Pilot study evaluating the effect of feeding method on overall activity of neutered indoor pet cats

Indoor housing of cats is associated with a higher incidence of multiple diseases, including obesity. Increased exercise is often recommended as a method of creating or increasing the negative energy balance required for weight loss. Food-dispensing toys have been suggested as a method of increasing cat activity and providing environmental enrichment but have not been systematically evaluated in client-owned cats. To compare the effect of meal feeding from a bowl versus a food-dispensing toy on overall activity, 19 client-owned cats were enrolled in a 2-way, 2-period, and randomized repeated-measures mixed-effects crossover study.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Feline Research Source Type: research