Positive attitudes towards feline obesity are strongly associated with ownership of obese cats

Application of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus lactis on Lipid Metabolism, Anti-Inflammatory, and Fecal Microbiota in Cats

Probiotics have been used in functional foods and dietary supplements, and in recent years, they have become more widely used in pets. In our previous experiment, Lactobacillus plantarum L-27-2 and Pediococcus lactis L-14-1 were isolated from cat feces and proved to have positive effects on lipid metabolism in mice. To further discuss their possible effects in cats, a total of 12 healthy cats (British Shorthair) were randomly divided into two groups. One group was fed Pediococcus lactis L-14-1 (1 × 109 CFU/kg/d, n = 6), and the other group was fed Lactobacillus plantarum L-27-2 (1 × 109 CFU/kg/d, n = 6), and the experiment was conducted for 28 days. Blood and feces were collected on days 0 and 28 separately. ELISA was used to detect blood biochemical indexes in cats. The results showed that L-27-2 and L-14-1 could reduce the content of TG (triglyceride, p < 0.05) and LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, p < 0.01) in the blood, increase the content of HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein, p < 0.01), and L-27-2 could significantly reduce the content of IL-6 (p < 0.01). The diversity of feces microbiota was also tested. On the phylum level, there was no significance in the phylum level of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (p > 0.05), but on the genus level, in the L-14-1 group, the abundance of Lantiplantibacillus and Cetobacterium was increased (p < 0.05), and the abundance of Ruminococcus, Olsenella, and Labanicoccus was decreased (p < 0.05), while in the L-27-2 group, the abundance of Libanicoccus was also decreased in L-14-1 (p < 0.05). Above all, L-27-2 and L-14-1 can be considered potential probiotics to improve cat gut health and lipid metabolism.

Overweight and obesity in domestic cats: epidemiological risk factors and associated pathologies

The domestic cat has evolved in various aspects in its journey from original domestication to the present day. Many domestic cats today lead a sedentary indoor lifestyle with low environmental stimulation. In addition, cats have changed their eating habits, transitioning from being carnivorous hunters to animals that eat commercial processed foods. Eating patterns have also changed since cats no longer need to hunt for food but instead have access to several portions throughout the day. All these variables, known as extrinsic epidemiological factors, added to animal-specific or intrinsic epidemiological factors (genetics, sex and breed, among others), predispose cats to the development of overweight and obesity (O&O). The prevalence of O&O has significantly increased in the global cat population, making them a growing clinical concern for companion animals. In turn, O&O contribute to the onset of other pathologies by either increasing susceptibility or creating conditions that allow existing or incipient pathologies to manifest or worsen. Some of these diseases correspond to changes in the musculoskeletal tissue, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, skin disorders, and kidney and urinary tract diseases, among others. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyze the epidemiological variables and diseases associated with O&O in the domestic cat.

Reporting perceived capability, motivations, and barriers to reducing treat feeding amongst dog and cat caregivers

Obesity remains a significant concern for dogs and cats, and reducing or eliminating treats is commonly recommended as a strategy for weight management. Caregivers can struggle with adherence to such dietary recommendations. Previous research suggests caregivers are reluctant to reduce treats but there is limited understanding of the underlying factors contributing to these behaviours and decisions. The objective of this study was to explore caregivers' motivations and barriers to reducing treat feeding, and their reported capability to do so. An online questionnaire including multiple choice and Likert scale questions was disseminated to dog and cat caregivers (n=1053) primarily from Canada and the USA from September to November 2021. Caregivers commonly expressed a wide range of motivations to reduce treat feeding with their pet, though barriers to reducing treat feeding were less defined. Changing their pet's routine was a reported barrier by more than 30% of respondents and was predictive of caregivers finding reducing treat giving to be difficult (OR=1.67, p=0.017). Results from multivariable logistic regression also revealed that caregivers who consider their companion animal to be obese as more likely to perceive reducing treats to be difficult. The results highlight the role of treats in the relationship and routine of caregivers' and their pets, and the importance of considering the individualised needs and circumstance of the caregiver and pet in veterinary discussions surrounding reducing treat feeding. Identifying these perspectives can improve self-efficacy with veterinary nutrition recommendations surrounding treats.

Overweight in Domestic Cats Living in Urban Areas of Italy: Risk Factors for an Emerging Welfare Issue

Overweight is common in cats and has health and welfare implications. This study aimed to assess potential predictive/protective factors for feline overweight associated with owner management and their relationship with cat behavior and welfare. A questionnaire was administered to 197 owners to collect information about cat demographics, management, environment, dietary habits and behavior. The feline Body Mass Index was recorded for each cat. Univariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of parameters with overweight cats. Variables with a p-value < 0.10 at univariable analyses were selected for the multivariable model. Most cats were mixed- breed, 1-7 years old and neutered; 51.3% were overweight. Age higher than 7 years, neutering, being alone all day and being stressed were predictive for overweight (p < 0.05). Conversely, the presence of other animals had a protective effect (p < 0.05). A general disagreement between owners' perception and clinical evaluation of cats' body condition was a common and significant risk factor for overweight (OR = 8.532, 95% CI = 4.073-17.875; p < 0.001). According to the owners, many veterinarians did not inform them about their cat being overweight nor about the risks (p < 0.001). This study provides helpful information on the influence of management and environment on cats' body condition and its relationship with cat welfare.