When it comes to fighting hunger, some cats can benefit from pampering themselves all at once rather than several times a day.
This is evident from new research from the University of Guelph (U of G). A team of animal nutrition specialists from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and the University's Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) found that feeding cats one substantial meal a day instead of several smaller meals can help control their hunger and reduce risk to decrease obesity.
The researchers conducted a study on a controlled group of eight house cats of healthy weight under five years of age.
Two feeding regimes were agreed, each consisting of the same diet and amount of feed. Half of the cats were fed only in the morning, while the others were fed four smaller meals throughout the day.
According to U of G, the cats were equipped with activity monitors to measure their voluntary physical activity. In addition, the feed intake of the animals was recorded daily and their body weights noted weekly. The researchers also measured the cat's metabolism through breath and blood.
The results showed high levels of physical activity in the cats that were fed several times a day, but similar total energy expenditure between the two groups. No weight difference was observed.
However, researchers note that the cats that ate once a day had higher levels of three key appetite regulating hormones after the meal, indicating that they were more satisfied with their food intake.
This suggests that lowering the frequency of feeding might better control cats' appetites, leading to less begging behavior, consequent overeating, and cases of obesity.
"These results may surprise the veterinary community and many cat owners who have been told that their animals need several small meals a day," says study co-author Adronie Verbrugghe, DVM, Ph.D., Dip. ECVCN. "However, these results suggest that there are advantages to this approach."
Despite the results, longer studies are needed to fully understand the benefits of the feeding pattern, says Dr. Verbrugghe.
"This approach really is another tool in a veterinarian or cat owner's toolbox for controlling a cat's weight and keeping their pets healthy and happy," she says. “But we always have to look at each individual animal and consider the lifestyle of the cat and the owner. While this approach might be helpful in promoting satiety in some cats, it may not help others. "
Research, funded with support from the Winn Feline Foundation and Simmons Pet Food, was published in Plus one. It was also made by Anna Kate Shoveller, Ph.D. Find it online Here.
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