for muffling the pet’s hunger, since they simply fill the stomach, but contain virtually nothing useful for the cat’s body, much less meat. The basis of such feeds is by-products, soy, grains, food additives, preservatives and flavor enhancers. They can be compared to fast food for people, so they are categorically not acceptable as the main food for a cat. Their only advantage is their low price.

This category can also include the so-called commercial class, which is not much different in composition from the economy class, but has a higher cost due to the promotion of the brand.

Manufacturers: Whiskas, Felix, Darling, Doctor Zoo, Meow, Friskies, Kitekat, etc.

Premium class

Unlike the previous category, the products contain natural meat and vitamin-mineral complexes, but at the same time there are by-products, cartilage, and protein of plant origin. The quality in this case is much higher than economy-class products, so eating such food is not so harmful to the pet. It is premium food that is preferred by most cat owners, since it has a relatively affordable price and increased nutritional value, which allows them to reduce the daily portion size.

There are different manufacturers in this category: some are not inferior in quality to more expensive products, while others skimp on ingredients and add large amounts of wheat, rice, and corn grits, which are poorly absorbed by the cat’s gastrointestinal tract.

Manufacturers: Royal Canin (Russia), Brit, Natural Choice, Hill's, Advance, Eukanuba, Bozita, Belcando, Matisse, Happy Cat, Flatazor, etc.

It should be noted that Hill's and Royal Canin are often classified as super-premium, since compared to others they are distinguished by better balance and the presence of medical nutrition in the assortment. But recently, veterinarians and felinologists do not always recommend these products. One of the reasons for this: the opening of production lines in Russia, which did not have the best effect on quality.

Super premium class

Super-premium food is characterized by a perfectly balanced composition, which includes all the beneficial substances a cat needs, micro- and macroelements, with the complete absence of vegetable protein, grains, dangerous dyes and carcinogenic preservatives. This food helps strengthen the immune system, improve the condition of the coat and prevent the development of urolithiasis. The price is noticeably higher than the cost of low-class products, but the information on the label exactly matches the contents of the package, which is confirmed by quality certificates.

Manufacturers: 1st Choice, Arden Grange, Nutra Gold, Cimiao, Bosch Sanabelle, Profine Adult Cat, etc.

Holistic (Human's Grade)

These are innovative products based on components suitable for human nutrition. They use only natural animal and plant ingredients, grown without added hormones and pesticides, as well as natural preservatives. Due to the fact that they are completely free of any flavorings and taste enhancers, the cat will have to be initially accustomed to such food, especially if he is accustomed to strong-smelling food. Typically, this food is used for purebred show pets, as well as for breeding animals in nurseries, which is why it cannot be found on the open market.

Manufacturers: Earthborn Holistic, Acana, Golden Eagle, Innova, Origen, Chicken Soup, Almo Nature, Natural&Delicious, Evo, etc.

Note: the digestibility of high-class feed is 80-90%, so their high cost is compensated by a small daily portion.

What food to feed a sterilized cat

Of course, after the castration procedure, the cat requires more careful care and maintenance. This also applies to feeding. After all, sex hormones, which were sufficient in the body before sterilization, begin to be lacking. This is reflected in the behavior and lifestyle of the pet. He sleeps more, an increased appetite is noticeable, the cat becomes lethargic and apathetic. Due to this condition, diseases can develop: cystitis, kidney stones, obesity, slow development.

To avoid this, you need to buy specialized food rather than regular food. Typically, such food contains all the necessary vitamin supplements, a small amount of fat, and ingredients that have a positive effect on digestion. These feeds can be either dry or wet. Next, we got acquainted with the best food for neutered animals.

Comparison table of characteristics

A wide range of dry and wet food for sterilized cats makes it difficult to choose the right product. Information from the comparison table will help you buy the right product.

All food presented in this top consists of natural ingredients, so they are suitable even for cats prone to digestive disorders and allergies.

Review of the best food for sterilized cats and female cats

In fact, cat food manufacturers offer a good selection for special cats. They have different recipes, balance, and raw materials. It is not necessary that the most expensive holistic provider will be the best for your neutered cat.

To decide on feeding, consult a specialist, or better yet, more than one. This is the only way to take into account all possible risks and, in general, the need to change food. Remember, this is stress for a cat. There is no need to experiment without objective evidence.

Make sure you have uninterrupted access to fresh water. Don't buy cheap food.

Premium class

Mainly world-famous brands. If you received a foreign-made product, then it can confidently be classified as super premium. Domestic - to solid premium:

Hills. Produces good food for cats after similar procedures. All are marked “sterilized cat”. Royal Canin. Good prevention of urolithiasis in the VET CARE NUTRITION line

Please pay attention to special notes. If you are predisposed to diseases of the genitourinary system, it is best to choose “s/o”. PRO PLAN

It is worth considering purchasing Sterilized or Adult after care dry food for your cat.

Super premium

If financial resources allow, then only super premium ones can be better than the previous options. They differ in quality and are much healthier for the cat.

However, even the best food is important to control. To do this, it is useful to sometimes do tests and check how the cat’s body reacts to the proposed menu.

Among the brands with a good reputation:

Eukanuba. Dry food that will help cope with the prevention of urolithiasis, Adult Light

Pay attention to the calorie content - it is limited if the package has the Sterilized Weight Control mark. 1st Choice. For sterilized cats it is better to buy Sterilized

According to the recommendations of cat owners, this is a good product for preventing ICD. Bosch Sanabelle. Despite the fact that the line includes STERILIZED, for sterilized cats with complications it is better to stick to URINARY food.

Holistic class

They are distinguished by their high-protein composition of exclusively animal origin. Even a person can envy the selection of raw materials. If it is necessary to prevent diseases of the genitourinary system, not all holistic treatments can be useful

Therefore, pay attention and consult with a specialist about the advisability of using them. Among the best:

1. Almo Nature. Italian food deservedly has a reputation as the best. The line has a good offer - complete Functional Adult Sterilized: with a reduced protein level and a formulation to ensure normal urination.
2. GRANDORF. Sterilized is a good hypoallergenic food option. Minimal mineralization with magnesium salts and phosphates. Easily digestible proteins.

Holistics

The best among holistic-class canned foods are:

• Applaws;
• Schesir;
• Gimpet.

They are all treats. They cannot be used as the main food. They are given a maximum of 2 times a week. They contain a lot of animal protein.

However, the vitamins and minerals needed for balance are missing. If you feed your pet only these canned foods, calcium stones (oxalates) may form in the kidneys or bladder.