Food for sterilized cats: a complete guide to manage their nutrition

In recent years, more and more families are choosing to neuter their cat: this decision helps to prevent unwanted litters and facilitates life together.
After neutering, however, the cat’s body starts to change: metabolism gets slower and their energy demand reduces, but their appetite often increases. If this new situation is not handled correctly, it can lead to weight gain, urinary problems and other imbalances.
This is why choosing a specific diet for sterilized cats, just like taking care of nutrition for kittens and adult cats, is not only a good habit, but also an act of care towards your pet’s wellbeing.

In this guide we will find out everything we need to know to choose the appropriate nutrition for sterilized cats, focusing on ingredients, benefits and recommended nutritional choices.

Why do sterilized cats need a specific diet?

Sterilization in cats is a veterinary procedure that involves removing the reproductive organs. In female cats, the procedure is called ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy, while in males it is referred to as orchiectomy (i.e. neutering). This is a simple and safe procedure which is now very common, as it improves our pet’s quality of life, reducing sexual stress and preventing unwanted pregnancies.
For instance, sterilization in female cats avoids the recurrence of heat cycles, that can become frequent and difficult to manage at home, because of their strong feeling of stress and agitation.
If on the one hand this choice contributes to the cat’s wellbeing, on the other hand we must be aware of the changes their body will go through after the procedure. 

The first 30 days after their sterilization are crucial: it is during this period that the body starts changing. Besides caring for their rest after surgery and for the wound’s healing, it is also important to start modifying their diet, so to help them gradually adapt to the new routine.
Generic nutrition is no longer sufficient. Formulas specifically studied to support the new physiological balance are now recommended, also considering the new energy and metabolic requirements. 

What changes in cats after sterilization

After sterilization, a cat’s body goes through a multiple changes that involve metabolism, hormonal balance and some behavioral aspects.
Metabolism becomes progressively slower, thus reducing the daily caloric requirement: basically, the cat now needs less energy to carry out the “daily activities”. However, at the same time appetite tends to increase, due to changes in hormones related to reproduction. This imbalance between energy intake and consumption can lead to weight gain, exposing the cat to a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. These conditions can contribute to the onset of problems related to joints, diabetes and urinary tract diseases, such as formation of stones.

Behaviour can go through slight changes as well. During the initial period, the cat could appear calmer and avoid intense physical activity. In many cases, they may also be particularly affectionate and seek more contact, developing an even tighter bond with the ones taking care of them.
Every change must be carefully observed and welcomed. It is essential to adapt nutrition to these new needs, choosing formulations that maintain the ideal weight, support the urinary tract and guarantee a correct intake of fibre, proteins and minerals. In the next paragraph we will find out which features quality food for sterilized cats should have.

What are the characteristics of quality food for sterilized cats?

It should meet well-defined nutritional needs, that are different from those of an unsterilized adult cat.
When metabolism gets slower, appetite increases and so does the risk of developing urinary tract or digestive diseases. Therefore, it is important to choose tailor-made foods that take new needs into account:

• Weight control: the correct caloric intake, together with a higher content of fibres, promotes the feeling of satiety and helps to maintain a healthy weight. In this way the risk of obesity decreases, and so do other related diseases such as diabetes or joint problems, which can compromise the daily wellbeing.
• Urinary tract health: after sterilization, the chance for cats to develop urinary stones increases. A diet with the right amount of minerals, particularly Phosphorus and Magnesium, is essential to support the correct functioning of the urinary system and to keep pH at optimal levels.
• Correct digestion: good digestive health is the basis for general wellbeing. This is why it is extremely important that diet contains quality fibre and sources of prebiotics such as Inulin, that help maintain the balance of intestinal flora and the regularity of transit.

Choosing food for sterilized cats does not simply mean “controlling their appetite”. It also means preventing, promoting vitality and taking care of our cat which, especially after sterilization, has new and different needs. It is an act of care that can really make the difference, now and over time.

Oasy: solutions created for your sterilized cat

Every sterilized cat is different, but what remains the same is the need for a balanced and carefully planned diet. Oasy offers different solutions for sterilized cats:

• The Oasy Lifestage dry range for sterilized cats is formulated to promote digestive wellbeing, health of urinary tract and to control the weight thanks to Inulin, a source of FOS prebiotics (Fructooligosaccharides) which, together with MOS (Mannanoligosaccharides), promotes the correct balance of the intestinal bacterial flora.
  Beet pulp, another key ingredient, is rich in fibres and helps to improve digestion and makes the cat feel fuller. The correct intake of minerals and the appropriate amount of Magnesium support the urinary tract health, contributing to maintain pH to optimal levels and reducing risk of urinary stones. 
• If you are looking for a grain free option, Oasy Grain Free Formula Sterilized with Pork is a complete product with no cereals that combines taste and wellbeing, with special attention to urinary health and physical shape.
• For a particularly tasty variation, the Oasy wet range for sterilized cats offers specific formulas enriched with DL-Methionine and Vitamic C, which help control urine pH.
• Finally, to surprise them with something special and healthy, find out our Treats for sterilized cats: tasty but light, they are designed to be a healthy and functional treat.

Choosing the right food for sterilized cats is a daily act of love. A small but significant act of care that can make a big difference over time. Behind every Oasy recipe there is one goal: feeding their wellbeing and vitality, nurturing the special bond you share with your cat. With selected ingredients, carefully studied formulas and all our expertise in animal nutrition, for every age and life stage.