16.12.2021

How to find the best neutered cat food—Untamed’s snippets of wisdom!

Your kitten has finally reached maturity, and the time has come for the slightly uncomfortable yet necessary procedure. While you can’t help but worry, the run-of-the-mill surgery is perfectly safe (seasoned vets could probably do it in their sleep)! The real struggle begins during recovery since your cat will probably show behavioural changes, most notably an increase in appetite.

Following sterilisation, most felines start gaining weight rapidly and require a special diet. But where do you find quality neutered cat food? We’re here to help you with your search! Let’s explore the best food for neutered cats and learn how to make tailor-made meals that’ll keep them at a healthy weight.

Why do neutered cats require a special diet?

Sterilisation is a medical procedure that prevents unwanted pregnancy, neutralises the mating urges in cats, and reduces the risk of several diseases. Getting your cat neutered or spayed will:

• Protect them from getting the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
• Minimise the chances of breast and ovarian cancer and pyometra (womb infection) in female cats
• Control the feline’s urge to roam and therefore preempt injuries and accidents
• Manage their behaviour and heat cycle

The surgery is performed once the kitten reaches sexual maturity, i.e., when they’re between five to ten months old. Male cats undergo total castration (both testicles are removed), and females have their ovaries and womb taken out. The procedure requires total anaesthesia, so your pet can’t eat or drink anything eight hours before the surgery.

After sterilisation, your feline will most likely have less energy and an increased appetite. Studies have shown that male cats increase their weight by 28% after being neutered, while their food intake is doubled.

Because sterilised cats tend to eat more, you need to adjust their diet accordingly. Most vets recommend switching to low-calorie, high-protein meals and cutting treats to a minimum. You’ll also have to control your cat’s portions and limit their access to food, meaning free-feeding is off the table!

You’re going to do WHAT to me now?

Source: Tuna

What’s the best cat food for neutered cats?

Making homemade meals is quite demanding, especially for neutered cats on a restricted diet. The better solution is to give them high-quality commercial cat food that meets their new nutritional needs.

Wet cat food is the closest to the feline ancestral diet and can provide essential nutrients, such as:

1. Animal protein—Cats are obligate carnivores that thrive on high-protein meals, meaning a vegan or vegetarian diet won’t meet their energy requirements (especially post sterilisation). Animal protein is superior to plant protein because it’s rich in taurine, an indispensable nutrient that sustains their eye, heart, and brain function. The feline body can’t produce enough taurine for sustenance, so cats have to get it from their meals
2. Water—Neutered cats are more prone to urinary tract diseases, such as cystitis and bladder stones. Increasing their water intake will not only prevent UTIs but also help manage their weight and appetite. Since cats don’t enjoy drinking from a bowl, serving them wet food with up to 78% moisture will keep them hydrated
3. Natural minerals and vitamins—Neutered cat food should provide the essential micronutrients, such as vitamin B, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Wet food contains most if not all organic compounds, while certain mineral supplements are added by the manufacturer

High-quality wet or semi-moist food is typically low in carbs, the main contributors to feline obesity. The feline metabolism isn’t meant to process carbohydrates, especially post sterilisation when their food intake is significantly increased.

When buying neutered cat food, opt for products with less than 3% of carbohydrates.

Untamed food will keep your cat’s health in check

Balancing the nutritional and energetic requirements of your recently neutered cat can be tricky, and Untamed presents the purrfect solution! Our premium natural food is made following the feline’s biological needs, providing sustenance while enticing their sharp senses. The entire production system, from preparation to packaging, is designed to benefit our four-legged companions.

Untamed products are:

• Packed with protein—Each serving has twice the amount of protein than the industry standard, and we use only animal proteins in our recipes
• Made with whole meat—Our food is made with human-grade whole meat, without a trace of animal derivatives or any known allergens
• Vet formulated—Untamed recipes were carefully planned by veterinarians with your pet’s best interest in mind
• Ethically made—We make sure our carbon footprint is brought to a minimum and use only recyclable packaging and ingredients from sustainable sources
• Fussy eater approved—The only way to respond to a challenge is to serve im-paw-ssibly appetising meals

After the first serving of Untamed food, your sterilised cat will get a significant energy boost. The chipper attitude will be accompanied by other health benefits, spanning across all nine lives! Check out the table below for notable health improvements and approximate timeline:

Check out our delicious recipes!

