Kitten season is routinely followed by decisions about spaying and neutering, including future concerns about weight gain. The loss of sex hormones when a cat’s ovaries or testicles are removed can make it less likely to engage in physical activity and therefore less likely to burn as many calories moving around. The author calls the spay or neuter a nutritional inflection point that requires adjustment to calories and a commitment to increasing physical activity.
Source: Tufts Catnip, September 14, 2022. Link.
Spaying and neutering don’t cause weight gain, but they do create physiological changes that could predispose a cat to pack on extra pounds.
INSIGHTS: Consider using information from the article to educate and prepare cat owners as they consider spaying or neutering.