Body composition of growing and adult cats as measured by use of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.
OBJECTIVE
Total body scans were performed on 89 domestic cats of various ages, using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to determine body composition, including fat, lean, and bone mineral content. Bone mineral density results from scans also are presented.


METHODS
This cross sectional study included data for cats from a closed colony and from privately owned cats. Data were grouped by age and were analyzed by sex and reproductive status to provide information as to the rate of growth of the individual components of body composition.


RESULTS
The results indicate that the rate of accretion of bone mineral, fat, and lean tissue differs throughout maturation and by sex. Regressions are provided to highlight age- and sex-related differences.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study emphasize the benefits of examining the growth of each component of body composition when studying the effects of nutrition, disease processes, or therapeutic interventions.
Lauten
S D
SD
Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA.
Cox
N R
NR
Baker
G H
GH
Painter
D J
DJ
Morrison
N E
NE
Baker
H J
HJ
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000662:veterinary*; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D017677:Age Distribution; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D002415:Cats / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012986:Software Validation