Associations between body condition and disease in cats.

摘要

Cats without major illnesses (n=1457) that had body conditions determined from 1991 to 1992, using a set of 6 body condition silhouettes (cachectic, lean, optimally lean, optimal weight, heavy, and obese), had their health experiences and body conditions assessed for the subsequent 4.5 years. Data obtained from medical records and owner interviews were collected, using standard forms. Associations between body condition and specific diseases were analysed. Compared with optimal weight cats, heavy cats were 2.9 times as likely to be taken to veterinarians because of lameness not associated with cat bite abscesses. Obese cats were also 3.9 times as likely to develop diabetes mellitus, 2.3 times as likely to develop non-allergic skin conditions, and4.9 times as likely to develop lameness requiring veterinary care. Cats considered thin (cachectic and lean) were 1.7 times as likely to be presented to veterinary hospitals for diarrhoea.