My cat was always on the slim side until i got her spayed about 4 months ago. Since then she has gained a lot of weight. I haven't changed her diet and she is still quite active. Should I be worried?
2006-09-17 03:54:58 · 32 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
She should be on an indoor adult cat food formula, if she is an indoor cat. After spaying, kittens no longer need the kitten formula food.
Spaying changes their metabolism, so they don't need as much food, either. It is a myth that cats (or dogs) get fat and lazy because of being altered, when in fact, it is the owners fault. They need less food now and cats especially, tend to eat at free will, so cat owners always have food in their dish. Change her feeding habits and play lots more with her to get the extra weight off. Then, it's a matter of maintaining her weight. If you need more assistance with what to feed and how much, call your vet and let them know what's going on. Many times, it's an oversight to let the owner know they need to change their eating habits after a spay.
If you feel this may not be the case at all, a blood panel can reveal if there is a medical reason why she is gaining weight. It could be diabetes or a thyroid problem, among other causes.
Since you haven't changed her feeding habits, I bet doing so will help. Good luck.
2006-09-17 04:04:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there
I'm afraid it is quite normal, though it doesn't happen in 100% of cases. Of the twenty or so female cats I've lived with over the years I would say about 80% of them have put on weight after spaying.
As long as she's otherwise healthy and active and the weight gain isn't excessive I honestly wouldn't worry.
Good luck!
2006-09-17 05:56:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Spay and neutering usually occurs when the cat reaches the age when kitten hyperactivity is subsiding. Though they are still growing and need nutritous food they do not need as many calories. So the "fixing" is not the cause of weight gain.
It is time to change her diet. You need to cut out foods with corn (2/3 of grocery store food has corn as a first or second ingredient). Corn is used to fatten animals for slaughter, animals that have a two-year life span at most.
Read labels on bags. Sometimes when I am in the grocery store and not pressed for time I check the cat food bags. It's corn, corn and corn, plus by-products, the least nutritious meat source for your cat. Same for Petco and Pet Smart foods, though I have seen some Natural Balance there. Natural Balance formulates their dry food using rice, pea, or tapioca. These are not as fattening for the cat. Plus the fact that the "filler" is usually the third ingredient by weight in the food. The first two ingredients are wholesome meat sources.
I buy NB. I am not promoting that special brand except for the fact that you can find it more easily in some of the large chains. I use CA Natural (chicken and rice) and Nature's Variety (Prairie) neither of which have corn and have the best meat sources. I have to buy these at my local humane society store or a small, owner-operated pet store. Just train yourself to read labels. There are other good no corn foods I just happen to be using the ones mentioned at the moment.
If you get the corn out of your cats' diet she will stop gaining weight immediately. For switching from one dry food to another click on the icon at my name and a "recipe" for doing it is given there. All good weight loss programs for humans require a life-style change for taking off extra pounds. In six months or a year your cat will be slimming down and have better nutrition to boot.
I think it's good to rotate among three good brands at least. The cat should not be on a single food its entire life. I love the NB venison and pea as that is an uncommon protein source other than chicken. Duck and rabbit would also be good for cats and it is just not economical for the food manufacturers to raise these animals to use in their food.
2006-09-17 04:53:37 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No need to worry, it's quite normal for a cat to gain weight after being spayed. Male cats tend to put on more weight and become more lethargic than females. If you're worried take her along to your vet for a check up. I'm sure she's fine but speaking to a vet will certainly put your mind at rest :-)
2006-09-17 04:08:53 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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2016-05-02 15:21:58 · answer #5 · answered by alethia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes this is normal. They also get quite saggy underneath as well, althouch despite what others think they don't get depressed at the lack of sex drive. Keep an eye on her diet though, you may need to reduce he food intake slightly since the hormone change can affect her metabolism.
2006-09-17 04:04:22 · answer #6 · answered by tmctagga 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When cooking, swap out the butter for one of them.
2017-03-11 02:00:48 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2017-02-09 18:17:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spayed and neutered animals do tend to put on a little weight after they've been fixed. Try cutting back on her food a little, or find some kind of weight control food.
Good luck!
2006-09-17 04:02:29 · answer #9 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
My cats put on a little weight since they were sprayed but not much. Ask your vet if you are worried
2006-09-17 03:57:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