Cat Food Research Articles

Brand Image, Price, and Repurchase Intention of Powercat Cat Food Customers in Bandung City

This study aims to analyze the brand image and price of customers' repurchase intention of Powercat cat food products in Bandung City. The population in this study consisted of customers who had shopped for Powercat cat food products who are ≥17 years old and domiciled in Bandung City. The sample size of this study is 90 respondents, selected using purposive sampling. This study exerts a quantitative approach using a five-point Likert of online questionnaires and was conducted in Bandung City in November 2023. This study utilizes analytical techniques like validity and reliability assessments for instruments, tests for classical assumptions, and hypothesis testing by multiple linear regression. This study is backed by the Statistical Program for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. All hypotheses regarding this study’s variable relationship that leads to repurchase intention are supported. Hence, the customer repurchase intention of Powercat cat food products has two main triggering factors: brand image and customer perception of price. Furthermore, the results show that brand image has the biggest impact on forming customer repurchase intention. The results of this study provide a practical implication for Powercat to focus on developing strategies that can increase customer perceptions of brand image, and price to increase repurchase intention among Powercat customers.

The distinguish between cats and dogs based on Detectron2 for automatic feeding

With the rapid growth of urbanization, the problem of stray animals on the streets is particularly prominent, especially the shortage of food for cats and dogs. This study introduces an automatic feeding system based on the Detectron2 deep learning framework, aiming to accurately identify and provide suitable food for these stray animals. Through training using Detectron2 with a large amount of image data, the system shows extremely high recognition accuracy in single-object images. When dealing with multi-object images, Detectron2 can generate independent recognition frames for each target and make corresponding feeding decisions. Despite the outstanding performance of the model, its potential uncertainties and errors still need to be considered. This research not only offers a practical solution to meet the basic needs of stray animals but also provides a new perspective for urban management and animal welfare. By combining technology with social responsibility, this innovative solution opens up a new path for solving the stray animal problem in cities, with broad application prospects and profound social significance.

In vitro gastrointestinal simulated digestion of three plant proteins: determination of digestion rate, free amino acids and peptide contents

ABSTRACT Cassava protein (CP), barley protein (BP) and yellow pea protein (YPP) are important nutrient and integral constituent of staple in pet foods. It is known that the digestion of proteins directly influences their absorption and utilisation. In the present work, we performed in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion of three plant proteins as a staple for dog and cat food. The digestion rate of CP, BP and YPP in dog food was 56.33 ± 0.90%, 48.53 ± 0.91%, and 66.96 ± 0.37%, respectively, whereas the digestion rate of CP, BP, and YPP in cat food was 66.25 ± 0.72%, 43.42 ± 0.83%, and 58.05 ± 0.85%, respectively. Using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to determine the molecular weight (MW) of each protein and the products of their digestion, it was revealed that MW of digestion samples decreased, and MW during the small intestine phase was lower than that during the gastric phase. Peptide sequences of digested products were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and it was found that the total number of peptides in the small intestine digestion samples was higher than that in the gastric phase samples. The MW of peptides obtained from CP was within the range of 1000–1500 Da, while MW of peptides derived from BP and YPP was within the range of 400–2000 Da. In addition, free amino acids were mainly produced in the small intestine phase. Furthermore, the percentage of essential amino acids in the small intestine phase (63 ~ 82%) was higher than that in the gastric phase (37 ~ 63%). Taken together, these findings contribute to the current understanding of the utilisation of plant proteins in dog and cat foods and provide important insights into the selection and application of plant proteins as a staple in dog and cat foods.

Functions and Metabolism of Amino Acids in the Hair and Skin of Dogs and Cats.

