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. 2022 Aug;24(8):726-738.
doi: 10.1177/1098612X211044412. Epub 2021 Oct 21.

Technology-enhanced weight-loss program in multiple-cat households: a randomized controlled trial

Barr N Hadar  1 , Kenneth J Lambrecht  2 , Zvonimir Poljak  1 , Jason B Coe  1 , Elizabeth A Stone  3 , Adronie Verbrugghe  3 , Theresa M Bernardo  1
Affiliations

Technology-enhanced weight-loss program in multiple-cat households: a randomized controlled trial

Barr N Hadar et al. J Feline Med Surg. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine whether a technology-enhanced weight-loss program, using a home pet health technology ecosystem, is an effective tool in feline weight-loss management in multiple-cat households and to evaluate its impact on cat behavior.

Methods: The study was a prospective parallel unmasked block-randomized controlled trial comparing two weight loss intervention groups: (1) traditional group with dietary restriction alone (n = 9); (2) technology group that used dietary restriction, digital scales, smart feeders, activity monitors and pet treat cameras (n = 6). A 12-week weight-loss program of client-owned indoor-only two- or three-cat households with at least one overweight cat was conducted in Canada and the USA. Owner impressions of the technology, weight loss rates, smart feeder data, activity monitor data and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed.

Results: The study was completed by 9/15 traditional group and 6/10 technology group cats. Dropouts were mainly due to owner issues unrelated to the study. The pet health technology ecosystem received favorable reviews (six responders). Smart feeders and home scales were perceived as valuable additions, while activity monitors and pet treat cameras were valued lower. The average weekly weight-loss rate (percent loss of initial body weight) was higher (P = 0.036) in the technology group (0.694%) than in the traditional group (0.175%). Although not associated with weight-loss rates, technology group cats trended toward grazing feeding patterns and decreased daily activity counts, while HRQoL increased, on average, for all cats.

Conclusions and relevance: This introductory investigation suggests that a technology-enhanced weight-loss program would be accepted by cat owners and may deliver advantageous outcomes in multiple-cat households, providing an effective and practical tool in feline weight-loss strategies that will continue to evolve as new technologies become available. It also illustrates the potential value of data gathered from home monitoring devices and digital diaries, providing deeper insights into pet behavior.

Keywords: Obesity management systems; ecosystem health monitoring; home pet health technology ecosystem; remote monitoring devices; technology assisted weight loss; technology-enhanced weight loss; veterinary medical technology; veterinary telemonitoring; weight loss programs; weight management technology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr Lambrecht is the founder and medical director of Fit Pets For Rescues, a non-profit organization that runs a yearly weight management contest for dogs and cats while donating money to local pet rescues. Fit Pets For Rescues has served as a testing ground for many pet technology devices, including those used in the study. He has served as a key opinion leader for Purina, Merck and now is Chief Veterinary Officer/Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Pet Connect, which currently focuses on the telemonitoring of weight management. Dr Coe holds the VCA Canada Chair in Relationship-Centered Veterinary Medicine and regularly receives honoraria and research funding from various organizations and commercial companies. Dr Verbrugghe is the Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Endowed Chair in Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition and declares serving on the Health and Nutrition Advisory Board for Vetdiet, and receives honoraria and research funding from various pet food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study timeline. PHTE = pet health technology ecosystem
Figure 2
Figure 2
Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) flow diagram
Figure 3
Figure 3
Histogram of meal amount (g) for cats using smart feeders
Figure 4
Figure 4
Histogram of meal duration (mins) for cats using smart feeders
Figure 5
Figure 5
Histogram of the number of daily meals for cats using smart feeders
Figure 6
Figure 6
Mean and 95% confidence interval (CI) for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) domain scores. The average healthy cat had a score of 50 and 70% of healthy cats will score above the 44.8 threshold
Figure 7
Figure 7
Expected weight change and 95% confidence band for a 90 day weight-loss program for an average cat in two intervention groups. This is based on the mixed-effects linear regression model from Table 6 with a starting body weight of 6.5 kg and all variables being equal
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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