Master`s student School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil/ GastroVet São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Abstract:
Background: Obesity is a disease with various consequences. Few studies have assessed the prevalence of feline obesity, especially those conducted through home visits.
Objectives: To ascertain the prevalence of obesity among client-owned cats in Goiânia (Goiás, Brazil) and investigate obesity-related risk factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, encompassing cats and their owners, with household sampling carried out through geographical stratification. The animals were categorized based on their body condition score (BCS) as lean, ideal, overweight, or obese. The obesity prevalence was calculated. Association between BCS categories and characteristics of the animals, owners, environment, and cat handling practices was examined using Chi-square analysis (α = 5%). Animals: A total of 1,043 households were visited, and 188 cats from 80 households were included, averaging 2.35 cats per household.
Results: Body condition scoring revealed: 30.3% underweight, 41% ideal weight, 20.2% overweight, and 8.5% obese cats. Factors associated with BCS (higher obesity proportions) included: reproductive status (neutered, p=0.002), sex and reproductive status (neutered males, p=0.012), age (cats between 7 and 10 years; p=0.046), age at neutering (neutering up to 1 year old, p=0.013), vaccination (annually, p=0.008), veterinary visits (more visits, p=0.009). Owners who perceived themselves as consuming little had the highest frequency of obese cats (p = 0.035), and household type (house or apartment) influenced BCS (p=0.002).
Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obese cats was 28.7%. Assessing feline obesity prevalence through home sampling is crucial for understanding environmental factors influencing health and implementing targeted interventions.