The hair and skin of domesticcats or dogs account for 2% and 12-24% of their body weight, respectively, depending on breed and age. These connective tissues contain protein as the major constituent and provide the first line of defense against external pathogens and toxins. Maintenance of the skin and hair in smooth and elastic states requires special nutritional support, particularlyanadequate provision of amino acids (AAs). Keratin (rich in cysteine, serine and glycine) is the major protein bothin the epidermis of the skin andin the hair. Filaggrin [rich in some AAs (e.g., serine, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, arginine, and histidine)] is another physiologically important protein in the epidermisof the skin. Collagen and elastin (rich in glycine and proline plus 4-hydroxyproline) are the predominant proteins in the dermis and hypodermisof the skin. Taurine and 4-hydroxyproline are abundant free AAs in the skin of dogs and cats, and 4-hydroxyproline is also an abundant free AA in their hair. The epidermis of the skin synthesizes melanin (the pigment in the skin and hair) from tyrosine and produces trans-urocanate from histidine. Qualitative requirements for proteinogenic AAs are similar between cats and dogs but not identical. Both animal species require the same AAs to nourishthe hair and skin but the amounts differ. Other factors (e.g., breeds, coat color, and age) may affect the requirements of cats or dogs for nutrients. The development of a healthy coat, especially a black coat, as well as healthy skin critically depends on AAs [particularly arginine, glycine, histidine, proline, 4-hydroxyproline, and serine, sulfur AAs (methionine, cysteine, and taurine), phenylalanine, and tyrosine] and creatine. Although there are a myriad of studies on AA nutrition in cats and dogs, there is still much to learn about how each AA affects the growth, development and maintenance of the hair and skin. Animal-sourced foodstuffs (e.g., feather meal and poultry by-product meal) are excellent sources of the AAs that are crucial to maintain the normal structure and health of the skin and hair in dogs and cats.

Beyond the Bowl: Understanding Amino Acid Requirements and Digestibility to Improve Protein Quality Metrics for Dog and Cat Foods.

The determination of amino acid (AA) requirements for mammals has traditionally been done through nitrogen (N) balance studies, but this technique underestimates AA requirements in adult animals. There has been a shift toward researchers using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique for the determination of AA requirements in humans, and recently in dogs. However, the determination of AA requirements specific to adult dogs and cats at maintenance is lacking and the current requirements outlined by the National Research Council are based on a dearth of data and are likely underreporting the requirements of indispensable AA (IAA) for the population. To ensure the physiological requirements of our cats and dogs are met, we need methods to accurately and precisely measure digestibility. In vivo methods, such as ileal cannulation, are most commonly used, however, due to ethical considerations, we are moving away from animal models and toward in vitro methods. Harmonized static digestion models have the potential to replace in vivo methods but work needs to be done to have these methods more accurately represent the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of cats and dogs. The Digestible IAA Score (DIAAS) is one metric that can help define protein quality for individual ingredients or mixed diets that uses AA SID estimates and ideally those can be replaced with in vitro AA digestibility estimates. Finally, we need accurate and reliable laboratory AA analyses to measure the AA present in complete diets, especially those used to quantify methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys), both often limiting AAs in cat and dog diets. Together, this will guide accurate feed formulation for our companion animals to satisfy requirements while avoiding over-supplying protein, which inevitably contributes to excess N excretion, affecting both the environment and feed sustainability.

Macronutrients Comparison of Commercial Cat Foods in Malaysia

Macronutrients Comparison of Commercial Cat Foods in Malaysia

Food capture and escape behavior of Leposternon microcephalum Wagler, 1824 (Squamata: Amphisbaenia).

Amphisbaenians are fossorial reptiles that have a cylindrical and elongated body covered with scales arranged in rings, and are all apodal, except for the three species of the genus Bipes. The amphisbaenian diet consists of a variety of invertebrates and small vertebrates. As these animals live underground, many aspects of their natural history are difficult to study. Most feeding studies of amphisbaenians have focused on the composition of the diet and feeding ecology, and the data available on feeding behavior are based on precursory observations. The present study describes the food capture behavior of Leposternon microcephalum Wagler, 1824 in captivity. In this experiment we used non-live bait (moist cat food), which was placed near a burrow opening, on the surface of the substrate. Three animals were monitored visually and filmed using cellphone cameras deployed at fixed points, to capture images from the dorsal and lateral perspectives of the study subjects. Two principal types of behavior were observed: the capture of food and defense mechanisms. The strategies used to capture the food were similar to those observed in other fossorial species. Although the backward movement has already been observed and described, we were able to record this movement being used as an escape strategy. These findings enrich our knowledge on different aspects of the natural history of the amphisbaenians.

