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Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery logoLink to Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
. 2010 Oct 1;12(10):746–753. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2010.05.011

Prevalence and risk factors for feline obesity in a first opinion practice in Glasgow, Scotland

Emily A Courcier 1, Rachel O'Higgins 2, Dominic J Mellor 3, Philippa S Yam 4
PMCID: PMC11135528  PMID: 20685143

Abstract

A cross-sectional questionnaire study of cat owners registered with a first opinion veterinary practice was undertaken in July 2008. The body condition score (BCS) of the cats was assessed by the interviewer using a validated five point scale. Owners also rated their cat's BCS using five word descriptions. In total, 118 questionnaires were collected. The prevalence of overweight or obese cats (BCS 4 or 5) was 39% (30.2–47.8%, n=61). Risk factors associated with overweight or obesity were frequency of feeding and neutered status. There was moderate agreement between owner and interviewer rating of BCS. Owner misperception was more likely when owners rated cats with BCS 1 (very thin) and 4 (overweight) and in longhaired cats. The study highlights the continuing need for owner education in feline nutrition and specifically the requirement for veterinarians to develop strategies to help owners correct their assessment of their cat's BCS.

Contributor Information

Emily A. Courcier, Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK  e.courcier@vet.gla.ac.uk

Rachel O'Higgins, Division of Companion Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.

Dominic J. Mellor, Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK

Philippa S. Yam, Division of Companion Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK

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