Seasonal and age effects on energy requirements in domestic short‐hair cats (Felis catus) in a temperate environment

Abstract

There is little information known about the energy requirements of cats in temperature climates. Energy requirement of domestic short-haired cats was determined using three groups of mixed gender - old kept outside (approximately 9.9 years of age; 4.8 kg; n = 9), young kept outside (approximately 3.1 years of age; 3.9 kg; n = 8) or young kept inside (approximately 3.1 years of age; 3.9 kg; n = 8). Cats were housed individually for 5 weeks during summer (18.5 ± 0.5 °C) and winter (8.5 ± 0.4 °C) and were fed a commercially available maintenance diet ad libitum. In both periods, energy expenditure was determined from the rates of (2) H and (18) O elimination for blood H2 O over a 12 day period, from a doubly labelled water bolus (2) H2 O (0.7 g/kg BW) and H2 (18) O (0.13 g/kg BW) administered intravenously. During the summer period, macronutrient digestibility was determined. Older cats had a reduction (p < 0.05) in apparent digestibility of dry matter (approximately 9%), energy (approximately 8%) and protein (6%). There was a significant effect of age and season on energy intake and energy expenditure. While lean mass was affected by age and season, there was no effect of age or season on energy expenditure when expressed as a proportion of lean mass. Possible seasonal differences in nutrient digestibility may explain these results.

Nonlinear mixed models of growth curves from domestic shorthair cats in a breeding colony, housed in a seasonal facility to predict obesity

“…Seasonal variation in food intake throughout adult life is a very common phenomenon in domestic mammals, and in cats, both food intake and digestibility vary cyclically across the year (Bermingham et al, 2013;Serisier et al, 2014). Kappen, Garner, Kerr, and Swanson (2014) have shown that energy expenditure and activity during the dark periods are increased in cats during longer photoperiod days (Kappen et al, 2014).…”

“…If early life causal determinants are defined, then animals at greatest risk of obesity can be identified early in life, allowing for intervention to address those amenable to manipulation to prevent excessive weight gain. Seasonal variations in food intake in cats have been described, but the association between season of birth and subsequent growth and risk of obesity has not (Bermingham et al, 2013;Serisier, Feugier, Delmotte, Biourge, & German, 2014).…”

Key bacterial families (Clostridiaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae and Bacteroidaceae) are related to the digestion of protein and energy in dogs

“…Dry matter (DM) was calculated as 100 less the % moisture. The apparent digestibility of energy, protein, fat and dry matter was calculated as described previously (Bermingham et al, 2013b). …”

2014 AAHA Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats*†

“…Seasonal changes may affect both activity and appetite. 26 Temperature extremes often limit outdoor activities and decrease daily caloric expenditure. Educate clients about diet and feeding management adjustments that are necessary when energy expenditure changes to avoid repeated cycles of weight gain and weight loss.…”