Sterilized cat kibble : what is it ?
A diet that meets new needs
After sterilization, the hormonal composition of the cat changes. It leads to a reduction in levels of male hormones (testosterone) and female hormones (estrogens).
This is what allows the cessation of heat cycles or urine marking.
It also has consequences for the animal’s appetite, diet and nutritional needs. As its physical activity decreases, it increases the risk of overweight or obesity.
At the same time, the cat has an increased appetite, is greedier, and never seems satisfied.
This constant feeling of hunger is also a factor in weight gain.
Finally, sterilization can lead to digestive disorders, kidney stones or urinary stones.
That is why it is important to adopt a new diet, complete and balanced, specially designed for spayed or neutered cats.
Also read | What are the best cat kibbles?
The different types of sterilized cat kibble
There are different types of kibble to feed your cat after spaying or neutering. These include :
- Kibble for young adult neutered cats : intended for animals aged 1 to 7 years ;
- Kibble for senior neutered adult cats : formulated for neutered senior cats aged 7 years and older ;
- Kibble for indoor neutered cats : ideal for neutered cats that live indoors, are sedentary, and have less physical activity ;
- Kibble for grain-free neutered cats or « no grain » : they are grain-free, gluten-free but are often less digestible for the animal.
What do they contain?
To meet the cat’s new needs, these kibbles have a specific formulation.
On the one hand, they are very rich in proteins. This helps maintain the cat’s muscle mass despite reduced physical activity. Proteins also have a satiating effect and reduce feelings of hunger.
On the other hand, they contain dietary fibers that promote intestinal transit and aid digestion.
Finally, they contain a range of vitamins and minerals. They provide a balanced diet for your cat and prevent deficiencies.
These kibbles are also low in fat and in carbohydrates (sugar) to limit the risk of weight gain.
Some are enriched with L-carnitine, an amino acid that contributes to fat metabolism.
What are the benefits of sterilized cat kibble ?
They help limit weight gain
After spaying or neutering, the energy requirements of the cat decrease significantly, by 20 to 30%. Its body therefore expends less energy.
That’s why kibbles for sterilized cats have a more appropriate caloric content and are low in fat. Ideally, the fat content should be between 10 and 15 %.
In addition, they are satiating and help control the animal’s hunger. This reduces the risk of weight gain while satisfying its appetite and meeting its nutritional needs.
This study shows how a diet high in protein helps control weight in cats.
They promote intestinal transit
A neutered cat, having less physical activity, may suffer from digestive discomfort or have more difficulty digesting.
These kibbles contain on average 5 % dietary fiber. In addition to promoting a feeling of fullness, they contribute to healthy intestinal transit.
They provide vitamins and minerals
These kibbles provide a balanced supply of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Notably, they contain vitamins A, D and E, calcium and phosphorus.
Thus, they help maintain a healthy body after sterilization/castration and prevent nutritional deficiencies. Indeed, a neutered cat is at risk of deficiencies if its diet is not adapted after surgery.
Finally, minerals contribute to the proper functioning of the genitourinary system, which undergoes changes during sterilization.
They help prevent urinary stones
A neutered cat is more likely to develop urinary stones or urolithiasis. Indeed, sterilization causes changes in the urinary tract.
To limit the risk of stones, kibble for neutered cats has a suitable pH. This helps control urinary pH and urine acidity (6 to 6.5).
How to successfully transition your cat’s diet?
After the operation, you should not drastically change your cat’s diet. The transition to kibble for neutered cats should be done gradually.
It can take several weeks or even several months, with each animal reacting differently. Its body undergoes changes: it therefore must adjust and adapt.
Without a proper transition, it may develop problems with food absorption and digestion.
During the first 2 weeks, add one serving of the new kibble to its regular kibble each day. Gradually increase the proportion. This way, your cat will accept its new food more easily. If necessary, extend this step over a longer period depending on its reactions.
It is also important to adjust the portion. The daily amount varies depending on its weight. On average, allow 40 g/day for a neutered cat weighing 3 kg.
Refer to the table on the packaging for the manufacturer’s recommended amount.
