Mary Allen
When the cats are neutered, the diet often has to be adjusted as well. This is because the affected animals now have a lower calorie consumption. If you continue to feed your loved ones as you are used to, this can quickly lead to obesity, which is then difficult to get under control.
There is also special food made for the “special” needs of neutered cats. However, most experts are sure that the velvet paws do not need such food.
However, many cat owners question whether or not their cats should be fed dry food at all. What alternatives are there and whether you have to pay attention to any additional things?
Dry food – only in small amounts
Cats are one of those animals that generally tend to drink very little, which can lead to serious kidney problems. Dry food does not contain any liquid, which means that none is ingested through food either. For this reason, many veterinarians advise against dry food as a complete food but recommend high-quality wet food.
However, dry food can still be given, although cat owners should make sure that the food contains as little grain and no sugar as possible, but is as natural as possible. A high proportion of meat is therefore particularly important. For this reason, you should not simply buy the first dry cat food that comes along. Furthermore, it is not absolutely necessary to reach for dry food that says it has been specially made for neutered cats. Quality food in moderation is completely sufficient.
Wet food for cats
Wet food is usually more suitable for cats, although high-quality food should also be used here. It contains a lot of moisture, so cat owners no longer have to worry about this.
A large part of the liquid requirement is therefore already covered by wet cat food. But even when choosing wet food, it is important to ensure that it is high-quality food with natural ingredients. Again, there are manufacturers who offer special food for neutered cats, which of course does not necessarily have to be used. Again, the ingredients should be examined more closely in order to choose a food that comes as close as possible to the needs of your cat.
Cats are often more hungry after neutering
Many cats tend to be more hungry after spaying, which is due to the change in hormones. The metabolism also behaves completely differently now and has to adapt to the change in the body. This path takes time. Your own cat shouldn’t be given huge amounts of food just because it keeps coming and asking for it.
It is now important to find a way in between or to reach for food that is very nutritious so that not so large amounts are needed to saturate the cats. However, the diet should not be changed immediately after the operation, but a few weeks beforehand.
Cats that gain weight after neutering
Most cats will gradually gain weight after neutering. Many tomcats get a sagging belly, and become fat and sluggish at the same time. No wonder, because the amount of food is often wrongly maintained or even increased. However, the cats have lower energy consumption due to the new hormone balance and the slower metabolism, so that the feed can no longer be completely converted, but fat accumulates. The amount of food itself should therefore be reduced if possible. It helps to offer the cats smaller amounts of food so that the complete food ration is divided into several portions.
Conclusion
Of course, cats can still eat dry food after they have been neutered. However, cat owners should be aware that dry food is not ideal as a single food, but should be given in combination with wet food. Furthermore, cat owners should only use high-quality dry food, so that the ingredients should be examined carefully beforehand. Because only high-quality food satisfies cats and provides them with all the important vitamins, nutrients, and minerals they need for a healthy and long life.