The effects of galacto-oligosaccharides on faecal parameters in healthy dogs and cats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on faecal parameters in healthy dogs and cats. To this end, 20 dogs and 20 Domestic shorthair cats were fed a commercially available adult dog food, or cat food, respectively, with either syrup containing GOS (at 1% w galacto-oligosaccharides/w formulated feed) on top (test group) or no topping (control group) for 56 days in a cross-over design. The study consisted of 2 periods of 24 days adaptation, followed by 4 days of collection of faeces. Faecal samples were tested for moisture, nitrogen, pH, macronutrients, enzymes, and fermentation products. The faecal microbiota were analysed by 16S rDNA profiling. It appeared that GOS have different effects in dogs compared to cats. In dogs, the addition of GOS resulted in increased carbohydrate fermentation (increase of acetic and butyric acid), whereas in cats GOS resulted in increased amino acid fermentation (increase of isovaleric acid). The α-diversity of the canine faecal microbiota was reduced by dietary GOS (Inverse Simpson Index, p = 0.063; Shannon index, p = 0.035) whereas the α-diversity of cat faecal microbiota was unaffected (Inverse Simpson Index, p = 0.539; Shannon index, p = 0.872). Lachnospiraceae spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. positively responded to GOS in both cats and dogs. Lactobacillus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae spp. positively responded to GOS in dogs. In both dogs and cats, GOS may therefore improve stool microbiota and result in the production of specific metabolites that are beneficial to gut health.

Analysis of the Relationship between Selling Price and Stock Condition of Wet Cat Food Products Using a Regression Approach at Cat Care Petshop

The Petshop business has been increasing recently. This is related to the economic capacity of the community and changes in several segments of society who are starting to buy food for their beloved pets, cats and dogs. Determining the selling price is a very important thing for Petshop business people to pay attention to in order to increase purchasing power and of course as one of the business people's strategies so that people want to buy animal needs at the Petshop. Apart from that, stock management must also be carried out well by the perpetrators so that there is no accumulation. Selling prices that are too high will cause stock buildup due to poor turnover of goods. This is proven by the influence of selling prices on stock conditions at Cat Care Petshop with a determination value of 82.6%. So Cat Care Petshop must regulate the selling price of feed so that stock availability can be controlled and does not pile up.

Peran Penting Pemilik Kucing Terhadap Kesehatan Kucing Peliharaan Di Wilayah Tambaksari, Surabaya

Cats are one of the animals that are often kept as pets by humans. However, it turns out that cats can act as hosts for transmitting various types of dangerous diseases, both caused by endoparasites and ectoparasites. Therefore, the role of cat owners is very important in maintaining the health of their pet cats. Remembering that a cat's life depends on the care it provides. This service activity aims to educate cat owners about the dangers, symptoms and ways to prevent endoparasite and ectoparasite infections in their pet cats. Maintaining the health of your pet cat is important, because the cat's health can affect the health of its owner. This is because some diseases in cats can be transmitted to humans. The method used in this service is a presentation and discussion with the cat owner, after which it continues with the activity of examining the cat's hair and distributing shampoo and cat food. To measure the level of understanding of pet cat owners, a pretest (before the activity) and posttest (at the end of the activity) were carried out. This activity was carried out in RW 001, RT 07, RT 08, and RT 11 Tambaksari, Surabaya, and was attended by 32 pet cat owners, namely 14 domestic cats, 8 Angoras, 6 Persians, and 3 Himalayans. The average pre-test score was 54.07 points, while the average post-test score was 73.70 points. This means that there is an increase in pet cat owners' understanding regarding the symptoms, dangers and ways to prevent endoparasite and ectoparasite infections in cats. It is hoped that this educational activity will be sustainable so that cat owners can always look after and pay attention to the health of their pet cats. Keywords : cats, ectoparasite, endoparasite, Tambaksari

Investigation of microbiological safety of dry cat foods marketed in Poland.

