STUDY ON OBESITY, NUTRITION AND METABOLIC DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH OR EXACERBATED BY OBESITY IN CATS - A REVIEW

Silvia-Ioana Petrescu, I.M. Pop

Abstract
   Advancement means changing and improving the perspective, by conducting this study we draw attention to overweight and the diseases that may be associated or caused by obesity. The main metabolic disorders of feline populations are reviewed, statistics and studies conducted since the '90s provide an overview of what extra pounds mean for a cat. The study is about the increase in the frequency of obesity cases but also about the ailments that can be generated by being overweight and maintaining this condition. Diabetes mellitus and feline hepatic lipidosis are two of the most common metabolic changes and endocrinopathies caused by obesity in cats. The article discusses also the prediabetic stage, called by specialists - insulin resistance. The main conclusion of this study is the importance of nutrition as a pillar of preventive medicine.