Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels in Household Cats with Obesity in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South Nigeria

Feline obesity is increasingly recognised as a metabolic disorder with systemic biochemical consequences, particularly in urban companion animal populations where overfeeding and reduced physical activity are common. This study measured serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in obese and non-obese domestic cats presented to veterinary clinics in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Fifty client-owned cats classified as obese based on a body condition score of seven or above on a nine-point scale and thirty age-sex-matched cats with ideal body condition scores were enrolled. Fasting blood samples were collected and serum analysed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein using an automated clinical chemistry analyser. Obese cats demonstrated significantly elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein concentrations compared to ideal-weight controls, while high-density lipoprotein was significantly reduced. Concurrent elevations in fasting glucose were observed in twelve of fifty obese cats, suggesting early insulin resistance. Owner-reported diets consisted predominantly of high-calorie commercial wet food and table scraps. These findings establish a biochemical lipid dysregulation profile in obese cats in Port Harcourt consistent with metabolic syndrome features and support proactive dietary counselling in companion animal practice in South South Nigeria. Keywords: feline obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, triglycerides, metabolic syndrome, Port Harcourt.