Pets are inhabiting more and more human homes every year. In 2020, the cat population in Europe was 110 million, including 6.8 million in Poland. Dry food is the most popular dietary model for cats because of its easy storage and efficient satisfaction of pet needs. The high processing temperature of dry food reduces the chance of microbial contamination, but this can occur later, during post-production or storage in the pet's caregiver's home or, in the case of weighed foods, in the store. The purpose of this study was to investigate the microbiological safety of dry feed sold in the original manufacturer's packaging and the same feed from the same manufacturers sold in a retail store by weight. Six discriminants, presence of Salmonella spp., number of coliforms, number of coagulase-positive staphylococci, determination of yeast and mould counts, Enterobacteriaceae count, Listeria monocytogenes and determination of total aerobic microbial count were used for the analysis. Then, cat food was then stored for 45 days according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Based on the samples tested both after opening and after storage, it was concluded that the dry cat food analyzed posed a law microbiological risk to animals and humans.

PSVIII-20 A Premium Dry Cat Food Enhances Digestibility and Gut Health in Cats Compared with a Grocery Dry Cat Food

Abstract As the awareness of pet owners to the benefits of nutrition on pet health and wellness increases, pet owners are looking for foods that include high-quality ingredients and functional benefits. However, little research is available on cats comparing health measures when feeding premium foods vs basic cat foods. This study aimed to compare the effects of feeding a premium cat kibble diet (Blue Buffalo Tastefuls; BB) and a basic grocery cat kibble diet on digestibility, blood biomarkers, and fecal microbiome in healthy adult cats. Sixty cats (mean BW = 4.2 ± 0.8 kg; mean age = 4.3 ± 3.2 yr) were randomly selected to consume BB (n = 30) or grocery diet (n = 30) for 180 days. On days 0, 90, and 180, fresh fecal samples were collected for fecal microbiome and dysbiosis index analysis and blood samples were collected for measurements of complete blood count, serum chemistry, and serum biomarkers. A separate 10-day digestibility study was conducted using 14 cats (BB n = 7, grocery diet n = 7; mean BW = 3.8 ± 0.7 kg). Total fecal samples were collected from day 6 to day 10 for nutrient digestibility analysis. Protocols were approved by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee before the study. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Fecal scores were not changed (P > 0.05) by diet. Greater (P < 0.05) digestibility of protein, fat, and energy were observed in cats consuming BB. Although all blood cell count and blood chemistry values were within the reference ranges, measurements such as total protein, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly different (P < 0.05) between diet groups. Greater (P < 0.05) insulin-like growth factor-1 was observed in cats fed BB. Cats consuming BB had a lower (P < 0.05) dysbiosis index (less dysbiotic microbiome) and a greater (P < 0.05) bacterial species richness. Relative abundances of 28 bacterial genera were altered (P < 0.05) by the diets, with greater abundances of Faecalibacterium, Megamonas, and Ruminococcus observed in cats fed BB. The data suggest that a premium dry cat food may elicit beneficial effects on digestibility and the GI microbiome of healthy adult cats.

PSVIII-16 Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product Promotes Improved Preference and Consumption in Adult Cats Fed an Extruded Diet

