Spaying is a surgical procedure performed on female cats to remove their ovaries and uterus in order to prevent pregnancy and heat cycles. After being spayed, some cats tend to demonstrate an increase in appetite and act hungrier than they did prior to the surgery.
My Cat Is Always Hungry After Being Spayed? This is a common concern for many cat owners who have recently had their feline spayed. The procedure causes hormonal changes in the cat’s body which can increase her food motivation and desire to eat. Understanding why this happens can help owners manage their cat’s food intake.
The reason for a spayed cat’s seemingly insatiable hunger ties back to the surgery itself. When the ovaries and uterus are removed, the cat’s estrogen levels rapidly decline. This drop in hormones slows their metabolism, meaning they burn calories at a reduced rate. So even if your cat is eating the same amount as before, she may act hungrier as her body now demands more food to meet her baseline energy needs. Monitoring portions is key to prevent unhealthy weight gain.
Cat Always Hungry For Cat Food After Being Spayed
After being spayed, a cat’s metabolism slows down but its appetite increases. This means the cat needs fewer calories than before spaying, but feels hungrier. The procedure impacts hormones that regulate appetite and satiety signals get disrupted, making the cat feel constantly hungry1.
How Long Will My Cat Be Extra Hungry For Cat Food After Spaying?
The cat vomiting 3 days after spay increased appetite after spaying can persist for weeks or months. It takes time for the cat’s body to adjust hormone levels and regulate appetite properly again. Expect your cat to act hungrier than normal for at least 1-2 months post-surgery.
Is Constant Hunger For Cat Food After Spaying Dangerous?
Yes, the constant hunger can lead to obesity if the cat is free-fed high-calorie food3. It’s important to feed an appropriate diet for spayed cats that supports appetite control. Cats should be fed measured meals based on their ideal weight, not allowed to free-feed1. Consult your vet if rapid weight gain occurs despite measured feedings.
What Cat Foods Satisfy Hunger After Spaying Best?
Veterinary diets designed specifically for spayed and neutered cats can help satisfy hunger while controlling calories. These foods have optimal protein and fiber content to help cats feel fuller. Canned food also promotes satiety better than dry kibble2. Ultimately, measured meals with the right spayed/neutered cat food will curb overeating.
Cat Food For Extra Hungry Cats After Spaying
It is common for female cats to have an increased appetite and become extra hungry for food after being spayed. Studies show that around 50% of spayed cats will eat more food and gain weight following the procedure. The exact reasons are unknown, but theories include hormonal changes and reduced activity levels post-surgery.
Is It Normal For A Cat To Be Extra Hungry For Cat Food After Being Spayed?
Yes, it is normal for a cat to become extra hungry for food after being spayed. Approximately 50% of spayed cats will display an increased appetite and food intake. So if your cat seems constantly hungry after her spay surgery, this is a common side effect.
How Many Extra Calories From Cat Food Do Spayed Cats Need?
The research does not provide an exact number for how many extra calories spayed cats need. But it does show that food intake increases by at least 50% for male cats after neutering. Female cats likely have a similar increase after spaying. So adjusting your cat’s meals to account for a 50% increase in calories consumed seems reasonable.
Can Letting My Cat Eat More Cat Food After Spaying Cause Obesity?
Yes, allowing unlimited access to cat food after spaying can lead to obesity. Since spayed cats are hungrier but less active, the extra calories get stored as fat. It’s estimated body weight increases by 28-30% on average after neutering or spaying. So it’s important to monitor your cat’s food intake and weight post-surgery.
Should I Change My Cat’s Cat Food Type Or Brand Post-Spaying?
The research does not indicate a need to switch cat food brands after spaying. It mainly recommends monitoring your cat’s food intake and preventing unlimited access to food. Focusing on textures or formats your cat prefers may encourage eating. But consult your vet before making major cat food changes.
Controlling Cat Food Intake After Spay Surgery
After being spayed, a cat’s metabolism changes and their appetite often increases significantly, sometimes by over 50%. To prevent obesity, it is essential to control their food intake, feeding smaller, measured meals rather than free-feeding. The cat should be transitioned back to normal amounts of food over 2-3 days after surgery as their appetite returns.
How Much Cat Food Should I Feed My Extra Hungry Spayed Cat?
It’s important not to overfeed. Feed the cat 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 of normal amounts for the first day after surgery, then gradually increase over the next few days back to a normal amount. Weigh out each meal rather than free-feeding to control calories. Consult your vet if your cat remains constantly hungry more than 3 days after surgery.
What Cat Foods Provide Calories Without Excess Weight Gain?
High protein, low carb wet foods provide nutrition without packing on extra pounds. Canned/pouch foods with actual meat as the first ingredient are best. Avoid dry kibbles as they are higher in carbs and calories. Treats should be very limited after spaying to prevent obesity.
Are There Risks Of Free-Feeding Cat Food After Spaying?
Yes, free-feeding poses significant risks. Cats will often overeat substantially after spaying surgery if given unlimited access to food. This leads to rapid weight gain and obesity. Obesity causes many health problems in cats including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and more. It’s critical to measure meals rather than free-feed after surgery.
Satisfying An Extra Hungry Cat After Being Spayed
After being spayed, a cat’s metabolism slows down but its appetite increases. This means the cat needs fewer calories but feels hungrier. It’s important to feed a diet designed for spayed/neutered cats that supports appetite control while providing complete nutrition.
Why Does Spaying Increase My Cat’s Hunger For Cat Food?
