Vet Med - Czech, 2016, 61(6):295-307 | DOI: 10.17221/145/2015-VETMED

Feline obesity - prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis, associated conditions and assessment: a reviewReview

D. Tarkosova¹, M.M. Story², J.S. Rand², M. Svoboda¹

¹ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic

² School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia

: Obesity is recognised as the most common multiffactorial nutritional disorder of pet cats. Studies from several countries have indicated that between 11.5% and 63% of cats are overweight or obese. Breed, age, sex, reproductive status, the pet-owner relationship, owners' perceptions of their cats' body condition, type of diet, frequency of feeding, and environment have all been identified as potential risk factors for the development of obesity in cats. Obesity has significant implications for feline health and welfare as it has mechanical and metabolic effects and can predispose cats to conditions such as diabetes mellitus type 2, hepatic lipidosis, lameness, oral cavity disease, urinary tract disease, dermatological disease, and neoplasia. An important aspect of preventing and managing obesity is the evaluation of body condition to determine ideal body weight and to formulate an appropriate weight loss plan. Several methods have been developed for this purpose. This review uses recent scientific literature to discuss various aspects of feline obesity, including its prevalence, proposed risk factors, pathogenesis, associated conditions, and methods of assessment.

Keywords: overweight; obese; body condition; cat

Published: June 30, 2016  Show citation