Castration is not only the removal of part of the reproductive system, but also an intervention in behavioral attitudes. After the operation, the habits of the mustachioed friend change: he becomes less active and prefers to lie on the couch more than run around the house or apartment. To prevent the pet from becoming fat and developing chronic diseases, the owner will have to strictly control its diet.
Why you need to review the diet of a neutered cat
Surgery is necessary to solve behavioral problems in the male. As a result, the active and sometimes overly aggressive furry becomes much calmer. Sometimes owners notice that the alpha male turns into a completely inert creature who prefers to spend a lot of time on the couch.
This is due to the fact that the removal of part of the reproductive organs entails a suspension of the production of sex hormones and a serious restructuring in the male’s body.
Changes also occur in the genitourinary system due to narrowing of the urethra. If the diet for castrated cats contains food with a large amount of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium, then sand begins to form in the kidneys and urinary organs.
Having lost his masculine instinct, the mustache begins to look for another activity and finds it in rest and food. If the owner does not control the pet’s appetite, then the latter turns into a fat man with chronic diseases.
Where did the appetite go?
The tastes of any pet are formed in youth. Therefore, if your cat is used to eating high-quality “holistic” food from a reliable manufacturer, there are no problems, just change the food as it grows/aging. But even in this case, some cats, due to loss of sense of smell (the food loses its attractiveness) or problems with teeth, may begin to eat worse in old age.
It is more difficult if the animal comes into the family in adulthood. Sometimes it can be difficult to wean a cat off such tasty (and equally harmful) boiled legs or pollock with oatmeal. If the cat is not very old, it is better to choose suitable food and wean it off table food.
But if the age of a pet that has appeared in a family has exceeded ten, most likely, its body has already adapted to nutrition, and perhaps it is better not to force it to change its eating habits. But the last word, in any case, remains with the veterinarian, who will assess the pet’s health and develop a suitable diet or diet for it.
We at Holistic-shop.ru do not approve of owners who feed animals “from the table”, because we believe that every extra minute spent with a pet is priceless. But a properly selected diet plays an important role in the longevity of pets! However, if you feel strong enough, create the right “natural” menu for your cat, calculate it according to the BZHU and regularly prepare separate dishes for her. Yes, and don’t forget about vitamin supplements. But, as it seems to us, it is still better (and easier) to use a complete factory food of the Holistic class.
Feeding a cat immediately after castration
It is important to consider not only what to feed, but also to monitor the portion size and frequency of feeding.
First postoperative day
On the first postoperative day, the cat should not be given food. But he must consume water in the amount necessary for him. After anesthesia, the pet experiences extreme thirst, but at first he has no appetite. After a few hours, you can give the fluffy a little low-fat kefir, weak beef or chicken broth.
The next day, the animal is offered its usual food, but better - pureed. You shouldn’t change your pet’s diet right away to avoid it experiencing additional stress.
First 3-4 days
For several days after castration, fatty foods should be removed from the fluffy's menu. So, delicious sour cream, fatty pieces of meat or fish are still prohibited. During this period, it is necessary to increase the amount of protein in the feed. Chicken or turkey fillets are best suited for this. If your cat eats store-bought food, it is better to buy him a dietary pate during rehabilitation.
Gradually it will be possible to transfer your pet to a new diet. If you do this right away, the cat may experience stress. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract due to the sudden introduction of new foods are also common.
Period after recovery
A pet that has fully recovered from surgery is accustomed not only to other foods, but also to a certain feeding regimen. He will begin to beg for tasty morsels more often and sit at the bowl waiting for more. Many owners follow the lead of the glutton and begin to feed him more and more often. But it's not right.
Neutered animals, due to their hormonal background, gain weight faster. A well-fed pet is most often affected by life-threatening pathologies such as diabetes and disorders of the cardiovascular system.
The nutrition of the mustache after surgery should not exceed the volumes that were before surgery. If your animal is constantly hungry, you should contact your veterinarian and review its diet.
