Representative peer-reviewed studies (verbatim abstracts)
The following studies were retrieved from Europe PMC / PubMed and are reproduced verbatim. Interpretive synthesis is left to the API user.
PMID:42205797 — Cross-sectional analysis of feline gut microbiota reveals differences across age-defined groups under varying environments.
- Source: Front Vet Sci 2026
- Front Vet Sci. 2026 May 12;13:1775401. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1775401.
eCollection 2026.
Cross-sectional analysis of feline gut microbiota reveals differences across age-defined groups under varying environments.
Wang Y(#)(1), Chen Z(#)(2), Hua C(1), Mao J(3), Geng W(4), Feng X(1), Ye S(1), Song S(1), Wang H(5)(6), Wang X(2), Lin L(1).
Author information: (1)MetaHealth Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China. (2)College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China. (3)New Ruipeng Pet Healthcare Group, Beijing, China. (4)Mei Lian Zhong He Veterinary Referral Center, Beijing, China. (5)Center for Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. (6)Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. (#)Contributed equally
The gut microbiome plays a critical role in host health; however, its variation across age groups in domestic cats (Felis catus) remains unclear. This study characterized differences in the feline gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in 83 cats across five age-defined groups under varying environments: Pre-weaning (1.5 months, n = 16), Early kitten (3 months, n = 16), Late kitten (6-10 months, n = 15), Young adult (2 years, n = 20), and Mature adult (7-10 years, n = 16). Significant differences in microbial diversity and composition were observed across groups. Alpha-diversity was lowest in Pre-weaning kittens, peaking in Young adults, and declining in Mature adults. Beta-diversity revealed distinct clustering among groups (PERMANOVA, R 2 = 0.33, p = 0.001). Sensitivity analysis excluding the heterogeneous Mature adult group showed consistent patterns and increased the explanatory power of age (R 2 = 0.48). At the taxonomic level, Pre-weaning microbiota were enriched in Proteobacteria, particularly Escherichia-Shigella. Following weaning, the relative abundance of Negativibacillus increased, whereas Lactobacillus decreased. Bifidobacterium was more abundant in kitten stages, while Faecalibacterium exhibited higher abundance in Young adults. These patterns were generally consistent in sensitivity analyses. In contrast, the Mature adult group exhibited reduced Prevotella and increased Escherichia-Shigella relative to Young adults. Overall, this cross-sectional study identified compositional differences in the feline gut microbiota across age-defined groups under varying environments. These findings should be interpreted as group-level associations rather than independent age effects. Further controlled and longitudinal studies are needed to disentangle these effects.
Copyright © 2026 Wang, Chen, Hua, Mao, Geng, Feng, Ye, Song, Wang, Wang and Lin.
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1775401 PMCID: PMC13205103 PMID: 42205797
Conflict of interest statement: JM was employed by company New Ruipeng Pet Healthcare Group. YW, LL, CH, XF, SS, and SY are employees of MetaHealth Technology Co., Ltd. The remaining author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:Front Vet Sci 2026
- Front Vet Sci. 2026 May 12;13:1775401. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1775401.
eCollection 2026.
Cross-sectional analysis of feline gut microbiota reveals differences across
PMID:42450773 — Association Between Dietary Regimen and Renal Function Parameters in African Pygmy Hedgehogs (<i>Atelerix albiventris</i>).
- Source: Animals (Basel) 2026
- Animals (Basel). 2026 Jul 4;16(13):2066. doi: 10.3390/ani16132066.
Association Between Dietary Regimen and Renal Function Parameters in African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).
Spariosu K(1), Pešić A(2), Nešić K(3), Brozić D(4), Francuski Andrić J(1), Vejnović B(5), Vučićević M(2).
Author information: (1)Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia. (2)Department of Equine, Small Animal, Poultry and Wild Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia. (3)Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia. (4)Center for Animal Nutrition and Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria. (5)Department of Economics and Statistics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
African pygmy hedgehogs (APHs) are increasingly kept as companion animals, yet evidence-based nutritional recommendations for this species remain limited. Commercial cat or kitten diets are still commonly used by owners and veterinarians in practice, despite being formulated exclusively for domestic cats rather than for hedgehogs with omnivorous-insectivorous feeding habits. This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between dietary regimen and serum biochemical parameters associated with renal function in APHs. Blood samples were collected from 19 client-owned APHs aged 12-68 months: 10 hedgehogs fed a commercial kitten diet and 9 fed a commercial APH-specific diet. Serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorus, and calcium were measured, and the nutritional composition of the two diets was compared using manufacturer declarations and targeted laboratory analyses. Hedgehogs fed the commercial kitten diet had significantly higher serum blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.0133), creatinine (p = 0.0279), and phosphorus (p = 0.0279) concentrations than those fed the APH-specific diet, whereas serum calcium concentrations did not differ significantly (p = 0.3846). These differences occurred despite similar dietary phosphorus content, while the commercial kitten diet had higher declared fat and lower fiber content. The findings suggest that dietary regimen may be associated with alterations in renal biochemical profiles in APHs and support the use of species-appropriate diets in clinical practice.
