Monitoramento do processo de emagrecimento em gatos obesos: impactos da dieta e da atividade física

Feline obesity is an increasingly common nutritional condition, especially in domestic cats, and is associated with various metabolic complications, such as diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis, and joint diseases. This study aimed to monitor the weight loss process of four obese cats over a three-month period, evaluating the impact of nutritional and behavioral strategies on weight reduction and overall animal health. The selection of the cats was carried out through questionnaires administered to their owners, and the research involved the analysis of body condition score (BCS), laboratory tests, and nutritional calculations to determine the daily energy requirement (DER) and the appropriate amount of food for each individual. During the experiment, the animals received a balanced diet and were subjected to regular physical activity stimulation, with periodic monitoring of weight, body circumference, and feeding behavior. The results showed that owner adherence to the dietary protocol and physical activities was crucial for successful weight loss. Cats that correctly followed the nutritional plan experienced weight reduction within the recommended parameters, while those with difficulties adhering to the guidelines had inadequate weight loss. It is concluded that well-planned nutritional strategies, combined with encouragement of physical activity and continuous veterinary monitoring, are essential for controlling feline obesity, promoting better levels of health and welfare in animals.