Neutering your pets is important not just to keep control of the stray population in your neighbourhood, but also for health benefits.

"Numerous studies have proven that neutered cats are healthier and have a longer lifespan compared to those that are not neutered," said Royal Canin Malaysia Scientific Communication Manager Dr Dylan Choy.

Pet owners are called to neuter or sterilise their cats around the age of puberty or as advised by your veterinarian. The process helps prevent uterine infections and mammary gland tumours which can prove to be malignant or cancerous in 90% of cats while also decreasing the risk of testicular cancer and prostrate problems in male cats.

Among other little known facts about neutered cats are that because they wander around and stray less, they are less likely to get involved in altercations or fights, thus further minimising the risks of wounds that may turn into abscesses. This will also reduce the spread of other diseases.

Among these are the risk of contracting the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) which is spread through saliva and blood when they fight and bite each other. Similarly, the more lethal Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) can also be transmitted through saliva or nasal secretions. The retrovirus, if not fought off by your furkid's immune system may result in diseases that could be fatal.

"Getting your pet cat sterilised or neutered is an important decision. It is also necessary because it significantly increases your furkid's lifespan while presenting other benefits including reducing the likelihood and spread of sexual transmitted infections, limiting the population of stray cats and the cruelty of dumping unwanted kittens," Choy added.

Following the procedure, owners are advised to keep their pets indoors for a full week to ensure full recovery and to better monitor the healing process and activity levels in their pet cats.

"The biggest complication that may arise is the health risks stemming from the potential weight gain of your neutered cat. It is normal for a cat's food intake to increase within 48 hours of the sterilisation process," she adds.

The daily energy requirements reduces post-neutering and the lack of proper nutrition or control could lead to obesity in felines that in turn, could result in other issues like joint problems, urinary tract issues and an increased risk of contracting diabetes. There is also a risk of digestive problems due to inactivity and excessive self-grooming habits that are usually found in sedentary or indoor cats.

It is crucial for your neutered pet cats to be fed a specific diet, and ROYAL CANIN® FHN Sterilised – is catered to control the bodyweight of felines.

Available in 400g, 2kg, 4kg and 15kg packaging, the dry-food form ROYAL CANIN® FHN Sterilised presents a range of benefits for your neutered feline furkid as it helps limits the risk of excess weight gain as it contains moderate level of fat and adequate daily rations. Further, it supports a healthy urinary system by providing an adequate mineral balance thus minimising the risk of developing urinary stones.

To add to its list of benefits, ROYAL CANIN® FHN Sterilised is packed with high-protein which is essential to maintain muscle mass. It also contains L-Carnitine which is involved in fat metabolism.

"L-Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid and can help with healthy weight loss. Diets high in this nutrient can promote the use of fat storage for energy while preserving muscle mass and encourages weight loss," she explains.

While neutering does decrease the energy requirement of your furkid and present the possible complication of obesity and other health issues, it can be controlled with a properly tailored diet. The best option you have in caring for your feline is by feeding it the correct sustenance as it will ensure that your pet can remain healthy and avoid the health issues that might follow.

Get your preferred pack of ROYAL CANIN® FHN Sterilised at Royal Canin Trusted Partner pet stores and on Royal Canin Official Store found on Shopee and Lazada. For more information, log on to https://www.royalcanin.com/my.