This study identified a possible novel, modifiable early life risk factor for overweight in cats the SPL. The odds for overweight was three times lower in cats with a SPL > 6 weeks (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.10−0.99). Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between overweight and SPL after adjusting for identified risk factors. Cat owners were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire to collect information about the SPL, age, breed, sex, feeding amount and frequency, daily playing and outdoor access. A body fat percentage of >30% was used for overweight classification. To this end, the body fat percentage of 69 client-owned cats was determined. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the suckling period length (SPL) on weight status among adult cats while taking into account putative risk factors.