How does surgery affect nutrition?
After castration, a purr's hormonal levels change and its physical activity decreases. The animal may develop problems with the urinary, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
You should closely monitor his diet to avoid overfeeding, which will lead to obesity. Due to disturbances in the processes of breakdown of minerals, the animal’s menu should contain less fish and dairy products. This will reduce the risk of kidney stones.
What to choose – natural or industrial food?
There is no consensus among cat lovers and veterinarians about what type of feeding is best for a neutered cat. Dry mixtures and natural products have their positive and negative sides.
Pros and cons of dry food
Most owners prefer to switch their pets to dry kibble, as it is much more convenient - there is no need to waste time and energy on constant cooking. Other advantages of this type of nutrition:
- balanced composition - there are both meat and vegetable ingredients;
- ease of use - it’s easy to calculate the daily portion and dispense it in parts;
- the presence of vitamin and mineral supplements;
- Wide range of flavors – even a picky cat will find his favorite treat.
But there are also quite significant disadvantages:
- if you don’t know, you can buy a low-quality (for example, expired) product;
- lack of super-premium and holistic class goods in regular supermarkets - you need to go specifically to pet and veterinary stores;
- a capricious cat may get bored with different tastes, and will have to endlessly select different foods - and this is not very healthy.
Feeding low-quality industrial formulas will lead to the development of dangerous pathologies of internal organs even in a healthy pet. Therefore, you cannot save on feed.
Pros and cons of straight women
It is important to understand that human food is not suitable for cats. The owner will have to independently develop a balanced menu for his pet so that it includes all the necessary components to maintain his health.
The advantages of using natural oils include:
- confidence in the composition of the dish;
- variety of products for cooking;
- a more natural diet for a carnivorous animal.
But there are also disadvantages:
- difficult to balance the menu;
- the need for additional use of vitamin-mineral complexes, and after testing and consultation with a veterinarian;
- time and effort are wasted on preparing food.
Proponents of natural food talk about the cat’s natural need for protein foods of animal origin. Indeed, meat makes up the main part of the diet of a domestic carnivore, but its choice must also be approached responsibly.
The cost of feeding natural food and dry food is approximately the same. Therefore, owners are guided not by price, but by the feasibility of a particular type of food.
What to do if your cat keeps asking for food?
Does your cat ask for food all the time? Nothing wrong with that. A touching look is not a reason to feel sorry and feed. Today he begs for a tasty treat, and tomorrow he dies of a heart attack - imagine this picture every time you see his eyes full of tears. And remember: the cat, if it has not been overfed, will ask for food - this is a kind of hunt. Be philosophical about constant pleas for another piece of meat or cheese.
To make the neuter less interested in food, play with him more, pay attention, caress him, go for walks, and communicate. Hosts often confuse requests for food with the need to receive attention. And cats can also confuse these two states, because food provides great entertainment, plus the owner usually caresses the pet during feeding. Accordingly, by receiving food, the cat receives attention and is entertained. Over time, food begins to be associated with these pleasant states. There is no need to form such an association: if a cat unexpectedly approaches the refrigerator and starts yelling, offer him a game or affection. Perhaps this will be enough for the pet to stop asking for food.
If the cat has an insatiable appetite and no distractions help, we recommend that you be examined by a veterinarian, because... this sign may be a symptom of pathology.
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What can you feed your cat using natural food?
It is difficult to formulate a natural diet in such a way that your mustachioed friend receives a sufficient amount of useful elements. Most likely, you will have to contact a veterinarian.
Authorized Products
Proper nutrition for neutered cats should contain at least 50% protein products: beef, veal, turkey meat or offal. A cat's diet also needs carbohydrates. They can be added to dishes in the form of cereals, vegetables and fruits.
The best cereals for fluffies are buckwheat and rice. Vegetables are offered boiled and chopped. Such products help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and prevent the formation of constipation. However, grains and plant fibers should not be present in large quantities in a cat's diet because they are difficult to digest.
