Nutritional management of obesity in cats

Obesity and excess bodyweight has become a major problem in cats in many regions of the world, just as it is amongst human beings. Studies suggest that up to 20-40% of cats may be overweight, with up to 5-10% being classified as obese¹.

RISK FACTORS FOR OBESITY

Several important risk factors have been identified for cats including:

The human-pet relationship between owners and their cats may also contribute to obesity. Cats allowed free access to foods, and cats whose owners feel an especially close bond may be more likely to become obese, presumably as a result of the complex relationship between feeding and the human-animal bond².

DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH EXCESS BODY WEIGHT AND OBESITY

Numerous diseases have been linked with excess body weight in cats².

MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY – NON-DIETARY FACTORS

Non-dietary factors also need to be addressed to help manage obesity and to ensure long-term compliance and success. Factors to consider include³:

• Encouraging activity and interactions with the cat (play and exercise).
• Introducing environmental enrichment for the cat.
• Follow-up to ensure long-term compliance.

THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS

The goal is to encourage gradual weight loss, aiming for a reduction of approximately 1% bodyweight per week. This weight loss rate is more physiological, more likely to result in long-term success and reduces or avoids complications such as hepatic lipidosis associated with rapid weight loss. Appropriate dietary management should include consideration of:

• Maintenance of lean body weight and loss of excess fat.
• Using a diet with increased nutrient: calorie ratio to ensure proper nutrition in the face of reduced calorie intake.
• Appropriate overall caloric restriction.
• Enhanced satiety if possible to discourage excess consumption.
• Excellent palatability to encourage owner compliance and maintain the important part of the human-animal bond associated with feeding.

CLINICAL ADVANTAGES WITH THE USE OF FELINE OM

Feline OM is characterised by:

• Higher protein levels and high protein: calorie ratio that have been proven to minimise loss of lean weight and encourage loss of fat during weight loss in cats⁵.
• High protein levels that also reduce the oxidative stress during weight loss in cats⁶.
• High protein, low fat and high fibre levels that reduce caloric density leading to effective weight loss and may increase satiety.
• A diet suitable for both weight loss and weight maintenance in cats prone to obesity.
• The reassurance of a diet that reduces the risk of urinary calculus formation.