Feline Obesity
Posted on Friday, August 17 @ 22:18:37 BST by jenvetadmin
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Many lethargic and over-fed cats are facing a diabetes epidemic as we notice increase of feline obesity.
The first UK study of Diabetes Mellitus in cats revealed that one in 230 are expected to develop the disease interestingly Burmese cats are at greater risk, with one in 57 affected.
Out of an estimated nine million cats owned nationally, around 40,000 will have diabetes.
Researchers believe the numbers mirror dramatic rises in feline diabetes recorded elsewhere, including a fivefold increase in the US over the past 30 years.
Feline vet Danielle Gunn-Moorefrom Royal School of Veterinary Studies at Edinburgh University, states "The high level of obesity and diabetes was being driven by dramatic changes in cats lifestyles, with the pets getting less exercise but more food than in recent decades."
"Cats used to roam free outside, but now many owners keep them indoors and instead of playing with them to keep them active, they just give them food whenever they miaow," said Prof Gunn-Moore.
The researchers studied veterinary records for 14,030 cats and found 61 had been diagnosed with diabetes. Questionnaires completed by the owners of 761 cats showed the greatest risk factors were being male, neutered and over 5kg (11lbs) in weight, the scientists report in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
Are we doing enough to educate our clients to prevent feline obesity in the first place?
Your comments in the forums please.
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