DOI: 10.3390/ani16132066 PMCID: PMC13359718 PMID: 42450773
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:Animals (Basel) 2026
- Animals (Basel). 2026 Jul 4;16(13):2066. doi: 10.3390/ani16132066.
Association Between Dietary Regimen and Renal Function Parameters in African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atel
PMID:41375563 — A Dietary Supplement Containing Nucleotides, Oligosaccharides, Vitamin E and β-Carotene Promotes Immune Response and Gut Microbiota Changes in Kittens.
- Source: Animals (Basel) 2025
- Animals (Basel). 2025 Dec 4;15(23):3504. doi: 10.3390/ani15233504.
A Dietary Supplement Containing Nucleotides, Oligosaccharides, Vitamin E and β-Carotene Promotes Immune Response and Gut Microbiota Changes in Kittens.
Joly W(1), Harrison M(2), Laxalde J(1), Gaillard V(1).
Author information: (1)Royal Canin Research Center, 650 Avenue de la Petite Camargue, 30470 Aimargues, France. (2)Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Mars Petcare, Waltham on the Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK.
Kittens are born with some maternally derived antibodies (MDA) that, together with maternal gut microbiota, bring some form of early defense against pathogens. However, this protection declines and the rapid changes and challenges the kitten typically encounters can adversely affect their health. Nutrition can modulate the immune system and gut microbiota, offering a boost to protection following weaning. This controlled, randomized, double-blinded study tests a dietary supplement containing nucleotides, oligosaccharides, vitamin E and β-carotene in 50 domestic short-haired kittens. Control kittens were fed standard, dry kitten diet whilst test kittens received the same diet with supplement for 52 weeks. Kittens received routine vaccinations and blood samples were collected throughout the study for standard hematology, serum antibodies and cytokine expression. Rectal fecal samples were analyzed for gut microbiota via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Supplemented kittens showed significantly improved antibody response to Chlamydia vaccine at various timepoints versus controls, with no consistent effects of supplementation on responses to other vaccines. Several cytokines were significantly influenced by the supplement, which also significantly altered gut microbiota diversity. In conclusion, a dietary supplement was shown to promote immune response and gut microbiota changes in kittens and may help to support a healthy transition into adulthood.
DOI: 10.3390/ani15233504 PMCID: PMC12691447 PMID: 41375563
Conflict of interest statement: W.J., M.H., J.L. and V.G. were employees of Mars Petcare during the study. Mars Petcare is a manufacturer of pet food and provider of veterinary services. There was no role of the company in the choice of research project; the design of the study; the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data; the writing of the manuscript; or the decision to publish the results.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:Animals (Basel) 2025
- Animals (Basel). 2025 Dec 4;15(23):3504. doi: 10.3390/ani15233504.
A Dietary Supplement Containing Nucleotides, Oligosaccharides, Vitamin E and β-Carotene Promotes I
PMID:42121727 — Neonatal Gut Microbiota in Puppies and Kittens: From Maternal Transmission to Immune Development.
- Source: Animals (Basel) 2026
- Animals (Basel). 2026 Apr 24;16(9):1307. doi: 10.3390/ani16091307.
Neonatal Gut Microbiota in Puppies and Kittens: From Maternal Transmission to Immune Development.
Rodríguez-Trujillo R(1), Batista-Arteaga M(1), Isupova K(1), Alonso-Santana S(1), Acosta-Urbano A(2), Lucas-Arjona X(2), Déniz-Suárez S(3).
Author information: (1)Unit of Reproduction, Universitary Institute of Biomedical Research and Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Transmontaña s/n 35413, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain. (2)Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain. (3)Veterinary Infectious Diseases and Ichthyopathology, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
Neonatal puppies and kittens face a critical period after birth, during which their health depends heavily on the microorganisms they acquire from their mothers and environment. These microorganisms, known as the gut microbiota, help newborns develop their immune systems, digest nutrients, and protect against disease. This review explores how these microorganisms are transferred from the mother to her offspring before, during, and after birth, including the process of delivery, nursing, and maternal care. It also examines how factors such as birth type, hygiene, feeding, and maternal health can influence the development of these microbial communities. When this process is disrupted, it may lead to health problems such as infections, diarrhea, and immune disorders. Understanding how and when these microbes are passed to newborns, and how to support this process, is essential to improving survival rates and long-term health in puppies and kittens.
