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Research Article | 20 Jun 2026

Association of obesity-related blood chemistry alterations with animal welfare outcomes in sterilized cats: A case-control study in Indonesia

Sugeng Dwi Hastono1, Widagdo Sri Nugroho2, and Guntari Titik Mulyani3 Show more
VETERINARY WORLD | Article No. 19 | pg no. 2531-2544 | Vol. 19, Issue 6 | DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2026.2531-2544
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ABSTRACT

                      
Background and Aim: Obesity is a common health concern in sterilized cats and may adversely affect animal welfare through metabolic disturbances and increased susceptibility to disease. Although sterilization offers several health and population-control benefits, it can predispose cats to excessive weight gain. This study investigated the association between obesity-related alterations in blood chemistry and animal welfare outcomes in sterilized cats by comparing obese and ideal body condition score (BCS) groups in Lampung, Indonesia. 
Materials and Methods: An unmatched case-control study was conducted from May to July 2025 at a veterinary clinic in Lampung Province, Indonesia. A total of 104 sterilized cats were enrolled, comprising 52 overweight-obese cats (BCS 6–9) and 52 cats with ideal body condition (BCS 4–5). Data were collected through owner questionnaires, clinical examinations, welfare assessments, and blood sampling. Blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides, and creatinine concentrations were analyzed. Associations between obesity status, welfare indicators, risk factors, and blood chemistry profiles were evaluated using Chi-square and logistic regression analyses. 
Results: Most cat owners were female, lived in urban areas, and possessed undergraduate-level education. Male cats predominated in the study it was significantly associated with overweight-obesity (p = 0.049). Deworming status (p = 0.042), anti-ectoparasite treatment (p = 0.024), housing system (p = 0.006), and cage management (p = 0.045) were also significantly associated with obesity status. Clinical evaluations revealed generally favorable welfare outcomes, with low prevalence of integumentary, digestive, respiratory, and urogenital disorders. Ectoparasite infestation was significantly associated with obesity status (p = 0.011). Blood glucose, AST, ALT, triglyceride, and creatinine concentrations did not differ significantly between obese and ideal-BCS cats (p > 0.05). Although elevated triglyceride and ALT values were observed in some animals, these abnormalities occurred in both groups without significant differences. 
Conclusion: Sterilized obese cats exhibited blood chemistry profiles comparable to those of cats with ideal BCS, suggesting physiological adaptation and maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. Nevertheless, obesity was associated with management-related factors, including housing practices and parasite control. Overall, favorable owner awareness and husbandry practices contributed to satisfactory animal welfare outcomes, although improved attention to dental health and preventive care remains necessary. 
                      
Keywords: animal welfare, blood chemistry, body condition score, feline obesity, housing management, Indonesia, sterilized cats, triglycerides.