Date updated: 02/14/2021 14:36:52 8171 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.
The Best Wet Foods for Neutered Cats
Wet food does not require drinking, it is better absorbed, which means it does not cause water deficiency in the body, which, by the way, cats feel very poorly, which is why they drink little. The product is available in pouches or in jars, the difference lies mainly in quantity.
The principle of choosing wet food is similar to choosing dry food: the more natural ingredients, balanced composition and mineral value, the better. Our rating includes the 5 best foods based on the advice of veterinarians and recommendations from animal owners.
Almo Nature for neutered male and female cats with spotted Indo-Pacific tuna
Rating: 4.9
The exclusively natural food Almo Nature is made from meat broth, which occupies half the volume of the pouch, selected tuna from the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and rice. Despite the fact that fish is not a natural food for a cat (the animal does not catch fish on its own), tuna, similar in composition, texture and value to beef, is perfectly absorbed by the cat’s system, improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Naturalness and careful selection of components determined Almo Nature for sterilized cats first place in the rating category. In addition, the composition is carefully adjusted to the animal’s needs for proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
The cost of a 55 gram pouch is about 78 rubles.
Advantages
- Exclusively natural and proven composition;
- Rich in essential minerals, tuna contains;
- Cats like the food.
Flaws
- Relatively expensive portion, provided you consume 2-4 packets per day.
- There is no information in Russian on the packaging.
Purina Pro Plan for Neutered Cats with Ocean Fish
Rating: 4.8
Second place goes to Purina Pro Plan, small dry kibbles in sauce for neutered cats with ocean fish rich in minerals and valuable protein. The product was created for cats that have undergone sterilization; it stabilizes the normal state of the genitourinary and digestive systems, and when served in the recommended amount, eliminates the risk of obesity. Antioxidants help maintain the body's immune resistance. Cats love the taste of spicy sauce with fish, which is noted by all pet owners without exception.
The cost of one pouch is 55 gr. – from 55 rubles.
Advantages
- Pure natural composition;
- Maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system;
- Lots of antioxidants in the composition.
Flaws
- Fish content is at least 4%, that is, the food is not entirely fish, it is based on meat.
Features of feed types
Advantages and disadvantages of a natural diet
The list of benefits of a natural diet includes:
- The products do not contain dyes, preservatives or flavors;
- Meat by-products and whole meat are found in large quantities;
- The ability to independently adjust how to give the proportions of ingredients;
- Sufficient moisture content.
The disadvantages of a natural menu are:
- Significant costs;
- The need to purchase ingredients yourself;
- Wasting time on cooking;
- The finished product is not stored for long;
- Mandatory adherence to the regime to which the animal is accustomed;
- Difficulties in selecting an additional vitamin and mineral complex;
- The need for knowledge about creating a balanced diet.
Advantages and disadvantages of dry store-bought food
The list of benefits of a dry diet includes:
- Relatively low costs;
- You don't have to cook it yourself;
- Contains a vitamin-mineral complex;
- The balance of the components is ensured by the manufacturer;
- Possibility to choose from a variety of flavors;
- There are special foods for sterilized cats.
The disadvantages of dry food are:
- Insufficient moisture;
- Availability of flavor enhancers and flavors;
- The diet is not natural.
Advantages and disadvantages of canned food
The list of advantages of canned food in a can or pack includes:
- High moisture content;
- No cooking time required;
- Many cats enjoy canned wet food;
- Eat with seafood, meat and fish.
Negative aspects of canned cat food in lamister or in a bag:
- Higher cost;
- Does not prevent the risk of tartar formation;
- If there is an excess in the tray, a stool disorder may be detected.
The best dry food for sterilized cats
Dry food is convenient to measure into portions and store. It is important to remember: there must be a cup of water next to the bowl of food, because in order to digest the crackers, they need to be soaked, which, by the way, significantly increases their volume in the stomach - for this reason, it seems to us that the manufacturer offers a very small portion per day.