DOI: 10.3390/ani16091307 PMCID: PMC13162680 PMID: 42121727
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:Animals (Basel) 2026
- Animals (Basel). 2026 Apr 24;16(9):1307. doi: 10.3390/ani16091307.
Neonatal Gut Microbiota in Puppies and Kittens: From Maternal Transmission to Immune Development.
PMID:41897886 — Nutritional Evaluation of Commercial Dog and Cat Foods Based on Key Nutrient Requirements.
- Source: Animals (Basel) 2026
- Animals (Basel). 2026 Mar 13;16(6):909. doi: 10.3390/ani16060909.
Nutritional Evaluation of Commercial Dog and Cat Foods Based on Key Nutrient Requirements.
Cho HW(1), Lee MY(1), Lee WD(1), Lee SY(1), Kim KH(2), So KM(1).
Author information: (1)Animal Welfare Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea. (2)Academic-Industrial Cooperation Organization, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea.
This study evaluated the nutritional adequacy of commercial dog and cat foods in South Korea by comparing analytically determined nutrient contents with recommended nutrient levels of the National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). A total of 96 pet food products for puppies (n = 50), adult dogs (n = 18), kittens (n = 17), and adult cats (n = 11) were collected. Nutrients, including crude protein, crude fat, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, major minerals, and selected trace nutrients, were analyzed using accredited methods stipulated by the Korean Feed Control Act and compared with NIAS and AAFCO recommendations. Most adult dog and cat diets met recommended nutrient levels; however, deficiencies were identified in diets intended for growth. Puppy foods showed inadequate levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA + DHA, 72%), calcium (22%), and phosphorus (42%), as well as imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratios (12%). In kitten diets, insufficient EPA + DHA (41.2%) and taurine (11.8%) were observed. In contrast, 82.3% of products met label-declared guaranteed analysis values for seven mandatory nutrients. These results provide baseline information on the nutritional adequacy and labeling compliance of pet foods across different life stages.
DOI: 10.3390/ani16060909 PMCID: PMC13023309 PMID: 41897886
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:Animals (Basel) 2026
- Animals (Basel). 2026 Mar 13;16(6):909. doi: 10.3390/ani16060909.
Nutritional Evaluation of Commercial Dog and Cat Foods Based on Key Nutrient Requirements.
Cho HW(
PMID:40506415 — Acute onset neurological deficits and hypocalcaemia associated with nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in three juvenile servals (Leptailurus serval).
- Source: Aust Vet J 2025
- Aust Vet J. 2025 Nov;103(11):767-774. doi: 10.1111/avj.13458. Epub 2025 Jun
12.
Acute onset neurological deficits and hypocalcaemia associated with nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in three juvenile servals (Leptailurus serval).
Austen JL(1), Wheelahan JW(2), O'Dwyer J(2), Beths S(2), Rourke NL(2), Gardner BR(2).
Author information: (1)Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. (2)Werribee Open Range Zoo, Veterinary Hospital, Zoos Victoria, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is a metabolic disorder caused by an imbalance in calcium homeostasis and is typically associated with the feeding of a calcium-deficient diet. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism has been reported in domestic species, including cats and dogs, as well as captive carnivores and wildlife including lions, tigers, servals and skunks. Captive carnivores are typically fed a raw-meat diet, which can be severely deficient in calcium if not appropriately balanced or supplemented. Three juvenile servals (Leptailurus serval) presented with seizures, ataxia and neuromuscular deficits. One serval was euthanased due to the severity of clinical signs. Another serval suffered a seizure, aspirated and arrested while in care. Both animals had hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia. Radiographic signs of osteopaenia, clinical pathology and dietary history supported a diagnosis of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. A third serval, which developed a pathological fracture, was successfully managed with dietary correction and cage confinement. This report describes this presentation of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism with seizures and the diagnostic process used to rule out other causes of neurological signs for this litter with an incomplete vaccination schedule and recent history of weaning and interstate transport.
© 2025 The Author(s). Australian Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Veterinary Association.
DOI: 10.1111/avj.13458 PMCID: PMC12586306 PMID: 40506415 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest or sources of funding for the work presented here.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:Aust Vet J 2025
- Aust Vet J. 2025 Nov;103(11):767-774. doi: 10.1111/avj.13458. Epub 2025 Jun
12.
Acute onset neurological deficits and hypocalcaemia associated with nutritional secondary