If you’ve noticed your cat is always hungry after being spayed, you’re not alone! A very common side effect of the spaying procedure is an increased appetite in cats. It is estimated that around 50% of cats experience this, and their body weights typically rise by almost 30%. This can be concerning for cat owners, so it is important to understand why this happens, if it is healthy, and what you can do to help your cat.
The reason why cats seem to develop more of an appetite following being spayed is not known for certain, but scientists have a few guesses. One of the most common theories is that it is due to the removal of the ovaries. Ovaries are the primary producers of estrogen, and estrogen contributes to determining your cat’s food intake needs and can help them know when they are full. With the primary producer of estrogen removed, the amount of estrogen circulating through your cat’s body decreases significantly. This may explain why their appetite undergoes such an apparent change post-op. Additionally, if you keep your cat confined after she is spayed, she might eat more because she is bored.
So, is post-op weight gain healthy? If your cat is experiencing an increase in appetite and therefore weight gain post-op, it is normal, but it isn’t sustainable for their long-term health. The amount that a cat should eat and weigh to maintain a healthy lifestyle still applies. Does this mean that your cat needs to desperately lose all the weight it gained post-op? No. However, it does mean that you need to pay extra attention to the amount of food they are eating, the quality of the food, and the amount of exercise they are getting. Talk to your veterinarian for more information.
It is best to keep a close eye on your cat’s appetite and weight following their surgery. Become familiar with healthy weights for cats to make sure your cat isn’t becoming obese or unhealthily overweight. Furthermore, make sure your cat doesn’t have unrestricted access to food. Instead of leaving a bowl of food out for them to nibble on throughout the day, give them a healthy portion of food in the morning and the evening. Additionally, make sure you are feeding your cat healthy food. Consider talking to your vet about curating a healthy diet for your pet that eliminates overeating. Wet cat food is also something to consider. Because of the amount of water in wet cat food, your cat can eat more without gaining an excessive amount of weight. Furthermore, make sure to dedicate time to make sure your cat is getting enough exercise. This involves playing with them more often and providing plenty of outlets for them to get out energy. You could try scratching posts, string toys, or interactive toys.
A good tip is that if your cat is begging for food when it is not mealtime, try playing with them instead! This will take their mind off food while still keeping them stimulated. Playing with your cat often will not only keep them healthy and fit but will also be a great bonding experience for you. You can’t go wrong!
Aside from monitoring their weight, you should also make sure your cat’s spay incision isn’t infected. To learn more, check out my article on what should a healing cat spay incision look like?
It is important to remember that both an increased appetite and gaining weight after a spay procedure are extremely common. So, it is not something that should be incredibly worrying. On the other hand, it is still important to watch your cat’s food intake and make sure that they are maintaining a healthy weight. This can be done through curated diets, increased playtimes, and strict mealtimes. Additionally, it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you have additional concerns about their increased hunger.
When it comes to cats being hungry after being spayed, it is important to remember that it is normal, but it is important to manage it. Become familiar with healthy weights for cats to make sure your cat isn’t becoming obese or unhealthily overweight. Furthermore, make sure your cat doesn’t have unrestricted access to food. Instead of leaving a bowl of food out for them to nibble on throughout the day, give them a healthy portion of food in the morning and the evening. Additionally, make sure you are feeding your cat healthy food. Consider talking to your vet about curating a healthy diet for your pet that eliminates overeating. Wet cat food is also something to consider. Because of the amount of water in wet cat food, your cat can eat more without gaining an excessive amount of weight.
It is also important to dedicate time to make sure your cat is getting enough exercise. This involves playing with them more often and providing plenty of outlets for them to get out energy. You could try scratching posts, string toys, or interactive toys. A good tip is that if your cat is begging for food when it is not mealtime, try playing with them instead! This will take their mind off food while still keeping them stimulated. Playing with your cat often will not only keep them healthy and fit but will also be a great bonding experience for you.
Aside from monitoring their weight, you should also make sure your cat’s spay incision isn’t infected. To learn more, check out my article on what should a healing cat spay incision look like?
In conclusion, it is normal for cats to be hungry after spay, but it is important to manage it. Become familiar with healthy weights for cats to make sure your cat isn’t becoming obese or unhealthily overweight. Furthermore, make sure your cat doesn’t have unrestricted access to food. Additionally, make sure you are feeding your cat healthy food and dedicate time to make sure your cat is getting enough exercise. Finally, it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you have additional concerns about their increased hunger. With the right management, you can make sure your cat maintains a healthy lifestyle even after being spayed.