Untamed food is made with premium, ethically-sourced meat, such as:

• Chicken breast and liver
• Duck breast
• Tuna steak
• Salmon fillet
• Sardine and mackerel fillet

Fresh ingredients are combined following our delicious and nutritious recipes, irresistible to cats of all ages and breeds! Some of our most popular dishes include:

1. Chocka Chicken in Jelly—Extra moist chicken breasts soaked in jelly and light on the tummy
2. Tuck-in Tuna in Jelly—Cruelty-free tuna simmered in jelly and hearty fish broth
3. Chocka Chicken with Duck in Jelly—The ultimate poultry platter, high-quality chicken breast mixed with whole duck meat, served in jelly
4. Tuck-in Tuna with Salmon in Jelly—Delicious whole meat tuna soaked in jelly and served with high-grade salmon fillet
5. Chocka Chicken in Gravy—A delicious dish for the sensitive feline, made with shredded chicken breast and steamed in natural gravy

Take the Untamed online quiz to find the best neutered cat food for your feline companion!

Our Tuck-in Tuna will make sure your cat’s tummy is nice and tucked!

Image (c) Untamed

How to try Untamed products

You can sign up for a tester pack and let your cat be the judge of our cordon bleu cuisine for felines! All you have to do is:

1. Visit our Try Now page and provide info about your cat
2. Pick a meal plan
3. Place the order

Your custom-made box of cat food will arrive within a day, with no additional shipping fees charged. After the trial period is over and your cat gives us the green light, you'll start receiving monthly deliveries of our premium food.

The best part is that you can always modify your cat food delivery subscription by logging in to your Untamed account!

After what I’ve been through, treating me to a gourmet meal is the least you can do, you puny human!

Image (c) Untamed

Is dry cat food suitable for neutered cats?

Dry cat food gets a bad rep for being heavily processed and loaded with carbs. The mixture of meat, vegetables, and grain is not the best choice for neutered cats because of its high caloric value.

Kibble is also less hydrating, typically having a 10% moisture content. Even if you soak the biscuits in soup or broth, the water intake might be insufficient.

A diet consisting solely of dry cat food could be harmful to neutered cats. The high-calorie content coupled with their increased appetite can result in feline obesity. Unhealthy weight gain is a precursor to several health problems, including:

• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Constipation
• Skin disease
• Allergies and food intolerance

Dry food can be helpful to senior cats who’ve lost their appetite over the years. Even tiny servings of kibble will provide them with enough energy to remain somewhat active. Older cats are also more susceptible to dental disease, and some vets claim chewing on dry biscuits helps them maintain oral hygiene. Plaque build-up can lead to numerous dental issues, such as gingivitis and loss of teeth.

Adult cats that have gone through sterilisation should stay away from dry cat food, if possible. If kibble was a major part of your pet’s diet before the procedure, you can try mixing wet and dry food to help them transition.

How much should I feed my neutered cat?

After the surgery, your cat will be disoriented and nauseated from the anaesthetics, so let them come to slowly. Once they’re fully conscious, give them a little water (not too much, or they’ll be sick) and approximately one-fourth of their regular meal.

In the weeks following the procedure, you must work on portion control. You can calculate how much you should feed your cat by using a pet calorie calculator. Besides their sterilisation status, the estimated calorie intake is based on:

1. Life stage—Kittens, adult cats, and oldtimers have entirely different energy requirements
2. Breed—Certain cat breeds, such as Maine Coons, need bigger portions due to their large frame
3. Body condition score—Your cat’s current physical condition is a crucial factor in determining the portion size

The average weight of a feline varies from breed to breed. A Ragdoll cat can weigh up to nine kilos and still be perfectly healthy, while a Persian of the same weight would be obese! The body condition score is, therefore, determined by comparing physical attributes. Check out the table below for more details:

You should also consider your pet’s daily activity level. Indoor cats can get quite sluggish, especially after sterilisation. Once your neutered cat fully recovers, make sure they get enough exercise because it’ll keep their weight in check.

If you have a high-energy breed, like a Siamese or a Bengal cat, keep track of their feeding habits and behaviour after cutting down the portions. Your feline companion will let you know if they’re underfed by nibbling on grass, chewing furniture, and breaking into the pantry!

What is the preferred feeding method for neutered cats?

