Understanding Pet Obesity: Impact on Cats’ Digestive Systems and Intestinal Flora

2023-12-23 04:06:14

With pet obesity becoming a growing problem today, a new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals the impact of overeating in cats on their digestive systems and intestinal flora. The study involving 11 cats showed that unrestricted eating led to significant weight gain, altered intestinal transit times, and caused changes in the microbial community and acidity in their feces. These findings contribute to our understanding of pet obesity and guide weight management strategies such as limiting food intake and promoting physical activity.

Studies have shown that overeating cats not only increase their food intake and increase their weight, but also shorten their intestinal transit time and reduce their digestion efficiency. That is, when your cat eats more, the food passes through the digestive system faster and less nutrients are absorbed. Additionally, as food intake increases, cats’ fecal production also increases, meaning the more they eat, the more they poop.

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The study also found that cats that gained weight had significant changes in the composition of their intestinal microbiota compared with cats that had normal weight. For example, Bifidobacteria, which have antibacterial activity, increased in number, while Collinella bacteria, which are associated with pro-inflammatory diseases, decreased. These results are contrary to those observed in obese populations and suggest that the association with weight gain is complex.

Obese cats are less active and have changes in their intestinal microbiota

The scientists also measured the cats’ activity levels and found that weight gain did not lead to a significant decrease in physical activity. However, this may vary depending on the individual cat and their environment, as well as how much their owners interact with them.

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This research has important implications for pet obesity management. Understanding the metabolic and digestive changes that occur when pets gain weight and become obese may aid in future prevention and treatment plans. Pet owners can use different strategies to help cats lose weight, such as limiting food intake and encouraging physical activity. For example, they can promote engagement and psychological enrichment in cats by placing food in different places around the home or using food puzzles during mealtimes.

Reassuringly, following the study concluded, the 11 cats were placed on a restricted food diet, which helped them regain their normal weight. This interesting study not only sheds light on why cats should not be overfed, but also provides practical weight management advice for cat lovers.

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First image source: Pixabay cc By4.0

Reference papers:

1.Effects of weight loss and feeding specially formulated diets on the body composition, blood metabolite profiles, voluntary physical activity, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of overweight catsJournal of Animal Science

Further reading:

1.“Nine out of ten orange cats are fat?” New research reveals that “overfeeding” damages cats’ intestinal tract and defecation conditions

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