Groundbreaking Auburn University Research Reveals Key Advances in Managing Feline Weight and Health, Research Underwritten by EveryCat Health Foundation and Leading Grant Organizations

Auburn University Research Advancing Feline Obesity Management Funded by EveryCatHealth Foundation, Nestle Research and Auburn University's Intramural Grant Program and Scott-Ritchey Research Center
Wyckoff, New Jersey - A groundbreaking study conducted by Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine [https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/], funded in part by EveryCat Health Foundation [https://everycat.org/], the world's only nonprofit focused solely on feline health research internationally, and a cadre of leading feline health grant organizations, has released study results that could change how veterinarians and cat owners monitor feline health and weight.

The study, "Inter-evaluator bias and applicability of feline body condition score from visual assessment [https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1604557/full#:~:text=Inter%2Devaluator%20bias%20caused%20a,bias%20in%20diagnosing%20feline%20obesity.]," examined whether a cat's Body Condition Score (BCS)-a diagnostic tool used by veterinarians to assess body fat and muscle mass-could be accurately determined from photographs alone.

"This groundbreaking study represents the kind of innovative science EveryCat is proud to fund. By advancing diagnostic tools that can improve weight management and overall health, this research has the potential to transform how cats are cared for worldwide," said Jackie Ott Jaakola, President and CEO of EveryCat Health Foundation. "At EveryCat Health Foundation, we are committed to supporting discoveries that improve feline well-being and give cat owners and veterinarians new solutions that support healthier, longer lives for every cat, every day."

60% of U.S. Felines Classified as Overweight: Assessment Breakthrough

With approximately 60 percent of cats in the United States classified as overweight or obese, the findings represent a major step toward improving feline wellness. This research demonstrates that BCS can be reliably scored through visual assessment, paving the way for AI-enabled mobile applications that would allow pet owners to assess their cats' health from home. Such technology could expand access to monitoring tools for cat owners in underserved or rural areas with limited access to veterinary care.

Research Contributors

The Auburn-led study was spearheaded by senior author Dr. Xu Wang, Professor of Comparative Genomics at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine, and co-senior author Dr. Emily Graff, Associate Professor, Department of Pathobiology.

Additional contributors included:

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Auburn University Veterinary Clinic/Department of Clinical Sciences: Dr. Christopher Lea, Dr. Diane Delmain, Dr. Erin Chamorro

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Auburn College of Sciences and Mathematics: Dr. Jingyi Zheng, Associate Professor

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Auburn Scott-Ritchey Research Center: Dr. Doug Martin, Professor and Director

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Auburn Graduate Researchers: Xiaolei Ma, Yue Zhang

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Auburn DVM Program Graduates: Kenzii Kittell, Mackenzie Hicks, Casey Pfister, Heather Hamilton

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Industry Partner: Dr. Johnny Li, Senior Research Scientist at Nestle Purina PetCare and Affiliate Professor of Auburn's College of Veterinary Medicine

Funding

The study was supported by Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health & Disease Research, the Auburn University Intramural Grant Program, the Scott-Fund from Auburn University's Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Nestle Research, and EveryCat Health Foundation.

Next Steps

Future research will focus on expanding the feline photo database, integrating clinical BCS data, and exploring telemedicine applications. Ultimately, this work could lead to mobile apps that allow pet owners to snap photos of their cats and instantly receive a BCS score-offering an accessible, reliable tool to manage feline health at home.

About EveryCat Health Foundation

Since 1968, EveryCat Health Foundation has been the world's only nonprofit focused solely on feline health, awarding more than $11 million in research grants at over 30 partner institutions worldwide. Through groundbreaking studies, the foundation improves diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of common feline health challenges. Learn more at http://www.everycat.org.

About Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Founded 126 years ago, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine is the South's original and the nation's seventh-oldest veterinary program. The college trains future leaders in veterinary practice, research, and public service while advancing veterinary science through innovative research and clinical excellence.

Media Contact

Jackie Ott Jaakola, EveryCat Health Foundationjjaakola@everycat.org | +1 201-275-0624 | http://www.everycat.org

Media Contact
Company Name: EveryCat Health Foundation
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