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Who knew obesity predisposed you to osteoarthrosis....
BMC Veterinary Research (2025)
Obi Veterinary Education
October 25, 2025
Charles J. Ley, Emma M. Strage, Sarah M. Stadig, Claudia von Brömssen, Ulf Olsson, Anna Bergh, Cecilia Ley
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, age-related joint disease in cats, often presenting with bilateral symmetric joint involvement, suggesting systemic influences. Obesity is a known risk factor for OA in humans, but its role in feline OA remains unclear. This study investigates associations between body composition and whole-body OA scores in cats using computed tomography (CT) and evaluates the relationship between OA and metabolic mediators such as leptin, adiponectin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
Methods
The study analyzed 72 cats using whole-body CT to assess OA severity and body composition. Cats were categorized based on body size (total body bone volume) and fatness (total body fat volume normalized for body size). Serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and IGF-1 were measured and correlated with OA scores. Statistical analyses included group comparisons and regression modeling to assess associations between OA and metabolic factors.
Results
OA was detected in 94% of cats, predominantly affecting the hip, elbow, stifle, and carpal joints. Whole-body OA scores were significantly higher in fatter cats compared to leaner ones (p = 0.012) and in larger fatter cats compared to smaller leaner cats (p = 0.021). IGF-1 concentrations were positively associated with OA scores (p = 0.0051), while leptin levels correlated strongly with body fat (p < 0.0001). Adiponectin was higher in smaller cats compared to larger ones. Individual joint region analysis indicated that carpal, elbow, stifle, and hip OA were more prevalent in fatter cats.
Limitations
The study's sample size was relatively small and limited to privately owned cats, which may introduce selection bias. The use of CT detects bone changes rather than direct cartilage lesions, potentially underestimating OA prevalence. Additionally, potential breed-related genetic factors were not specifically addressed.
Conclusions
Excess body fat is a significant risk factor for OA in cats, particularly in the carpal, elbow, stifle, and hip joints. Larger cats are also at increased risk for carpal OA. IGF-1 levels reflect total OA load, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Keeping cats lean may help reduce the risk of OA, and further research is needed to explore the role of metabolic mediators in feline joint health.
Whole-body osteoarthritis (OA) scores and ages of individual cats in the groups smaller leaner (n = 17, squares, dash double dot regression line), smaller fatter (n = 19, triangles, dotted regression line), larger leaner (n = 19, rhomboids, dash dot regression line) and larger fatter (n = 17, circles, dashed regression line)
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