Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
From problem to success: feline weight loss programs that work.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Michel, Kathryn & Scherk, Margie
- Affiliation:
- University of Pennsylvania · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Obesity is a common problem in cats and can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, joint pain, skin problems, urinary tract issues, and liver disease. Just telling owners to feed their cats a weight-loss diet usually doesn't work well. A more effective approach involves clear communication and commitment from the owner, along with a specific diet plan, regular exercise, and activities to keep the cat engaged. Studies show that a significant number of cats, especially middle-aged males, mixed breeds, and neutered cats, are at risk of being overweight or obese. Overall, a comprehensive weight loss program that includes these elements can lead to healthier outcomes for cats.
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Obesity is the most common unhealthy nutritional condition that is recognized in cats. Documented associated health risks include diabetes mellitus, lameness, non-allergic skin disease, feline lower urinary tract disease and idiopathic hepatic lipidosis. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Simply recommending a diet designed for weight loss fails, in most cases, to result in successful weight loss in the obese or overweight cat. A more in-depth approach that centers on communication and commitment, alongside a program of feeding a predetermined amount of a specific diet plus exercise and enrichment of the cat's life, offers a chance for a healthy result. PATIENT GROUP: It has been reported in some developed countries that as much as 40-50% of the feline population may be overweight or obese, with middle-aged cats, male cats, mixed-breed cats and neutered cats being at greatest risk. AUDIENCE: This review of what is currently known about the health risks, predisposing factors and treatment of excessive weight gain in cats is aimed at all veterinary health professionals. EVIDENCE BASE: The information reported in the review is drawn from the current scientific literature as well as from the clinical experience of the authors.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22511475/