Risk of obesity in the neutered cat

J Feline Med Surg. 2017 Aug;19(8):779-783. doi: 10.1177/1098612X16660605. Epub 2016 Jul 18.

Abstract

Surgical neutering is one of the most common procedures performed on pets in the USA among other countries. There are known effects of neutering on the physiology and behavior of the cat that predispose to obesity, which is the most significant sequela from a nutritional perspective. Increased food intake is the most likely factor influencing weight gain in the neutered cat. Proactively addressing these changes with nutritional management strategies can help prevent weight gain and associated negative consequences.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Body Composition
  • Cat Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Cats / surgery
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Female
  • Male
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Obesity / veterinary*
  • Orchiectomy / veterinary*
  • Ovariectomy / veterinary*