My spayed cat gained weight. Could she be pregnant or is it normal?

Cats can be prone to weight gain after being spayed due to the hormonal changes this causes. I would recommend switching her to a weight management food that is lower in calories than a regular adult diet. If you are able to, feeding her canned food only will also help, since canned food is less calorie dense due to its water content. If you want to leave some dry food out for her, consider feeding it from a puzzle toy like an Eggcersizer or Kibble Nibble - this way, she has to play with the toy to get the food out, which provides her with some additional exercise and also limits how much she can eat at a time.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. On average, most normal sized cats should be between 8 and 12 pounds. Any cat over 12 pounds (unless it is a large breed cat like a Maine Coon) would be considered overweight. So, Mittens is at the high end of the range already. Based on the photos she does look to be overweight. Due to her body frame I would say 10-11 pounds would be a more ideal weight for her. You just need to cut back on her food. Typically wet food is very high in calories so I suggest you cut that way back or stop giving it all together. My recommendation would be to work with your vet on weight loss if you attempt to get her to lose weight and she doesn't. Sometimes a prescription weight loss diet is needed. Many cats are just vocal - it doesn't mean they are hungry. If you give in to her every time she begs you she will continue to gain weight. Many times it is not food they are after is that they are getting something from you (it's like a type of bonding). You many have to get her an automatic feeder so she does not associate you with food. Hope this. helps. Best wishes.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Miss Piggy. I love her name! Very cute, Tony, and she is beautiful. I would speak to her vet about putting her on a weight loss cat food, and feeding her twice a day with measured amounts. That way, you can control what she is eating, and how much she is eating. You can also try to get her some exercise by playing with her. I hope this helps!

If Baby Girl was spayed there is no way for her to get pregnant - the ovaries and uterus are removed in a spay surgery. I would recommend having her examined by your vet: it’s possible that she has a medical problem that has caused abdominal distention. It’s also possible that she has simply gained weight since the surgery - spayed cats have a slower metabolism and tend to be less active so they require fewer calories.

It’s not normal for a pet to lose weight after being spayed. In fact most cats have a weight gaining problem after they get altered. I would recommend having her examined by your vet and also to have her stool checked for parasites. Most weight loss is due to an intestinal worm in pets this young. I hope everything works out well for your pet Savannah. Best wishes and take care.

Hi there. It is common for females that are spayed to gain extra fat in their abdominal region. If the belly is very hard or she seems uncomfortable I would take her in. Otherwise just remember she doesn't have the extra hormone production she used to-changes are normal. Hope this helps

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The extra skin that develops on the abdomen of cats sadly is normal when they gain too much weight after being spayed and neutered. I would try to portion control her food to prevent obesity as that leads to many health conditions. I hope this helps and I wish you and Luna the very best!