Abstract Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) has been previously demonstrated to improve palatability when included in extruded dog food. The objective of this study was to quantify key indicators of palatability of a SCFP (TruMune, Cargill, Inc.) formulated at two levels versus a control in an extruded, complete and balanced adult cat maintenance cat food. The base diet (CON) was a chicken-based formula (32% crude protein;16% crude fat) and did not contain SCFP. The SCFP was added to the base diet to deliver 150 mg/kg BW SCFP (TRUL) or 300 mg/kg BW SCFP (TRUH). Three, 2-d studies were conducted each using 20 healthy adult cats (mean age = 8.4±4.3 yr; mean BW = 5.1±1.3 kg) to compare all diet combinations (CON vs TRUL, CON vs TRUH and TRUL vs TRUH). Five analyses were employed to describe differences between each of the dietary comparisons including an intake ratio of consumption using a Wilcox Signed Rank test and 2-way ANOVA to validate and test the assumption of a difference; overall and daily preference by first choice using X2 probability to determine significance and average daily consumption using a paired t-test. Differences P < 0.05 were considered significant and P < 0.10 as trends. Preference scoring by intake ratio to determine differences between preferences were assessed using a standard 2:1 consumption criteria that is an accepted indicator of a clear preference. Compared with CON, total food consumed was greater for TRUL (P = 0.016) and TRULH (P = 0.001), and greater for TRUL vs TRUH (P = 0.011). No difference in overall preference by first choice or daily preference by first choice were observed for TRUL vs CON, but a daily preference by first choice was exhibited for TRUH vs CON on d2 (P = 0.0.043). Daily preference by first choice did not differ between the two SCFP treatments, but overall preference by first choice was greater for TRUL vs TRUH (P = 0.005). Average daily consumption was higher on d1 for both TRUL (P = 0.006) and TRUH (P < 0.0001) versus control but similar between treatments on d 2. Average daily consumption was not different between TRUL and TRUH on d1 but was greater for TRUL vs TRUH on d 2 (P = 0.028). Preference scoring by intake ratio revealed a 4:1 preference for TRUL vs CON, 10:1 for TRUH vs CON and an inestimable difference for TRUL vs TRUH with 5 cats preferring TRUL and no cats preferring TRUH. These studies show SCFP increases the palatability of an extruded cat food and that inclusion of 150 mg/kg BW may yield optimal palatability and preference outcomes.

In vitro simulated canine and feline gastrointestinal digestion of fructooligosaccharides and isomaltooligosaccharides and their effects on intestinal microbiota

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) in simulated canine and feline gastrointestinal digestion, as well as on growth and metabolism of intestinal microorganisms in vitro. Changes in the composition of FOS and IMO before and after simulated canine and feline gastrointestinal digestion were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In vitro fermentation of intestinal microorganisms was conducted to assess strain growth, pH of the fermentation broth, and lactic acid content. The results revealed that IMO did not result in changes in the chemical composition in the juice of simulated canine and feline gastrointestinal digestion, while degradation of FOS was observed. Following simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the primary components of both FOS and IMO were identified as isomaltose. Furthermore, it was observed that FOS and IMO digested in the simulated canine and feline gastrointestinal fluid could be utilized by some intestinal microbes. The pH of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation system decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and the lactic acid content increased significantly (P < 0.001). Notably, the biomass of Escherichia coli (P < 0.01) and Clostridium perfringens (P < 0.001) increased, suggesting the importance of combining prebiotics and probiotics to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, in simulated intestinal fluid, FOS played a prebiotic role for both dogs and cats, while IMO played a more prominent prebiotic role for cats than dogs. These findings highlight that FOS and IMO could serve as potential prebiotics, each with varying degrees of utilization, thus offering valuable insights for the development of healthy foods for dogs and cats.

PSIX-10 Influence of Graded Levels of Microbially Enhanced Protein on Nutrient Digestibility of Extruded Cat Foods

