Alexandra: My research investigates whether supplementing additional dietary choline to overweight and obese cats can promote the utilization of fat, with a special focus on the liver.

Periods of drastic energy restriction can predispose overweight and obese cats to developing fatty liver. We hope that knowledge gained from this research may provide a novel nutritional approach to safe and effective weight loss in overweight and obese cats, and the prevention of fatty liver.

Alexandra: Traditionally much of the product innovation within the industry has been focused on dogs. However, cats aren’t small dogs. They have a unique set of needs and nutritional requirements, which are increasingly being met with the development of innovative functional formulas aimed at improving feline health and wellness. As the cat population continues to grow, we must be committed to further understanding their idiosyncrasies and how we can meet them.

Most owners are strongly bonded to their cats, which is now even more apparent as a result of the pandemic. I believe that product innovation launches and humanization have and will continue to increase in the cat food sector.

Alexandra: I’m very excited about the increasing number of diets formulated with insect protein! I think the focus on sustainability and sustainable ingredients such as this are a great step forward, and one that I hope continues.

Additionally, obesity continues to affect the majority of cats in North America and has many negative health consequences for our feline friends. I hope we can continue to apply the latest research findings, as they develop, to formulate diets that can help prevent weight gain and assist with weight loss in cats.   

Alexandra: We share our home with our cat Larry and our bunny Oscar. Oscar is “free-roam” and is definitely in charge of everyone in the house, including Larry!