Fermented milk products with low fat content are useful for castrates. Cats happily eat sour cream, cottage cheese, cheese and kefir. Whole milk is not suitable for everyone due to lactose intolerance. You can give quail or chicken eggs no more than once a week.
Prohibited Products
For castrated males, there are a number of components that should not be part of their diet. They cause serious harm to health and contribute to the development of diseases.
First of all, food from the master's table is strictly prohibited for animals, because it contains salt, seasonings, preservatives and flavorings. You should not give your pet:
- fatty, smoked, fried meat;
- river fish, and it is better to exclude sea fish;
- flour products;
- sweets - even yoghurts;
- smoked, salted, pickled products;
- legumes and soybeans;
- sausages.
Not all cereals may be suitable for making porridge. For example, semolina and corn grits have a bad effect on the digestive system, as they pollute and clog the intestines. Pasta is not allowed in a castrato's diet. Pieces of sausage or other industrially produced meat delicacies should not be offered as treats.
Prohibited Products
There are a number of products that can cause serious damage to the health of a pet after castration. First of all, no cat in the world is suitable for food from the human table. The presence of salt, seasonings, and other additives is strictly contraindicated for animals.
In addition, some heat treatment methods are also prohibited for feeding a cat. These are, of course, fried foods containing a large amount of fat.
Also, you should not feed a neutered cat the following foods:
- fatty varieties or parts of meat;
- fish of any kind;
- sweets, confectionery;
- any sausages;
- smoked products;
- bread, pasta;
- legumes, corn;
- soy products;
- pickles, pickled vegetables.
Cereals can be given to cats in small quantities, in the form of porridge. The exception is semolina.
It is unacceptable to choose unsuitable industrial food, for example, feeding a neutered cat products that are not intended for him. It is necessary to choose premium brands. Only high-quality nutrition can provide the animal’s body with all the necessary elements and substances.
Prohibited Products
Experts have different views on milk. Almost half of domestic cats are lactose intolerant. If a castrated cat does not have this problem and laps up milk with pleasure, then there is no strict prohibition on consuming the whole product. However, milk contains a lot of calcium, and the intake of this element after castration should be limited.
Selection of dry and wet food
There are enough industrial dry and wet mixtures in pet stores to make a choice. Which of these can be fed to cats after castration is up to the owner to decide, but first you can take a closer look at the most popular products.
Royal Canin Neutered Adult Maintenance
This is a wet food from a well-known manufacturer, intended for sterilized animals up to 7 years old. The composition has a reduced carbohydrate content, which helps control weight.
Pro Plan Sterilized
Balanced dry food that fully meets the needs of your furry friend. It promotes urinary system health and maintains optimal weight. The granules are enriched with antioxidants, arginine and healthy fatty acids, which are vital for the domestic cat.
Brit Premium Sterilized
Dry granules intended for castrated and sterilized individuals. The products come in many flavors and contain prebiotics, brewer's yeast and fish oil. The presence of fruit extracts and medicinal herbs has a beneficial effect on the digestion and appearance of your pet.
Royal Canin Skin & Coat Formula
A product that can be given to cats with sensitive skin and coat problems. Contains B vitamins and histidine. This complex has a positive effect on the appearance and functioning of the digestive system of the domestic mustache.
CAT CHOW Sterilized
The line includes many flavors that will appeal to any picky eater. It contains a lot of protein, but the amount of carbohydrates is reduced - to prevent obesity. The products contain extracts of medicinal herbs and vegetables, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
Store-bought food
When preparing individual meals for your pet at home is too labor-intensive, it is better to use ready-made food, which was developed together with leading veterinarians, is balanced, and contains all the important nutrients. A proper diet will ensure your pet is in good health, smooth, shiny coat, and healthy teeth.
