Preventing Feline Obesity From Growth to Adulthood

This course explores evidence-based approach to feline obesity prevention, emphasizing early-life nutritional and management strategies, starting from kittenhood through adulthood. Drawing from recent research, the session identifies post-gonadectomy kittens aged 5–12 months as a critical target population for intervention – though prevention is a lifelong process. Attendees will gain insights into macronutrient composition, energy requirements, feeding and environmental strategies, and the role of specific nutrients, in maintaining healthy body condition throughout the lifespan. The course also highlights the importance of effective monitoring tools, such as growth charts and body condition scoring, to support long-term feline health. Emphasis will be placed on prevention rather than treatment, highlighting the importance of early intervention in reducing the prevalence of feline obesity.

What can you learn:

• Identify high-risk populations for obesity and understand the physiological changes that contribute to these risks.
• Apply evidence-based nutritional strategies for obesity prevention in cats, including macronutrient compositions, energy requirements and calculations, appropriate diet formats, and other key nutritional factors that influence weight gain in growing and adult cats.
• Apply feeding management techniques to clients such as portion control, feeding frequency, and environmental enrichment to support healthy growth and prevent obesity in cats.
• Utilize growth monitoring tools (e.g. growth charts, body weight tracking, BCS/MCS) with clients/pet owners.
• Understand the long-term implications of early-life nutrition and weight management on feline health and welfare.