CALABASH, NC. — Pet obesity continues to rise among US cats and dogs, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s (APOP) 2024 Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey. The survey includes insights from 581 people, including 322 US pet parents, 134 veterinary professionals and 125 non-US respondents, on consumer perceptions of pet obesity and awareness and communication on the issue. 

According to the study, 55% of cat owners and 51% of dog owners categorized their pet’s body condition as ideal, a decrease from 57% of cat owners and 66% of dog owners in 2023. Additionally, 33% of cat owners and 35% of dog owners categorized their pet’s body condition as overweight or obese, an increase from 28% of cat owners and 17% of dog owners in 2023.

33% of cat owners and 35% of dog owners categorized their pet’s body condition as overweight or obese, an increase from 28% of cat owners and 17% of dog owners in 2023.

To diagnose pets as overweight or obese, veterinarians often use the Body Condition Score (BCS) system. Unfortunately, pet parent awareness of the BCS system remains heavily limited, as majority of cat owners (53%) and dog owners (46%) were not familiar with the system. Forty percent of cat owners and 45% of dog owners were familiar with the system. Compounding this lack of awareness, more than half of US cat parents (55%) and dog parents (56%) reported that their veterinarian had not provided a BCS score. 

Despite a lack of awareness on BCS, APOP found that most pet owners are open to conversations about their pet’s body condition. Twelve percent reported feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed when told that their pet needed to lose weight, whereas 69% reported they did not experience these feelings. 

“The 2024 APOP Pet Weight & Nutrition Opinion Survey highlights progress and persistent challenges in addressing pet obesity in clinical practice. While more pet owners are recognizing unhealthy body condition issues in their pets, significant gaps remain in Body Condition Score (BCS) literacy and communication comfort — especially for cats,” shared APOP. 

Addressing the issue

According to the survey, more than half of cat parents (53%) and dog parents (62%) have attempted to help their pet lose weight. When it comes to tackling a pet’s excess body weight, nutrition is usually the first target by feeding pets therapeutic weight loss pet food formulas. Even though a majority or pet owners have tried to help tackle this issue, only 25% of cat owners and 16% of dog owners have tried using a therapeutic/prescription weight loss diet, representing a significant gap. The use of these diets is increasing, however, as in 2022 APOP found 23% of cat owners and 11% of dog owners used therapeutic/prescription weight loss diets.

As weight loss drugs rise amongst humans, interest in similar drugs for pets has risen. According to APOP, about one in three pet parents would consider using a prescription weight loss drug for an obese pet if the drug was safe, effective and affordable. 

“Pet owners want to help their pets live longer, healthier lives, but many are unsure how to assess their pets’ body condition or how to start the conversation. This presents a clear opportunity for veterinary professionals to lead with evidence-based, compassionate care and more precise, respectful language,” APOP shared.

Read more from APOP's 2024 Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey.

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