There are five classes of cat food:
- Economy class. Such food suppresses the feeling of hunger, having low nutritional value, less than half is absorbed. They contain many dyes, flavors, and preservatives. The basis of the composition is processed plant fibers, meat is replaced by offal. Can I feed this? There is no money for quality food - choose natural food for your pet;
- The middle class of feed contains less soy and by-products, and more meat. Due to its high nutritional value, your pet eats a smaller portion. The composition indicates the specific type of meat and vegetables used in production. The packaging bears the AAFCO (American Association Approved) mark. The share of meat products is more than 25%. Does not contain chemical dyes or bone meal;
- premium class is created on the basis of meat, which makes up half of the components, in combination with vegetables, fruits, and cereals. This is a balanced diet that is easily digestible and is comparable in composition to a healthy natural diet. The high price is justified; this is the best choice, combining convenience and benefit;
- super-premium is purchased for show and breeding animals. Contains meat, vegetables, digestibility is more than 90%. There are no by-products, soy, dyes, flavors, or flavor enhancers;
- Holistic food retains the beneficial properties of the ingredients, which are only natural with the addition of vitamins and nutrients. Already contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins, so do not use any additional supplements without the recommendation of a veterinarian. So-called medicinal food should also not be given without special indications.
Choose certified products, refuse cheap food, which is a dummy. The food must be appropriate for the age of the pet. Dosage portions according to the weight of the animal and the recommendations on the package.
It is useful to weigh yourself once a week and monitor your pet’s weight. Obesity is the most common problem in British breed pets.
Once you have chosen a brand of food, try to buy it regularly. Unnecessary experiments with nutrition will not benefit the animal. Stick to the selected feeding times, twice a day: morning and evening. Once a week, have a “fasting day.” Don’t give in to the cat’s provocations, the mustachioed beggar will tolerate a 12-hour hunger strike just fine, it will only benefit him. Provide your pet with 24-hour access to water, especially if your choice is dry food. Fill the bowl often and replace the water with fresh water. To increase fluid intake, try moving the water bowl; cats don't like to drink where they eat.
How to properly feed a neutered cat so that he does not gain weight
Due to changes in the hormonal system, castrates are more prone to obesity than others. A sedentary lifestyle also leads to this, because cats lose interest in active games.
Sometimes excess weight gain is associated with a breed predisposition. This is a genetic feature of Persian, British and other breeds. There are a number of signs that indicate obesity:
- saggy belly;
- excessive appetite;
- inability to palpate the spine and ribs.
The best prevention of weight problems is proper nutrition. It is important to refuse the glutton's requests for an additional portion or treat. The daily food intake should be divided into 3-4 times. This will allow the cat not to overeat and have time to spend the calories received.
Features of the feeling of saturation in castrati
In cats, a hormonal mechanism works to regulate hunger. Animals also focus on the degree of fullness of the stomach. This is to put it roughly, because... appetite regulation is a much more complex mechanism that has many aspects, including psychological ones. In addition, scientists are still discovering interesting facts on this topic: new discoveries are sure to come soon.
Sex hormones of fertile males and females suppress appetite, and after removal of the gonads, after about 1-2 months, the hormonal background changes and appetite regulation is disrupted. Castrati focus more on the level of fullness of the stomach: if it is full, a feeling of fullness comes, but as soon as the stomach is empty, the animal feels hungry again. Hence the desire to eat more often and the owners’ complaints that the cat always wants to eat after sterilization.
Plus, castrati become lazier, they do not have rutting periods, when the animal may hardly eat, but instead looks for a mate. Now there are two joys left in life - food and play. But due to laziness, some individuals also play little, that is, there is almost no physical activity. Accordingly, they require less energy for vital activity while their appetite, on the contrary, increases. This condition is deceptive, but the owners mistakenly increase the portion and thus do a disservice. Due to a regular imbalance between the amount of calories entering the body and the energy expended, the cat develops obesity.
However, it is important to understand that the history of obesity and excessive appetite overtakes all castrati, so you should not immediately after the operation put the cat on a diet and try to adjust the diet. If there are no problems with excessive appetite yet, then it’s too early to worry. Perhaps your appetite will increase only slightly and no adjustments to your diet will be needed.
