The evaluation of prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity in cats from some private veterinary clinics in Istanbul, Turkey

Authors : Neşe KOCABAĞLI, Müjdat ALP, Bülent EKİZ, Halil Can KUTAY, Onur KESER, Banu DOKUZEYLÜL

Pages : 35-35

View : 16 | Download : 6

Publication Date : 2020-03-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Overweight and obesity in cats is known as one of the most common welfare issues. According to various studies, many risk factors such as age, breed, gender, neutering, food type, inactivity, diseases etc. played role in this problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between potential risk factors and overweight or obesity in cats. A total of 264 cats were evaluated in the study and dataset related age, breed, sex, neutering status, exercise status, food type, disease category and BCS were obtained from several veterinary clinics by using a standardized questionnaire. Chi-square test was used for comparing subgroups of potential risk factors in terms of prevalence of overweight or obese cats. Univariable analysis was performed to determine associations between being overweight/obese and possible risk factors. A multivariable analysis was performed to determine the most important risk factor among variables investigated in the study. Statistical analysis of dataset showed that BCS of 5 was the most common score insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(29.17%);, followed by score 6 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(18.56%);. Prevalence of overweight or obese cats insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(BCS ≥ 7); was 18.56% and it was higher in age groups 3 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5-8 years old); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(27.50%); and 4 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(9-14 years old); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(22.73%); than in age group 1 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(≤1 years old); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4.65%);. It was also higher in SA and SNA cats than cats whose exercise was not recommended insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P<0.05);. There was a tendency towards the association of sex insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P=0.055); and neutering status insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P=0.068); with being overweight or obese. Male cats were 1.95 times more likely to be overweight and obese than female ones. Neutered cats were also more likely to be overweight and obese than intact cats. Breed differences, food type and disease category had no significant effect on being overweight or obese.
Keywords : Overweight, obesity, cat, prevalence