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

Neşe Kocabağlı1, Müjdat Alp1, Bülent Ekiz2, Halil Can Kutay1, Onur Keser*1, Banu Dokuzeylül3

1. Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Nutrition & Nutritional Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey. 2. Istanbul University- Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Breeding, Istanbul, Turkey.  3. Istanbul University- Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. 

 ^{* Onur Keser: okeser@istanbul.edu.tr} 

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 (29.17%), followed by score 6 (18.56%). Prevalence of overweight or obese cats (BCS ≥ 7) was 18.56% and it was higher in age groups 3 (5-8 years old) (27.50%) and 4 (9-14 years old) (22.73%) than in age group 1 (≤1 years old) (4.65%). It was also higher in SA and SNA cats than cats whose exercise was not recommended (P<0.05). There was a tendency towards the association of sex (P=0.055) and neutering status (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, risk factors
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