What food to feed a neutered cat to avoid urolithiasis
Neutered cats are more likely than other cats to suffer from problems with the genitourinary system. This is due to more concentrated urine and the fact that after surgery the animals defecate less frequently. Males also have a longer and narrower urethra, which predisposes them to certain pathologies.
As a result, salt crystals form, which eventually become sand or stones. They are very dangerous because they can move during urination, and because of this, partial or complete blockage of the urethra occurs, and consequently, injury to it.
The main symptoms of urolithiasis are:
- frequent and painful urination;
- the appearance of blood in the urine;
- constant desire to lick under the tail;
- atypical behavior (going to the toilet in the wrong place, lethargy, unmotivated aggression).
To prevent health problems, veterinarians recommend using a specialized type of food. They are selected according to the age and weight of the animal. The main condition for using medicinal mixtures is that they cannot be combined with natural food. In addition, the cat must have constant access to clean water.
Proponents of a natural menu for the prevention of urolithiasis add substances to the dish that can acidify it. The most commonly used juice is cranberry, lemon or ascorbic acid. Their use helps normalize urine pH levels, but only in very small doses and after consultation with a veterinarian.
How to avoid obesity?
Most castrated cats after surgery become slow, sleep a lot, are clumsy and constantly eat. Therefore, many of them begin to suffer from obesity. If this is allowed, the cat will not live long. The same fate awaits sterilized cats if the correct diet is not followed:
- Pets should be fed food in small portions, but quite often;
- You can't indulge your pets. Even if they are begging for a treat;
- At least once a week you need to have a full fasting day.
Caring for a neutered cat
After the owner has figured out what can and cannot be fed to a castrated cat, the question of care and maintenance remains.
Obesity activity and prevention
An adult cat is no longer interested in active games and exploring unfamiliar objects. He prefers to lie on the sofa or on his owner's lap.
To prevent a mustache from recovering from a passive lifestyle, a person will have to make a number of efforts. First of all, your furry friend needs to be given more attention: involve him in games and running for something interesting within the apartment or house.
There are many devices to keep your pet interested. For example, pet stores sell special bowls that prevent you from eating the entire portion at once. To get a thorough meal, the couch potato will have to spend some time and some of the accumulated energy.
Daily regime
It has already been mentioned that the animal’s nutrition should be fractional. This will help your pet not to overeat and manage to waste calories. Between feedings, you cannot treat the glutton with delicacies and pieces from the master's table, even if he makes a painful appearance.
A mustachioed friend shouldn't feel lonely, so you need to spend more time with him. If he is used to walking on a harness, then you should not skip the walk time. This will offend the furry, and he will feel left out.
In the evening, it’s better to play properly with your tailed cat: exercise will improve his night’s sleep and help him throw out accumulated energy.
What should be the diet?
The main task is not to overfeed your pet.
Therefore, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:
- You need to feed the cat 3-4 times a day, but at the same time follow the daily norm. After eating, the bowl of food should be removed from his sight. This regime allows the cat to have time to burn calories between meals and, therefore, not gain excess weight.
- Train your cat to eat at the same time every day. This regimen promotes proper digestion.
- It is necessary to follow the dosage indicated on the food packaging, taking into account the cat’s weight.
- When choosing food, preference should be given to one that contains chicken or turkey, as well as fiber.
- Food should not be cold. It is best to feed your cat warm (but not hot!) food.
- Don't forget about water! Your pet's water bowl should always be full and in an easily accessible place. Optimally - next to the food bowl.
Pet owners often ask, is it possible to feed neutered cats fish? In general, this is not recommended. Since phosphorus contained in fish can provoke the development of urolithiasis. But if your cat is a big fan, then a couple of times a month you can pamper him with a small piece of fish.
Unfortunately, this does not apply to British breed cats.
- Fish and seafood should be categorically excluded from the diet of castrated British people.
- Like any products with a high content of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.
- This breed is especially susceptible to developing stones in the urinary tract and kidneys.
