When you spayed your cat, did she develop a more robust appetite? Then you wondered how such an aftereffect could result from surgery.
There is an interesting fact about cats that follows surgery- Their food intake increases by at least 50%, and their weight increases by at least 28–29%.
There is still no clear explanation for this behavior, although it is not necessarily concerning. Read this article for more information about why cats experience hunger more frequently after spaying.
Chapters
Do Cats Get Hungrier After Being Spayed?
Some cats, indeed, become very hungry after they have been spayed. In our cat’s energy balance equation, calories on the negative side are where the big problem is. The reasons for cats increased dietary needs after spaying or neutering are unknown, but owners are expected to compensate since it is a somewhat desired effect.
When a cat gets fat after being spayed or neutered, it’s not their mistake. The problem is with us, not with them; they’re not doing anything. After getting spayed or neutered, cats can’t eat as much as they want. Instead, they should be given several small, well-measured meals throughout the day, and the quantity and number of calories in each meal should be changed to keep them at a healthy weight.
It is not necessary to gain weight after getting neutered or spayed. After your cat has surgery, please pay careful attention to what it eats and how healthy it is for at least six months.
Does Spaying Increase Appetite in Cats?
The spaying of a cat does not increase its appetite abnormally. Because they don’t move much post-surgery, they can gain weight if they usually eat. It is possible that her behavior is caused by one of two things. There is either a thyroid disorder or a worm infection, so ensure she has recently been treated for worms.
The chance of this occurring is remarkably slim and happens far too quickly. You can send her the same quantity of food as before and purchase a few shiny toys. To keep her busy and stop her from doing what she usually does, which is looking for food. Sure to eat at regular intervals and fill your downtime with exciting activities and fascinating experiences.
She needs time to settle back into the new habits and regain calm. Do not scold her if she resorts to begging or dumpster diving; doing so will only let her feel worse about herself. There are many fun things for cats to play with that will keep her busy.
To keep her from reverting to this behavior, you can do the following:
- It is, therefore, necessary to adjust the amount of food given to account for the decrease in energy requirements. If you plan to change your pet’s feeding schedule, take your pet to your veterinarian first.
- You should stop giving your pet a free choice of food and instead give them a set amount per day according to their calorie requirements.
The number of calories in table scraps is typically high, so do not feed them. - Ensure your pet does not consume more than 10% of their daily caloric intake from healthy treats like baby carrots and green beans.
- The play and exercise options are always plentiful.
Why Is My Cat So Hungry After Being Spayed?
You can expect your cat to gain weight more quickly after spaying. The metabolic effects of spaying are responsible for this. It is recommended that spayed cats switch to a diet designed for them to prevent unwanted weight gain.
The appetite of some cats is enormous, and they are constantly searching for food, which causes them to gain weight.You should consult a veterinarian if your cat suddenly develops a voracious appetite. Some illnesses can cause increased hunger, though.
If your cat is thinking about food too much, you can distract them by doing the following:
- Play distraction games with your cat when he’s begging for food. Petting and entertaining cats are preferable to feeding them.
- Wet cat food, like canned and tinned foods, contains a lot of water, so your cat can eat more without getting too full.
- Use a big tray to spread out the cat food, and use a doll you can stuff with dry food and use as a trigger. This will make it harder for your cat to eat food and get it longer.
Some hormones, including insulin and leptin, which control sugar levels and appetite, are lost or changed during spaying. For these hormonal shifts, spayed pets not only have a slower metabolism but also a greater hunger.
If your cat has just had spay surgery and is having trouble peeing or defecating or is not urinating, please contact the postoperative care line within 72 hours. Determine whether there is any blood in the urine of your pet.
After surgery, female animals may have a small amount for up to 24 hours. If this continues or you see any other unusual behavior in your pet, please contact the postoperative care line.
How to Stop Your Cat from Being Hungry After Being Spayed?
Initiate playing games with your cat to keep her mind off food. A few cats like to sleep after they eat, so enjoy with her before she falls asleep so she can incinerate some energy before bedtime.