Abstract Pet food ingredients that bring extra nutrition and health benefits are much better accepted than being simply an economic choice by the manufacturer. Microbially enhanced protein (MEP) from soybeans is a fermented ingredient that is believed to promote nutrient utilization. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing levels of MEP on nutrient digestibility of extruded cat food. Four extruded dietary treatments differing by level of MEP in exchange for soybean meal (15%; SBM) at 5, 10 and 15% (5MEP, 10MEP and 15MEP, respectively) were randomly assigned to 12 individually housed adult domestic shorthair cats (6 castrated males and 6 spayed females) of similar age (0.9 ± 0.23 months) and body weight (4.35 ± 0.87). The study was designed as a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square with 9-day adaptation followed by 5-day total fecal collection for each period. Data were analyzed using a mixed model through SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with treatment as a fixed effect and square (i.e., replicate), period, and cat(square) as random effects. Treatment means were separated by Tukey’s test. The 15MEP increased fecal moisture content (P&amp;lt;0.05) while 5MEP and 10MEP made no difference compared with SBM. No differences were observed for food intake, fecal dry matter output, fecal score, fecal pH or apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein or gross energy for MEPs compared with SBM. However, crude fat digestibility of cats fed 5MEP was lower (P&amp;lt;0.05) than cats fed with10MEP and 15MEP but not different from cats fed with SBM. These results suggest that MEP did not have adverse effects on nutrient digestibility when added to extruded diets at up to 15% in healthy adult cats.

PSVIII-15 Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product Influences Indicators of Gut Health and Function in Healthy Adult Cats

Abstract Compared with other species, the gastrointestinal influences of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) in cats are not well-characterized. In this study, SCFP (TruMune, Cargill, Inc.) was added to an extruded cat food to explore gut-related outcomes in healthy adult cats. Sixty-three cats (mean age = 6.3 ± 2.8 yr; mean BW = 4.4 ± 0.1 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design to evaluate a base diet without SCFP (CON) or supplemented with 150 mg/kg BW SCFP (TRUL) or 300 mg/kg BW SCFP (TRUH). All cats were fed CON during a 21-d adaptation period and subsequently fed their respective diet from d 0 to d 42. Fecal samples were collected at d 0, d 21 and d 42 for analysis of fecal characteristics, fermentation end-products and shotgun metagenomics. A 5-d total fecal collection was performed from d 35 to d 39 for analysis of apparent nutrient digestibility. Data were analyzed using R v.4.1.2. Non-metagenomic data were analyzed using linear and generalized linear mixed models with lme4 and emmeans packages and metagenomic data were analyzed using phyloseq, vegan, lme4, LinDA and emmeans packages. Differences P &amp;lt; 0.05 were considered significant and P &amp;lt; 0.10 as trends after FDR correction. Fecal pH was higher (P = 0.01) for SCFP-supplemented cats vs CON and exhibited a positive linear dose response (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at d 21 and d 42. Fecal score was higher (firmer; P = 0.05) for SCFP-supplemented cats vs CON at d 21 consistent with a linear decrease (P = 0.02) in the binary comparison of fecal moisture between CON vs SCFP-supplemented cats (P = 0.01) during total fecal collection. Fecal ammonia demonstrated a quadratic treatment dose response trend at d 21 (P = 0.09). Fecal butyrate decreased linearly with SCFP dose (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for SCFP-supplemented than CON cats at d 21 and d 42. Total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) decreased linearly (P = 0.08) with SCFP dose and was less (P = 0.05) for SCFP-supplemented than CON cats at d 21. Species level alpha diversity decreased for CON (P = 0.04) but did not change in the TRUL and TRUH groups. Shannon diversity tended to increase in TRUH (P = 0.08) among a subset of 25 butyrate producers identified by the presence of butyrate pathway enzymes. Differential abundance of butyrate producers showed Acidaminococcus timonensis; CAG-83 sp900545495 and Megasphaera elsdenii decreased while Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum and Lawsonibacter 1402 linearly increased over time for TRUH cats (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No differences in alpha diversity or abundance were detected for any other butyrate producing taxa in TRUH nor between CON and TRUL cats. These results suggest SCFP influences several gastrointestinal outcomes in adult cats including pathways associated with SCFA production, cross-feeding, and/or absorption.

