Royal Canin® Introduces National You Share, We Give Campaign to Support Introduction of New SPAYED/NEUTERED™ Feline Formulas

ST. CHARLES, Mo., Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It's no secret - spaying and neutering improves the quality of life for both cats and their owners - providing America's 76 million pet cats with longer lives, preventing unwanted litters and creating a friendlier disposition. However, most owners don't know that the procedure can also lead to hormonal and behavioral changes that can cause cats to become overweight, due to decreased energy needs and an increase in appetite. Fortunately, Royal Canin, a leader in science-based nutrition for pets, is introducing its new SPAYED/NEUTERED™ line of feline formulas that includes balanced nutrition and appetite control to help manage these changes – providing a new way to feed cats in the U.S.

To celebrate the product introduction, Royal Canin is launching a national campaign called You Share, We Give, which benefits the American Humane Association. The program, found on Facebook.com/RoyalCanin.us, encourages cat owners to "share" information about spaying and neutering, in exchange for free SPAYED/NEUTERED food samples. Beginning today, each time a fan "shares" the Royal Canin infographic, the company will provide the owner with a free sample of the SPAYED/NEUTERED canned formula (up to 25,000 cans), and also is donating $25,000 to the American Humane Association in support of feline health research.

"We are proud to team up with Royal Canin in this effort to share valuable knowledge with cat owners that can help improve their pet's quality of life," says Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of the American Humane Association. "We share a common goal for the better health of all pets, and we're proud to accept this donation to help fund future feline health research."

To further educate pet owners about the lesser-known effects of spaying and neutering and the solutions provided by the new SPAYED/NEUTERED foods, Royal Canin is teaming up with nationally-known pet behaviorist, radio host and syndicated columnist Steve Dale to launch the You Share, We Give campaign.

"Many owners may notice that their cat seems lazy, has an insatiable appetite or begs for food. What they don't understand is that decreased energy and increased appetite are a major side effect of spaying and neutering," says Dale, host of Steve Dale's Pet World radio show. "This new food from Royal Canin is the simple solution to help spayed and neutered cats maintain weight and therefore promote better health throughout their lives."

Royal Canin Introduces SPAYED/NEUTERED Feline Formulas
Independent research has shown that spaying and neutering can, in many cases, cause up to a 30 percent decrease in energy¹ among cats, and up to a 20 percent increase in appetite² as early as the week following surgery. This means that spayed or neutered cats are about 3.5 times more likely to be overweight³ than other cats, putting them at increased risk for obesity. In addition, obese cats are more likely to develop additional health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis and non-allergic skin conditions.

"Since the vast majority of America's pet cats - 88 percent, in fact – are spayed or neutered, there is a great need for a diet that addresses the decreased energy and increased appetite that result from the procedure," says Dr. Brent Mayabb, veterinarian and manager of education and development at Royal Canin. "We are proud to introduce the most comprehensive health nutrition solution that can help control appetite and support a cat's decreased energy needs, which is now available at your local pet specialty store."

All of the new SPAYED/NEUTERED formulas contain controlled fat levels to maintain weight and added antioxidants promote health through every life stage. The line features four dry formulas for cats and kittens, as well as a canned formula that can be used as a meal or as a complement to the dry kibble. The SPAYED/NEUTERED formulas include:

• Royal Canin® KITTEN SPAYED/NEUTERED formula promotes growth, while supporting healthy weight, natural defenses and digestive health for spayed and neutered kittens between the ages of 6 – 12 months
• Royal Canin® SPAYED/NEUTERED Appetite Control contains a unique blend of fibers to help cats between the ages of 1 – 7 years feel fuller longer, in response to their decreased energy and increased appetite
• Royal Canin® SPAYED/NEUTERED Appetite Control 7+ formula promotes appetite control, increased vitality and weight maintenance for spayed and neutered between the ages of 7 – 12 years
• Royal Canin® SPAYED/NEUTERED 12+ formula promotes weight maintenance and healthy aging and joint support while helping to support kidney health for spayed and neutered cats 12 years and older
• Royal Canin® SPAYED/NEUTERED Canned Formula can be fed as a meal, or as a complement to dry kibble, the formula features an ideal balance of vitamins and minerals and a moderate energy level to help spayed or neutered cats over 1 year maintain a healthy weight.  

Royal Canin's SPAYED/NEUTERED formulas are available now at pet specialty stores such as PetSmart and PETCO, as well as independent pet stores nationwide. For more information on the You Share, We Give program, visit facebook.com/RoyalCanin.us.

About Royal Canin USA
Royal Canin USA is a forerunner of nutritional and technological advancement in dog and cat food. With more than 40 years of experience in the animal health and nutrition industry, the company prides itself on putting knowledge and respect for the animal first. Royal Canin collaborates with nutritionists, breeders and veterinarians from around the world on impartial and relevant research to ensure dogs and cats receive the best nutrition. For more information, find Royal Canin at www.facebook.com/RoyalCanin.us or visit http://www.royalcanin.us/.

About American Humane Association
Since 1877, the historic American Humane Association has been at the forefront of every major advancement in protecting children, pets and farm animals from cruelty and abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding human-animal interaction and its role in society. As the nation's voice for the protection of children and animals, American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

1  Belsito KR, Vester BM, Keel T, Graves TK, Swanson KS, 2009. Impact of ovariohysterectomy and food intake on body composition, physical activity, and adipose gene expression in cats. J Anim Sci. 2009 Feb;87(2):594-602. Epub 2008 Nov 7.

2  Fettman MJ, Stanton CA, Banks LL, Hamar DW, Johnson DE, Hegstad RL, Johnston S, 1997. Effects of neutering on bodyweight, metabolic rate and glucose tolerance of domestic cats.  Res Vet Sci. 1997 Mar-Apr;62(2):131-6.

3  Scarlett JM, Donoghue S, Saidla J, Wills J. 1994, Overweight cats: prevalence and risk factors. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1994 Jun;18 Suppl 1:S22-8

For more information, contact
Kim Goedeker: 314.552.6740
[email protected]

SOURCE Royal Canin