@article{01GK6GHKSDHZTM14W5SJVF2NQ3,
  abstract     = {{Objectives The aims of this study were to determine owners' perception of their cats' quality of life (QoL), and whether there is a correlation with weight-loss variables, as well as to identify the main difficulties owners encounter during controlled weight loss in their obese cats. Methods The study was carried out as an e-questionnaire survey addressed to owners of cats starting a weight-loss programme. The e-questionnaire was provided at a single time point after the conclusion of the study (24 weeks). Results Nineteen completed questionnaires were included. Eighteen cats had a lower weight at the end of the weight-loss period, two of which had successfully reached their target weight. Mean weight loss was 13.84% body weight at a rate of 0.53% weight loss/week. Although the perceived QoL was not correlated with weight-loss variables (P >0.05), it increased over time, even in cats that did not reach their target weight, and was statistically correlated with increased activity (r = 0.73; P <0.01), mobility (r = 0.78; P <0.01) and play time (r = 0.61; P <0.01). The main difficulties encountered by owners were not giving (32%) or permitting the cat to eat extra food (26%). The main presumed difficulty for the cat was having its food decreased over time (53%). Most owners considered their cats happy (42%) and quite happy (53%) during the study, and no statistically significant correlations were found between the weight loss, food-seeking behaviour and stress parameters (P >0.05). Conclusions and relevance Although several difficulties were encountered throughout the study, increased QoL and energy levels in their cats were noticed by owners. A positive perspective on weight-loss programmes is important to keep owners motivated and achieve the target weight in their cats. Furthermore, this survey provides insights into the perceived difficulties of weight-loss regimens in cats.}},
  author       = {{Baptista da Silva, Camila and Lyu, Yang and Ruiz Suarez, Norberto and Pastoor, Francis and Heip, Lobke and Wambacq, Wendy and Hottat, Marie-Céline and Hesta, Myriam}},
  issn         = {{1098-612X}},
  journal      = {{JOURNAL OF FELINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY}},
  keywords     = {{Questionnaire,nutrition,feeding regimen,health,weight reduction,VOLUNTARY PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY,BODY CONDITION,ENERGY-EXPENDITURE,DOGS,MASS,SUCCESS,PROTEIN,SYSTEM,RISK}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{12}},
  pages        = {{e513--e523}},
  title        = {{Survey of Belgian owners' perspectives on quality of life and difficulties during a weight-loss programme in obese cats}},
  url          = {{http://doi.org/10.1177/1098612x221121920}},
  volume       = {{24}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}

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