- And these minerals precisely contribute to this process.
- Therefore, the question of what to feed a neutered British cat is very important.
- For cats of this breed, the optimal feeding regimen is one to two meals a day.
It is important not to overfeed because neutered Britons are much less active than other breeds and therefore burn fewer calories.
That is why you should not treat your pet with various “goodies” such as baked goods or sweets. You should not experiment with feed. Your Brit should eat the same selected food.
Owners of neutered cats should remember that strict nutritional rules must be adhered to throughout the life of their pets. Only in this case will it be possible to protect them from serious diseases and ensure a long and healthy life.
What's prohibited
If it’s difficult to remember exactly what a British cat can eat after castration, it’s worth remembering the list of taboo foods. First of all, this is food that contains a lot of salt, spices, and sugar. Also included in the list:
- semi-finished products;
- bakery;
- smoked, salty, spicy dishes;
- seafood and fish;
- sweets.
If spicy and salty foods cause kidney disease, then baked goods and sweets lead to obesity. Both results are dangerous for the health and life of the cat.
Nutritional features according to the physiology of Scottish cats
A cat is a predator by nature; therefore, the diet should be dominated by meat products with a high protein content. Proteins in the diet of a Scottish cat must be of animal origin.
Plant proteins are poorly absorbed by the body and are digested slowly. If they predominate on the menu, there is a high probability that serious diseases of the digestive system will occur. The amount of animal protein in the daily diet should be from 40% to 60% of the total food.
Fats are important for maintaining good health and activity of the animal. For cats, fats are a source of energy; their content in the diet should not be lower than 5%, and the recommended figure is 15% of the total amount of food per day. We are talking about fats of animal origin, since vegetable fat does not have any beneficial properties for the cat’s body.
Carbohydrates are an essential part of the Scottish cat's diet. However, they should be present there in limited quantities. Their daily volume should not exceed 12%. Containing more carbohydrates in a cat's menu will inevitably lead to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and the pancreas will be the first to suffer from them.
A balanced diet for Scottish cats includes the following ratio: 52% proteins, 12% carbohydrates and 36% animal fats.
Feeding the British
Like representatives of other breeds, British cats can be big beggars. The owners themselves also feel very sorry for the animal that has undergone surgery; they sometimes feed it with goodies from the human table, unable to resist the pitiful and pleading look.
As a result, the cat can also gain excess weight, and many human dishes contain large amounts of salt and other elements harmful to the cat's health. Strict measures such as diet, exercise and play help reduce the risk of diseases that British cats are susceptible to after castration or other complex operations.
How to prevent the negative consequences of castration
After your pet has undergone surgery, he becomes vulnerable to kidney and genitourinary diseases. Also at risk is such a nuisance as obesity.
To keep your pet healthy, you must follow these rules:
- Give him only filtered or boiled water.
- Do not allow elements in the feed that oxidize urine.
- Make sure your pet eats only low-calorie foods.
- Play with the cat often to normalize its activity.
- Don't give him junk food.
A cat after castration is not considered sick or disabled. But unlike non-castrated ones, they require much more care and maintenance. The most important thing in his condition is the correct nutrition system. Surround your pet with care and love, and he will definitely quickly recover from surgery and be a healthy and active cat.
Cat behavior
Neutered British cats move less than other cats, they become even more phlegmatic and calm . As a result of a sedentary lifestyle, the animal's weight may increase. And excess weight, like in humans, is the cause of many diseases .
Therefore, the owner of a pet should also monitor the cat’s nutrition for this reason. The veterinarian will tell you what kind of food a Briton should eat. He can give advice on feeding both ready-made food and natural food.
ATTENTION! If your cat is too lethargic, your veterinarian may prescribe vitamin B12 injections.
Such injections are performed only as prescribed by a specialist, in the dose specified by him. Self-medication can only significantly worsen the situation. There are several other measures you can take to increase your activity. Castration is carried out at a young age, so it is worth getting him interested in playing with a ball and other toys.