Efecto de la suplementación con mioinositol en la estructura fisicoquímica de la carga viral en el alimento para gatos contaminados con SARS–CoV–2 mediante la simulación de estornudos

The study was carried to investigate the effect of myo–inositol supplementation on feed physicochemical structure and viral load of dry cat food contaminated with inactive SARS–CoV–2 by simulating sneezing. The most natural infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV–2) in animals is related to close contact with their owners with COVID–19 which is handling, taking care and feeding them. SARS–CoV–2 can survive on food, fomites and surfaces for extended periods related to environmental conditions. Many natural feed additives and supplements have been a candidate in recent antiviral treatment strategies against COVID–19. In this study, myo–inositol which is permitted in animal nutrition was used at different concentrations (0, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg·100 g-1 cat food) and conditions (22°C at room temperature and 4°C in the refrigerator) to investigate its effects on feed physicochemical structure and viral load of dry cat food contaminated with inactive SARS–CoV–2 by simulating sneezing. For the interactions between myo–inositol, feed structure and viral load, dry matter, moisture, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), pH and virus gene copy (GC) by RT–qPCR were measured. As only storage temperature affected both WAI and WSI as expected, myo–inostol supplementation dose–dependently decreased gene copy in dry cat food (IC50:366.4–581.5 mg·100 g-1 cat food) at 22°C storage temperature. Virus GC did not correlate with the dry matter, moisture content, pH and WAI after the 30 min contact time (except WSI). In conclusion, myo–inositol as a feed additive might have the potential to control serious viral infections such as COVID–19 for human–animal interactions in a One–Health context.

S4277 She Ate What?! Bird Seeds &amp; Cat Food - A Case of Rectal &amp; Gastric Bezoar

S4277 She Ate What?! Bird Seeds &amp; Cat Food - A Case of Rectal &amp; Gastric Bezoar

Determination of Metals, Fungi and Mycotoxins in Cat Meal Samples used in Saudi Arabia

The cat food samples viz Canned Food, Pouched Food, Raw Food, Lightly Cooked Food, Dry Food were analysed for the presence of essential and non-essential metal ions in addition to fungal infection determination. All the food samples were found to have adequate amount of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins and folic acid. The concentration of essential elements in all the analysed samples are within the intake range of cats for their normal growth and development. Although the presence of heavy metals makes some concern about the quality of the food samples, but all these heavy metals are below the toxic level. All the food samples showed the presence of microbial fungi to some extent, but the release of micro-toxin from these fungal species are below the level of their profound health related issues among the cats. Among all the samples analysed the best food samples with very good health quality seems the dry food, followed by pouched food.

Vegan versus meat-based cat food: Guardian-reported health outcomes in 1,369 cats, after controlling for feline demographic factors.

Increasing concerns about environmental sustainability, farmed animal welfare and competition for traditional protein sources, are driving considerable development of alternative pet foods. These include raw meat diets, in vitro meat products, and diets based on novel protein sources including terrestrial plants, insects, yeast, fungi and potentially seaweed. To study health outcomes in cats fed vegan diets compared to those fed meat, we surveyed 1,418 cat guardians, asking about one cat living with them, for at least one year. Among 1,380 respondents involved in cat diet decision-making, health and nutrition was the factor considered most important. 1,369 respondents provided information relating to a single cat fed a meat-based (1,242-91%) or vegan (127-9%) diet for at least a year. We examined seven general indicators of illness. After controlling for age, sex, neutering status and primary location via regression models, the following risk reductions were associated with a vegan diet for average cats: increased veterinary visits- 7.3% reduction, medication use- 14.9% reduction, progression onto therapeutic diet- 54.7% reduction, reported veterinary assessment of being unwell- 3.6% reduction, reported veterinary assessment of more severe illness- 7.6% reduction, guardian opinion of more severe illness- 22.8% reduction. Additionally, the number of health disorders per unwell cat decreased by 15.5%. No reductions were statistically significant. We also examined the prevalence of 22 specific health disorders, using reported veterinary assessments. Forty two percent of cats fed meat, and 37% of those fed vegan diets suffered from at least one disorder. Of these 22 disorders, 15 were most common in cats fed meat, and seven in cats fed vegan diets. Only one difference was statistically significant. Considering these results overall, cats fed vegan diets tended to be healthier than cats fed meat-based diets. This trend was clear and consistent. These results largely concur with previous, similar studies.