Depending on their work schedule and daily routine, cat parents typically opt for one of two feeding methods:

1. Free-feeding—Leaving a full bowl and letting your pet choose how much they’ll eat
2. Portion controlled feeding—Measuring the amount of food before serving each meal

Free-feeding is handy for cat parents with a hectic schedule because it doesn’t require you to prep the food. The method works best with kibble since processed food doesn't spoil that quickly. It’s a common practice that’s not harmful to cats with healthy appetites.

Since sterilisation can increase your cat’s food intake, free-feeding is not the best option. Your feline companion may binge-eat the entire serving and end up with an upset stomach. A gluttonous cat won’t be able to resist the food and will most likely gain too much weight quickly.

Portion control is the recommended method for sterilised cats, at least until their appetite gets back to normal. Neutered cats will benefit from multiple smaller meals both physically and emotionally. A fixed meal plan will give them a sense of security and stimulate them to behave well.

Can neutered cats have treats?

As a nutritional rule, treats should not exceed 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Following sterilisation, when most felines experience bouts of hunger, it’s best to remove snacks from their meal plan altogether.

Once your feline companion’s appetite is under control again, you can reintroduce treats. Instead of feeding them store-bought products, give them fresh ingredients rich in fibre (use moderately) and animal protein. You can even go for B.A.R.F. treats because they are palatable yet low-fat. The bioavailable nutrients will maintain their health and further satiate their hunger.

Here are some healthy snack ideas that go well with neutered cat diet:

I have the munchies. What’s on the dessert menu for today?

Source: freestocks

Besides sugar, are there any food groups my neutered cat should avoid?

Sterilised or not, cats shouldn’t eat the following items for numerous reasons, from food allergies to poisoning:

1. Allium vegetables—Onions, garlic, shallots, and chives are poisonous to cats. The allium destroys their red blood cells, causing anaemia and can lead to kidney failure
2. Milk and dairy—Cats are lactose intolerant and can’t digest milk or other dairy products, like cheese or cream. Cow milk is especially hard on the stomach and shouldn’t be fed to felines, despite the popular opinion. if you have a foster kitten, give them a kitten replacer formula instead
3. Raw food—Unlike freshly killed prey, raw meat and eggs contain harmful bacteria, predominantly Salmonella and Listeria. Besides being potentially lethal, the infection can spread to other family members. Make sure to thoroughly clean any contaminated surface and watch out for the following signs of salmonellosis and listeriosis:

1. Diarrhoea
2. Fever
3. Vomiting
4. Lethargy

1. Citrus fruit—Citric acid can hurt your kitten’s kidneys, so don’t give them oranges, clementines, lemons, or similar fruit. Grapes and raisins are also harmful, with high amounts of fructose that can cause hyperactivity and sickness
2. Caffeine—Feeding your cat chocolate, tea, and coffee can give them caffeine poisoning. The symptoms include heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and laboured breathing. Frequent caffeine consumption can even cause neurological damage, so it’s best to steer clear
3. Alcohol and yeast—Alcohol is as harmful to cats as it is for us humans. Small quantities can severely impair their liver and brain function, and a teaspoon of hard liquor can even induce coma. Yeast is also dangerous because it can ferment in the feline’s digestive tract and produce alcohol

How to pamper your kitten after sterilisation

While sterilisation is a routine procedure, it can be quite hard on your cat. Make sure to look after your pet after the surgery by:

1. Allowing them to rest—The effects of general anaesthesia can last approximately 24 to 48 hours. At first, your cat will feel drowsy, but after a while, the more energetic feline will want to prance about. Don’t let your cat exert themselves for the next seven to ten days. If need be, limit their access to one particularly unamusing room
2. Securing the incision—As it’s healing, the incision spot will most likely start to itch. Your vet will probably attach a protective cone to your cat’s head to stop them from licking the area. As much as it pains you, don’t take it off because incessant nibbling can reopen the wound
3. Checking the wound—You’ll have to check the wound several times per day to make sure it’s healing properly. If, after a week, the wound still hasn’t healed, contact your vet because there might be an underlying issue
4. Removing the stitches—Nowadays, most vets use dissolvable stitches, but in case your cat needs to have theirs removed—mark the day in your calendar. Only spayed felines require stitching, and the threads need to be removed after seven to 14 days