Since it contains more water than dry meals, wet cat food like canned and tinned foods might cause weight gain faster. Put the cat’s food in a bowl far away from the plate; this will make her eat more slowly and may help her avoid overeating.
Wet food takes longer than dry food, so feeding your cat wet food somewhat dry may assist with weight control.
Does Cat Spaying Increase Appetite?
Spaying a cat doesn’t make her hungrier. This could make her less hungry after that, even though giving birth is one of the things that makes a female cat hungry.
A slight weight gain following spaying may occur if they consume a high-fat diet and are physically active. However, this can be easily controlled by eating a low-fat diet and increasing their physical activity levels.
Depending on her behavior, she might be pregnant or suffering from a disease.
How Much Should My Cat Eat After Being Spayed?
If your kitten is younger than 16 weeks, feed it 10–12 small meals daily until it becomes 6–8 months old. After that, slowly expand the number of meals until it gets three big meals each day. Large cats should eat 3–4 times a day after they are eight months old.
The cause for this is that it is cheaper to feed a new kitten lesser smaller portions than it is to provide an adult cat with a bunch of food instantly. Ensure your kitten still has access to clean, fresh water so she can drink more than she requires to.
FAQ
Is it normal for my cat to eat more after spaying?
Yes, it’s normal for cats to have an increased appetite after being spayed due to hormonal and metabolic changes.
How can I prevent my cat from gaining too much weight after spaying?
You can prevent weight gain by providing a balanced diet, scheduled feedings, and encouraging regular physical activity.
Can spaying my cat lead to obesity in the long run?
While spaying doesn’t cause obesity, the changes in hormones and metabolism may increase the risk. Proper diet and exercise can help prevent obesity.
Do cats get more hungry after spaying?
When cats are spayed or neutered, they want to eat more. According to one study, male cats gained 28-29% more weight and consumed 50% more food after neutering. The results of spaying have been similar in females as well.
Why is my cat so hungry right after being neutered?
To achieve this, metabolic rate decreases, and food intake increases. Evidence shows that removing sex hormones can increase dogs’ appetite by up to 63% and cats’ appetite by up to 23%. In the immediate aftermath of the procedure, this occurs. Weight gain will likely happen if no changes are made to one’s diet.
How often should I feed my cat after spaying?
According to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, following your cat’s surgery, you should only offer it a tiny quantity of food the night of the procedure and then gradually increase it the following morning. Don’t make any diet changes since they could make her feel better while experiencing side effects after the procedure.
How do female cats feel after being spayed?
When a cat’s insides are revealed and her critical reproductive parts are taken out, she usually acts quieter and eats less for a day or two. Pain relievers and anesthetics seem to sedate cats more than they affect them.
Do spayed cats need exceptional food?
To control body weight after neutering, it is recommended that a diet specifically designed for neutered cats is prescribed. For example, female cats need a slightly lower energy level, while male cats require a higher protein content in their diets.
Do cats eat a lot after surgery?
Alternatively, you may provide them with their regular diet, but make sure that you reduce the portion by about a quarter. It is usual for your cat not to eat after surgery. Approximately 24 hours after your cat’s procedure, its appetite will return.
How long is healing after spaying a cat?
You should call your vet if you notice symptoms that make you nervous. Often, these spay/neuter cuts heal entirely in about 10–14 days, when stitches or staples, if any, ought to be removed.
How painful is spaying a cat?
Dogs and cats don’t feel any pain throughout a spay or neuter surgery because they are entirely tranquilized. Just after surgery, a few animals may feel pain. If they take painkillers, they might not feel any pain at all. Very rarely does spaying or neutering surgical procedure cause serious harm.
Final Words
This is everything you knew about what a cat eats after getting spayed. Usually, it’s nothing to worry about, but if you notice something strange, it won’t upset you to talk to your veterinarian. Let’s all tell us in the comments if your pet did anything like this. How much did you do to ensure it didn’t get out of hand?
