Obese Cats Needed for Groundbreaking Study – Could Your Feline Clients Help Advance Veterinary Medicine?

Ohio State University's Veterinary Medical Center is recruiting obese, yet otherwise healthy adult cats for a groundbreaking study aimed at revolutionizing weight loss treatments in felines. The Feline SLIM Study, funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, seeks to learn more about how cats can effectively lose weight, with a focus on innovative treatments like fecal microbiota transplants (also known as "poop pills").

What Is the Feline SLIM Study?

The clinical trial will explore the role of fecal microbiota transplants and diet in helping overweight cats shed pounds. Fecal microbiota transplants are a novel approach in veterinary medicine, which involves transferring healthy bacteria from a donor cat’s stool to the gut of an obese cat. This process aims to restore a balanced microbiome, potentially improving weight loss and overall health.

Why Are Obese Cats Needed?

Obesity in cats is a growing concern and can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes, joint issues, and a decreased lifespan. By studying how certain treatments, such as fecal microbiota transplants, can aid in weight loss, the Feline SLIM Study hopes to provide new insights into how we can better treat feline obesity in the future.

How Can You Get Involved?

If you have an overweight but otherwise healthy adult cat patient and are interested in participating, you can learn more about the Feline SLIM Study by contacting Ohio State University at chirp-slim-cvm@osu.edu.

This study could be an exciting opportunity to help advance veterinary science, improve cat health, and contribute to a breakthrough in weight loss treatments for felines.