NOW Natural holistic grain-free for cats "Weight Control" with turkey, duck and vegetables
Rating: 4.9
In sterilized cats, the “sick” one has a tendency toward obesity, which can be successfully regulated with the help of a balanced holistic food (from the word “whole”). The pieces are made from fresh turkey meat, vegetables, they contain a high content of animal protein necessary for life, as well as beneficial omega acids and bacteria to improve digestion. The high concentration of protein is absorbed almost completely, and there is little fat in the composition - this is a prerequisite for controlling the cat’s weight.
NOW Natural holistic “Weight Control” does not contain grains and gluten, which can lead to digestive problems, and also contains a large amount of slow carbohydrates. The food is suitable for sterilized cats over one year of age, as well as for adult animals over 7 years old.
Price per kilogram from 538 rubles.
Advantages
- Lack of grains, growth hormones and low-value by-products;
- Whole meat is used for production;
- Ideal balance of BJU;
- Prevention of urolithiasis;
- Cats like it.
Flaws
- Not available in all stores;
- High price per kilogram.
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.
How does a cat's body change after sterilization?
Sterilization and castration have many positive aspects. Thus, the animal stops experiencing sexual desire, becomes calmer and more affectionate, does not mark in the apartment, and does not scream at night. But there are other physiological changes that can negatively affect the condition of a cat if they are not leveled out by care, attention to the pet and proper nutrition. Let's talk about this in more detail.
Table. Changes in a cat's body after sterilization
| Changes in the cat's body | A comment |
| Restructuring the hormone system | During sterilization, cats' glands that produce sex hormones are removed, so the animals become less active. They lose the instinct to find a partner, they do not need to compete for territory (even if there is no “rival” in the apartment at all), so pets spend more time sleeping and spend less energy. In this regard, you need to play with your cat more and choose a diet with less carbohydrates. |
| Metabolic slowdown | Because a neutered cat no longer produces estrogen and testosterone (hormones produced in the ovaries and testes), the cat begins to burn fewer calories. Accordingly, metabolism slows down, more fat is deposited in the subcutaneous layer. |
| Increased appetite | Spaying and neutering increases the level of prolactin, a hormone or enzyme that is supposed to control metabolism. When its level increases, the animal’s appetite also increases, so the cat can easily eat a double portion of food and ask for more. Overeating should not be allowed, and the animal must be fed strictly according to the norm indicated on the food package. |
| Possible problems with the genitourinary system | Neutered cats may experience fluid retention in the bladder because they go to the toilet less frequently (two to four times a day). To prevent the animal from developing sand or stones in the urinary canal, the food should be intended specifically for cats who have undergone surgery to remove the reproductive organs. |
Video - Cat sterilization: pros and cons
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?
Nutrition rules for neutered cats
Rule one. If you remain faithful to feeding natural foods, you should adhere to the following diet:
if your best friend is not a vegetarian and prefers meat products in food, you should stick to eating lean meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit); be sure to add easily digestible carbohydrates to your diet (porridge from corn, wheat, oatmeal, rice), still with lean meat; It is very useful to clean your pet’s stomach with sprouted herbs (oats, wheat, barley); canned food should be mixed with fresh vegetables; It is important to accompany your pet’s feeding with plenty of liquid; it is better to always place a cup of fresh water or meat broth next to the food.
This dietary food is equally suitable for both castrated and sterilized cats.
Rule two. Neutered cats are susceptible to urolithiasis. This is a consequence of the operation performed. The narrowing of the urinary canal makes it difficult for even small stones and sand to pass out, and contributes to the accumulation of all this in the kidneys. Therefore, food rich in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium should be avoided in bait.
Rule three. The sedateness of operated cats, their drowsiness and constant good appetite often lead to their obesity.
This can be avoided by adhering to the established diet:
- give more often, but in small portions;
- don’t follow the lead if they rub your legs while begging for more;
- Arrange fasting days at least once a week.
Rule four. If you don’t have time or energy left to cook for your pet, you should accustom him to ready-made food. It is advisable to stick to one brand and choose specialized food for castrated and sterilized cats. It is optimal for your furry pet to alternate between dry food and delicious canned food.
High-quality food is recognized as helping to maintain balance in the diet of castrated and sterilized pets. Competent specialists take into account the special needs of pets when developing. Crispy pads contain everything they need to keep cats healthy and always in a good mood.