Spaying causes hormonal changes that slow the metabolism but increase appetite signals to the brain. The cat feels hungrier due to these appetite signals. Overfeeding leads to obesity, so it’s essential to feed an appropriate low-calorie food after spaying.
How Long Will My Cat Eat More Cat Food After Her Spay Surgery?
The increased appetite after spaying may persist for several weeks or longer. It’s important to consistently feed a spayed/neutered cat food and avoid overfeeding during this time. The cat should be transitioned slowly back to normal food amounts once appetite controls improve.
Best High-Volume, Low-Calorie Cat Foods
5 best high-volume, low-calorie cat foods
- Purina ONE Weight Management
High in fiber and protein to be filling with fewer calories.
- Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight
Uses a blend of fibers to promote fullness and support a healthy weight.
- Iams ProActive Health Weight & Hairball Control
Contains beet pulp and prebiotics as natural fillers.
- Natural Balance Fat Cats
Made with garbanzo beans, peas, and oats to provide a lot of food volume.
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Weight Management
Fortified with guar gum and fiber to allow cats to eat a larger portion.
Should I Give My Extra Hungry Spayed Cat More Treats?
No, treats should be avoided when a spayed cat has an increased appetite. Treats provide excess calories leading to weight gain. It’s best to give low-calorie cat foods only, in measured amounts based on the cat’s needs. More exercise can also help satisfy a spayed cat.
Caring For A Hungry Cat After Spaying Surgery
After a spay surgery, it’s common for female cats to have an increased appetite for a few weeks as their body recovers. To tell if your extra hungry cat is eating enough, watch to ensure she is consuming at least 3 tablespoons of food daily and maintaining a healthy weight. If she loses weight rapidly or shows no interest in food for over 24 hours post-surgery, contact your vet.
Extra Hungry Cat Is Eating Enough Cat Food
Monitor your cat’s food intake and watch for signs of rapid weight loss, lethargy, or disinterest in food lasting over 24 hours. As long as she is energetic, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating at least 3 tablespoons daily, she is likely getting adequate nutrition. Weigh your cat weekly on a scale to catch weight issues early.
Are There Risks If My Spayed Cat Eats Too Much Cat Food?
Yes, eating too much can cause your cat to gain excessive weight, putting strain on her joints and organs. Obesity also increases the risks of diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. To prevent overeating, stick to the recommended daily calorie intake for your cat’s size, activity level, and age.
What Cat Foods Will Help My Spayed Cat Feel Full?
High protein, high fiber cat foods with real meat as the first ingredient can help your spayed cat feel satisfied. Wet canned food also has extra moisture to make cats feel full. Avoid cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy which can encourage overeating. Stick to scheduled, measured meal times instead of free feeding.
My Cat Won’t Stop Eating Cat Food After Spaying
It is common for a cat’s appetite to increase after being spayed. The reasons are not fully understood, but research shows that spaying causes an increase in food intake of over 50% in female cats. This means your cat’s non-stop hunger is likely due to her recent spay surgery.
Is My Cat’s Non-Stop Hunger Due To Her Spaying?
Yes, persistent hunger and increased eating are known side effects of spaying in cats. The surgery impacts hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, causing enhanced appetite. So if your cat has become extremely hungry since her spay surgery, it is highly likely a direct result of the procedure.
Can My Cat Become Obese From Overeating Cat Food After Spaying?
Definitely – a spayed cat that is allowed to free-feed can easily become overweight or obese. The increase in appetite means they can take in many more calories than they burn off through exercise. Monitoring portions and calories is important to keep their weight healthy.
Change My Spayed Cat’s Cat Food If She Won’t Stop Eating
Should I change my spayed cat’s cat food if she keeps overeating
- Spaying makes cats hungrier.
- So they eat more and can gain weight.
- Don’t need new food if healthy weight.
- But smaller meals if overeating.
- Feed set amounts few times a day.
- Give high-fiber, low-calorie food.
- Helps fill up without too many calories.
- Ask vet if very overweight.
- May suggest prescription weight loss food.
I’ve also summarized this in an easy to read table:
| Issue | Solution |
| Overeating after spay | Feed smaller meals |
| Gaining too much weight | Switch to low-calorie cat food |
| Obesity | Ask vet for prescription diet |
Frequently Asked Question
Why is my cat hungrier after her spay surgery?
Hormonal changes from spaying slow metabolism but increase appetite signals, so she feels hungrier.
How long will my spayed cat eat more food than usual?
Increased hunger after spaying may persist for weeks or longer until her body adjusts.
What’s the best food for a constantly hungry spayed cat?
Veterinary foods made for spayed/neutered cats help control appetite while providing complete nutrition.
Can I free feed my cat after she gets spayed if she acts starving?
No, it’s important to stick to scheduled meals of spay/neuter food to prevent obesity from overeating.
Should I give more treats if my spayed cat begs for food nonstop?
No, avoid extra treats after spaying as it leads to weight gain; give enriching playtime instead when begging.
Conclusion
It is common for female cats to be extra hungry after a spay surgery. Their bodies need more energy to heal after the spay procedure. The surgery and meds also increase their appetite. Being hungry after spay does not always mean the cat needs more food though.
Overeating can cause weight gain and other health issues. It is best to stick to the normal feeding amounts even if your cat acts hungry after her spay. Try scheduled, measured feedings instead of free feeding.
Getting lots of playtime and exercise also helps curb the appetite. Call your vet if there are signs of illness or if hunger after the spay persists beyond the initial recovery period. With time, your cat’s appetite should gradually return closer to normal.
