2023-11-21 07:00:13
Feline obesity, a growing scourge, now threatens nearly 60% of cats in the United States. This alarming finding, from the 2022 Report on the State of Pet Obesity in the United States, raises serious concerns regarding the impact on the health of felines.
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Indeed, just like in humans, excess weight in cats leads to various health problems. A recent study, published September 29 in the Journal of Animal Science, reveals alterations of the digestive system. set of organs which in animals have the role of ensuring…), an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (This article deals with “type 2 diabetes”, a form of diabetes…) and inflammation (Inflammation is a stereotypical immune defense reaction of…) chronic.
Kelly Swanson, professor of human nutrition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, sheds light on electromagnetic waves visible to the eye…) this problem: preventing feline obesity might help to avoid or delay many other health complications.
The study explored the effects of overfeeding by observing 11 sterilized adult cats fed standard dry food ad libitum. For comparison, other cats were given a controlled diet. The average body condition score (BCS) of overeating cats increased from 5.41 to 8.27 on a 9-point scale following 18 weeks, making them overweight. a corpulence considered…) of 30%.
Researchers noted an increase in stool production and gastrointestinal transit time, measured by ingestion of an indigestible green dye. This acceleration has led to a drop in digestive efficiency, affecting the composition of the fecal microbiota. Significant changes were observed, including an increase in Bifidobacterium, beneficial for immunity, and a decrease in Collinsella, useful in fiber degradation. (A fiber is an elementary formation, plant or animal, with a filamentous appearance,…).
Surprisingly, these changes differ from those observed in overweight humans. Further research is needed to understand these discrepancies.
Finally, increased acidification of the stools was noted, a sign of poor absorption of carbohydrates and fats. The study, of short duration (18 weeks), did not allow the appearance of long-term health problems. In the end, all cats were put on a weight loss diet to return to a healthy weight.
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