Sterilization presents two major risks for the cat: overweight and urinary stones. Therefore, it is essential to change your cat’s diet immediately after the operation.
Obesity in cats
The sterilization of the cat leads to a modification of its morphology. Once operated, the feline becomes very prone to weight gain, especially if it is a neutered or sedentary male. Neutered cats, male or female, no longer have the same ability to burn calories. Their appetite increases by about 20 to 25% while their energy needs decrease by 20 to 30%. This is why, without accompaniment, they can only gain weight.
The most critical period occurs during the two months following the operation. It is during these weeks that their weight curve will change, without necessarily being very visible. If he is overfed during this period, the excess calories will be stored in the form of fat reserves. To remedy this, you must immediately make him eat less by reducing the given portions or make him eat better by offering him an adapted diet.
You will also have to learn how to :
- To resist the requests of your kitty, which will become more numerous
- Systematically look at the calorie intake on the food packaging.
- Regularly check your weight by taking it in your arms while weighing yourself.
- Offer a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes of games per day, which will provide both entertainment and exercise.
Urinary stones
Sterilization causes changes in the cat’s urinary tract and increases the risk of urinary stones. This is why sterilized cats are the most affected by this disease. Symptoms manifest themselves in darker and smelly urine than usual.
Urinary stones are related to a lack of water and an excess of minerals, especially magnesium. A cat that does not drink enough, and therefore does not urinate enough, and/or whose diet consists mainly of low-grade kibbles and pates, which do not acidify the urine sufficiently, is predisposed to urinary stones.
To reduce this risk, you should :
- Always leave a fresh bowl of water available for your cat every day.
- Favour moist foods such as pates, which contain 80% water.
- Avoid the so-called standard kibbles and pates, whose energy intake is too rich and unsuitable for the diet of sterilized cats and prefer premium and super premium ranges.
- To give him some kibbles for sterilized cat in complement.
The kibbles for sterilized cats
These kibbles are low in fat and carbohydrates such as starch. They are perfectly balanced in vitamins, minerals and proteins. The fibre they contain helps to satisfy your cat’s hunger faster, facilitates intestinal transit and prevents hairballs from forming in his stomach. Finally, their mineral balance will protect your cat from the appearance of urinary stones.
